GLEN ALLEN, VA. (National Veterans Foundation/ www.nvf.org) - On August 3rd, the
Doobie Brothers Band raised nearly $75,000 for the
National Veterans Foundation at a benefit concert before a capacity crowd of 6,200 at Innsbrook Concert Pavilion near Richmond. The show, which included an emotional tribute to the band's former drummer Keith Knudsen, was the latest chapter in a two-decades long partnership between the Doobies and the NVF that has become one of the most inspiring stories of philanthropy and patriotism in rock history.
"The
Doobie Brothers and their fans are more than our friends-they are the greatest possible champions for those who count on us for help," noted Shad Meshad, President and Founder of the NVF. "They understand that 'coming home' from war is often a difficult, lifelong process, and that one of the best ways to 'support the troops' is to ensure services that prevent returning veterans and families from 'falling through the cracks' are always available."
Keith Knudsen, who died this past February, was the catalyst who first connected the Doobie Brothers Band with NVF Founder Shad Meshad prior to the band's first NVF Benefit—their 1987 Hollywood Bowl Reunion.
Armed with a sincere gratitude to all veterans, and a deep concern for the hundreds of thousands struggling to overcome homelessness, substance abuse, PTSD, and a myriad of other readjustment problems, the Doobies have never looked back. They've continued to tour, make records, and work tirelessly to raise awareness and money for veterans services. All told, these efforts have raised close to $1.5 million for the NVF to date.
"This year's Benefit was a great success for us and the NVF. It was a beautiful night to celebrate the return of our brave veterans, and a wonderful opportunity for family, friends, and fans to pay tribute to Keith," noted Doobie Brother Pat Simmons. "He is the one who brought us together with the NVF in the first place, and this concert was the perfect way to express our affection and gratitude to him for being a part of our lives."
To help the NVF expand its services to meet the needs of a new generation of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Doobies will continue to auction autographed guitars and the chance to sing on stage at many of their upcoming performances. In addition, as part of a joint venture with the group's Manager and California Winemaker Bruce Cohn, the Doobies are donating proceeds from the sale of "Doobie Red" Wine (produced by BR Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, CA) to the NVF. Finally, the band has begun planning for an even bigger NVF Benefit Concert in 2006.
"The next benefit will be even bigger and will have some surprise musicians and guests. Our support for the NVF is unwavering, and we will continue to help in any way we can," Simmons added.
The National Veterans Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit human service organization. The NVF operates the Nation's only Toll-Free Helpline (1-888-777-4443; e-mail protected from spam bots) offering live crisis management, information, and referral services for all veterans and their families. Since 1985, the NVF has helped more than 275,000 in need access earned benefits, acquire the basic necessities of life, connect with counseling and rehabilitation services, and address the lasting emotional scars of war including more than 15,000 last year.
