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Taken from VailDaily (December 17, 2016)
Michael Franti’s foundation helps heal through music
by Tricia Swenson Vail Today
Andrew Taylor | Special to the Daily
Michael Franti, left, and Vail Today's Tricia Swenson discuss Do It For the Love, a wish-granting nonprofit Franti started with his wife, Sara Agah Franti. |
Music can soothe the soul, free the mind and lift the spirit. That’s the idea behind the Do It For the Love Foundation, a nonprofit started by musician Michael Franti and his wife, Sara Agah Franti.
Do It For the Love is a wish-granting nonprofit organization that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans to live concerts. The goal is to inspire joy, hope and lasting memories in the face of severe illness or trauma through the healing power of music.
Founded in August 2013, Do It For the Love has sent more than 700 people to the concert of their choice. There is an application process where people can apply to go to a concert or someone can nominate a loved one, and the foundation will do its best to secure tickets for as many as four people. Parents, spouses, friends and caregivers go with the nominee, and for a few hours, they get to enjoy the music and get lost in the moment.
The testimonials on the website are heartwarming. Phrases such as “I felt normal” or “I forgot about my pain while I was there” truly give the sense that music can heal, at least for a while. It is also a shared experience that family and friends can do together when oftentimes they feel helpless.
In addition to providing tickets to Michael Franti & Spearhead concerts, Do It For the Love has sent groups to see the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Kenny Chesney, AC/DC, Dave Matthews and many more. Do It For the Love also strives to set up VIP experiences for the nominee and his or her guests.
Michael Franti has been a favorite in the valley for many years, and there have been a few fundraisers held here to raise money for his nonprofit. If you would like to give the gift of music to someone who is suffering, check out http://www.doitforthelove.org/.
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