April 2, 2012 - Could 1.3 be Bret's
number? Bret helped the Eric Trump
Foundation raise 1.3 million for St.
Jude’s Children’s Hospital last fall-
and Saturday night Bret brought his
magic touch to the JDRF Dream Gala in
Dallas, helping them raise 1.3 million
dollars as well: the most in the
foundation’s 19 year history.
Rocker and philanthropist Bret Michaels
truly raised the bar at Saturday night’s
2012 JDRF Dallas Dream Gala. The evening
was a stunning success: With Bret as the
event’s entertainer and key note
speaker, the Dream Gala raised more
money for Juvenile Diabetes research
than in its entire 19- year history-- a
record-shattering 1.3 million dollars
for Diabetes research.
A life-long type 1 diabetic himself,
Bret put 110% into the event as the
headliner- and then some, making it a
truly unforgettable evening. His
powerhouse performance had the crowd on
its feet at the Omni Dallas. “As always,
Bret was phenomenal with his
participation at every level” said
Steve Martinez, director of client
relations at SME Entertainment
group. “He delivered a heartfelt speech
to the gala attendees, made an
improvisational appeal for greater
donations, performed a highly energetic
and memorable rock show, connected with
audience members after the show, and
made everyone feel extra special at the
VIP meet and greet.”
“Having secured big name talent for
private events like this since 1994,”
Martinez said, “I cannot think of a
better all-around artist I’ve have the
privilege of working with… and I mean
that in all sincerity.”
“As
always, Bret was phenomenal with his
participation at every level (his
speech, improvisational appeal for
donations, band performance, connection
with the audience after the show, VIP
meet and greet).”
“I
have been doing this since 1994,”
Martinez said, “and I cannot think of a
better all-around artist I’ve have the
privilege of working with… I mean that
with all sincerity.”
Eric
Trump raved similarly about Bret’s knack
for revving up a crowd to raise money
for a good cause. “We cannot thank him
enough for performing what will
undoubtedly be the concert of a
lifetime… With Bret at the helm, the 5th
Annual Eric Trump Foundation Golf
Invitational will raise more money than
ever before.”
But
Bret’s record-breaking philanthropic
work with the JDRF, the Eric Trump
Foundation, and St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital is just part of his fundraising
resume. Bret has been an outspoken and
generous supporter of Diabetes Research
throughout his career: his 2012 victory
on Celebrity Apprentice raised over
$250,000 for Diabetes research, with
Bret’s best-selling Snapple drink, Diet
Trop-a-Rocka Tea, winning the season.
Bret is also a major advocate for the
American Diabetes Association.
Bret’s ability to help charities raise
as much money as possible is
unparalleled—and he also helped the ADA
in Rogers, Arkansas raise more money
than ever before with his performance at
this year’s Kiss a Pig Gala. With Bret
on the ticket, they had their quickest
sell out to date with this years event.
“We
were truly honored to have Bret’s
participation for this event,” said Lori
Bramlett, Director of the ADA . “His
involvement allowed us to achieve an
all-time record setting year.”
The
record-setting philanthropist will make
his triumphant return to Dallas on May 6th
when he once again teams with Eric
Trump to appear at the Mega Partnering
event. At the event Bret will speak,
help raise money for the ETF and
perform a few acoustic songs.
Mega
Partnering 5 is the leading wealth
networking conference for entrepreneurs,
real estate investors Internet
marketers, small business owners, and
startups. Bret, who has forged
successful partnerships with Snapple,
Dean Guitars, Ford, and PetSmart will
join an all-star line-up of
entrepreneurs and ingénues.