The 2010 celebration raised more than $3 million in support of the global community of camps and programs for children with serious illnesses and their families. Today, there are 14 member camps worldwide, with eight in the United States, five in Europe and one in Israel, as well as 10 programs in Africa, Asia and South America. Since 1988, over 350,000 children and families have been served from 50 countries by the Hall in the Wall Gang camps and programs.
The major supporter of tonight's event, Newman’s Own Foundation, carries on Newman's philanthropic legacy and commitment to helping make the world a better place by turning all net royalties and profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products into charitable donations. To date, Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $340 million to thousands of charities around the world.
We have heard many times the story of Newman giving Jake his first driving lesson, and Jake's telling of going around the track with him. And know that he held high regard for his godfather.
Tonight will give Jake another chance to honor the legacy of an amazing man who took his fame and celebrity and turned it into something more than entertaining people, but helping others as well.
At the New Yorker Festival in 2010 that several OMG'ers attended, Jake spoke about his famous godfather when talking about his future.
"Questions about his future made him contemplative. He might not always act, he admitted.
'There will be other things for me besides just acting, but I'll keep them to myself. Paul Newman is someone I always admired. What he did with his life was beyond his acting. He took that and he actually made a difference in the world. I would hope that could happen in my life,' he said thoughtfully, before a sly smile crossed his face. 'I think I could make a really good salad dressing, too.' "
Iconic performances, trademark blue eyes, intoxicating smiles, self deprecating humor.... there seem to be many parallels, besides making a good salad dressing.
There will post-show supper immediately following performance on the Grand Promenade, wonder who's salad dressing they will use?