The Starkey Hearing Foundation received $4.5 million in donations and contributions this past June 23, 2007 during its Seventh Annual "So the World May Hear" Gala held at St. Paul's RiverCentre in Minnesota.
Bill Austin, founder of Starkey Laboratories, the Starkey Hearing Foundation and driving force behind the Foundation's annual gala, was thankful to the famous celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment who attended this year's sold out event.
"I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who was a part of this year's gala and who, through their generosity of time and money, helped make the world a better place for so many children," Mr. Austin stated.
And, indeed, there were many celebrities on hand to thank including The Tonight Show's host, Jay Leno - always a crowd pleaser - along with Glenn Frey of The Eagles, Oscar-winners Goldie Hawn and Marlee Matlin, actor/comedian Leslie Nielsen, Jane Seymour, Robert Wagner, Tommy Lasorda, Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band and many other celebs including Mickey Rooney, Paul Williams and Buzz Aldrin, an astronaut who walked on the moon.
The entertainment continued long into the night, closing with a rocking rendition of Kenny Loggins' "Footloose" from the movie Footloose. Loggins had the crowd on its feet and moving to the beat. A memorable moment during this year's gala.
In addition, the evening included a live and silent auction which raised a great deal of money. Ticket sales also contributed to the record-breaking $4.5 million raised that special night in St. Paul.
As it does every year, the Starkey Hearing Foundation honors individuals who have made a contribution through the donation of their time, money and experience.
This year's awards were given to President and CEO of Federated Insurance Companies, Al Annexstad and his wife, one-time U.S. Surgeon General and advocate for improved pediatric hearing health care, C. Everett Koop, retired baseball Hall of Famer, Tommy Lasorda and finally, Oscar winner, Goldie Hawn was honored for her work with her own foundation that distributes teaching aids to schools across the country.
After receiving her "So the World May Hear" award, Ms. Hawn stated, that "Together [with the Starkey Hearing Foundation] we can make a difference in the lives of children and I consider it our investment in the future."
Each year, the Foundation's gala is scheduled for late June. If you weren't able to attend and enjoy this year's fun, be sure to register early for next year's 8th Annual "So the World May Hear" gala.
Not only is it a night of memorable entertainment, it's a night of good will and generosity. And, as a hearing professional, it's a great way to get caught up with old friends and to discover the newest trends in hearing health - a networking opportunity that comes but once a year.
Sign up today by visiting the Starkey Hearing Foundation's website, and we'll see you all next year on the night the stars all come out.
