Post by whoajohnny on Jan 15, 2008 18:56:24 GMT -5
"I am honored to be associated with brave little Dustin by wearing this silver and leather wrist band." ~Johnny Depp
What does a soul contain that hypnotizes and awes others? Is it in the individual’s eyes? Is it in their voice or the way that he moves? How can we ever know for sure?
What is it that influences and moves others to take action or touches their innermost being to make a difference in the world? While these questions may never be answered throughout time, we can see the benefit of Johnny Depp’s giving and magnetic soul in the actions that he has influenced in the grassroots charity of Johnny’s Angels.
Johnny’s Angels began in March of 2007 when Donna (Giachetti) a great admirer of Johnny Depp thought of his support and giving to the (Childrens Hospice) and wondered if it would be an “out of the way” idea to form a charity group aimed at Johnny supporters and see what would become of it. She called the Hospice and asked them what they thought of the idea and Johnny’s Angels were born.
“ I believed there were many other women out there like me, Depp fans and moms, who would gladly do something more significant than buy Captain Jack trinkets if only we knew how to proceed. I thought it would be interesting to let Depp fans know more about the story behind the Dustin bracelet that Johnny wears in support of CHPCC.” Stated Donna.
Johnny wears the silver bracelet in memory of Dustin an 11-year-old boy who lost his fight with cancer. Dustin aspired to be an actor and before he died was awarded an honorary member of the Screen Actors Guild by Melissa Gilbert, who is the chairman of the Children’s Hospice Coalition and a friend of Johnny’s. On the bracelet is inscribed, “Today is a gift…have fun.” “There is a profound simplicity in Dustin’s message,” says Johnny who has two children of his own.
Although the Angels are not directly linked to Johnny himself, Donna made sure that the CHPCC contacted his camp and made sure that she would not have legal snags with her newfound project. Melissa Gilbert is said to be excited about the Angels work thus far. Donna will state upfront that she has “no idea if Johnny himself actually knows about our work… I really don't dare presume. I only hope that he will conclude that we have conducted this grassroots project with dignity and honesty… I hope that he does and that he approves.” While the Angels are basically a brand new charity, they have done an immense amount of work in the past year raising support from all over the globe and reaching out to thousands of the Johnny Depp community. The website for Johnny’s angels offers information about CHPCC and their two branches that offer assistance to families of terminally ill children. It also offers a link to purchase a Dustin bracelet and also the Angel charm that is sold on behalf of CHPCC. This shows the direct link between the two organizations and legitimizes Donna’s effort to bring the two together.
Johnny’s Angels have held two main fundraisers thus far, one in New York on November 10, 2007 at the Dive Bar. There was a performance by Pie Boys Flat and a Johnny Depp impersonator, Parker Roe. They raised over 1,500 for the charity, which was generously matched by the Harden family grant. Coming right off the heels of this success, the Angels formed a “Sweeny Todd Holiday Campaign”, to coincide with the opening of Depp’s new film. The slogan was “Lets give Johnny this present for Christmas.” Advertising for only six weeks over the Internet and the My Space Depp community, the Angels were able to AGAIN rise over 1,200 by small private donations. The givers were rewarded also with a silicon angel bracelet that was sent to each gift of over 20 dollars. Beyond these two fundraisers, Johnny’s Angels raise money by working with “Goodsearch,” a free search engine that donates a penny with every search. “This is a great way to help out our cause without having to give anything out of pocket.” says Donna. “Everyone can do this one simple thing.” As a total, The Angels chaity have raised over 5,000 dollars in a little less than one year!!!
Their site sells of course the Tibetan silver angel charm bracelets with 100% going to the CHPCC and also t-shirts and all sorts of cool merchandise like hats, stationary and baby items also all proceeds going to the CHPCC. This may be seen as perhaps a much better way to spend money for the Depp fans then just another Captain Jack or Edward Scissorhands key chain or tidbit off of ebay.
What’s in the future for the Angels charity? Giachetti says;” I think that we really need to push beyond the Depp fan universe in 2008. There are so many groups devoted to children's health services and hospice services, which I'd like to see us reach in the coming year. The Depp fans will always be our biggest focus, but spreading the word to the general public is critical.” This is no small goal for the ever-growing organization but not one that cannot be reached taking in account the past record of 2007. The things that have been accomplished are such a great feat and Donna states, "I have a core group of women that help run all of our endevors. I just couldn't function with out them and I am so blessed!"
When asked what has been the most rewarding moment of the charities endeavor thus far, Donna caught this writer off guard while making this recount: “A 4-year old boy named Julian Avery has been battling brain cancer since August. He is very close to losing that battle today. Julian's story simultaneously inspires me and breaks my heart. One of our "Angels" was able to arrange for Julian to visit with dolphins recently. This was his greatest wish, and one which Make-A-Wish was not able to accommodate. If we have done nothing else this year, we have accomplished that single precious thing: Julian was able to come face-to-face with dolphins during his visit to Orlando Florida this past November. His battle is nearly over, and although he will be among the angels soon, his memory will never leave my heart.”
With the inspiration for this entire charity coming from Johnny Depp himself, it is a wondrous thing that one individual could motivate such vast and benevolent actions from others. When posed the question what she would say to Johnny if he ever read about her group’s efforts, Donna articulated that;
“I would talk to him as a parent, since my 7-year-old son is the most important motivation in my life, and I imagine that his children are equally essential to his life. I would tell him that despite how I admire him as an actor and a person, I have allowed this project to enter my heart for reasons that go far beyond… What I am doing is, essentially, thanking the universe for giving me a healthy child. And I think that is something that Johnny Depp would understand very well.”
For truly as Dustin has said, “Life is a gift…have fun.”
johnny-depp.org/johnny/articles.php?display=entry&id=888
What does a soul contain that hypnotizes and awes others? Is it in the individual’s eyes? Is it in their voice or the way that he moves? How can we ever know for sure?
What is it that influences and moves others to take action or touches their innermost being to make a difference in the world? While these questions may never be answered throughout time, we can see the benefit of Johnny Depp’s giving and magnetic soul in the actions that he has influenced in the grassroots charity of Johnny’s Angels.
Johnny’s Angels began in March of 2007 when Donna (Giachetti) a great admirer of Johnny Depp thought of his support and giving to the (Childrens Hospice) and wondered if it would be an “out of the way” idea to form a charity group aimed at Johnny supporters and see what would become of it. She called the Hospice and asked them what they thought of the idea and Johnny’s Angels were born.
“ I believed there were many other women out there like me, Depp fans and moms, who would gladly do something more significant than buy Captain Jack trinkets if only we knew how to proceed. I thought it would be interesting to let Depp fans know more about the story behind the Dustin bracelet that Johnny wears in support of CHPCC.” Stated Donna.
Johnny wears the silver bracelet in memory of Dustin an 11-year-old boy who lost his fight with cancer. Dustin aspired to be an actor and before he died was awarded an honorary member of the Screen Actors Guild by Melissa Gilbert, who is the chairman of the Children’s Hospice Coalition and a friend of Johnny’s. On the bracelet is inscribed, “Today is a gift…have fun.” “There is a profound simplicity in Dustin’s message,” says Johnny who has two children of his own.
Although the Angels are not directly linked to Johnny himself, Donna made sure that the CHPCC contacted his camp and made sure that she would not have legal snags with her newfound project. Melissa Gilbert is said to be excited about the Angels work thus far. Donna will state upfront that she has “no idea if Johnny himself actually knows about our work… I really don't dare presume. I only hope that he will conclude that we have conducted this grassroots project with dignity and honesty… I hope that he does and that he approves.” While the Angels are basically a brand new charity, they have done an immense amount of work in the past year raising support from all over the globe and reaching out to thousands of the Johnny Depp community. The website for Johnny’s angels offers information about CHPCC and their two branches that offer assistance to families of terminally ill children. It also offers a link to purchase a Dustin bracelet and also the Angel charm that is sold on behalf of CHPCC. This shows the direct link between the two organizations and legitimizes Donna’s effort to bring the two together.
Johnny’s Angels have held two main fundraisers thus far, one in New York on November 10, 2007 at the Dive Bar. There was a performance by Pie Boys Flat and a Johnny Depp impersonator, Parker Roe. They raised over 1,500 for the charity, which was generously matched by the Harden family grant. Coming right off the heels of this success, the Angels formed a “Sweeny Todd Holiday Campaign”, to coincide with the opening of Depp’s new film. The slogan was “Lets give Johnny this present for Christmas.” Advertising for only six weeks over the Internet and the My Space Depp community, the Angels were able to AGAIN rise over 1,200 by small private donations. The givers were rewarded also with a silicon angel bracelet that was sent to each gift of over 20 dollars. Beyond these two fundraisers, Johnny’s Angels raise money by working with “Goodsearch,” a free search engine that donates a penny with every search. “This is a great way to help out our cause without having to give anything out of pocket.” says Donna. “Everyone can do this one simple thing.” As a total, The Angels chaity have raised over 5,000 dollars in a little less than one year!!!
Their site sells of course the Tibetan silver angel charm bracelets with 100% going to the CHPCC and also t-shirts and all sorts of cool merchandise like hats, stationary and baby items also all proceeds going to the CHPCC. This may be seen as perhaps a much better way to spend money for the Depp fans then just another Captain Jack or Edward Scissorhands key chain or tidbit off of ebay.
What’s in the future for the Angels charity? Giachetti says;” I think that we really need to push beyond the Depp fan universe in 2008. There are so many groups devoted to children's health services and hospice services, which I'd like to see us reach in the coming year. The Depp fans will always be our biggest focus, but spreading the word to the general public is critical.” This is no small goal for the ever-growing organization but not one that cannot be reached taking in account the past record of 2007. The things that have been accomplished are such a great feat and Donna states, "I have a core group of women that help run all of our endevors. I just couldn't function with out them and I am so blessed!"
When asked what has been the most rewarding moment of the charities endeavor thus far, Donna caught this writer off guard while making this recount: “A 4-year old boy named Julian Avery has been battling brain cancer since August. He is very close to losing that battle today. Julian's story simultaneously inspires me and breaks my heart. One of our "Angels" was able to arrange for Julian to visit with dolphins recently. This was his greatest wish, and one which Make-A-Wish was not able to accommodate. If we have done nothing else this year, we have accomplished that single precious thing: Julian was able to come face-to-face with dolphins during his visit to Orlando Florida this past November. His battle is nearly over, and although he will be among the angels soon, his memory will never leave my heart.”
With the inspiration for this entire charity coming from Johnny Depp himself, it is a wondrous thing that one individual could motivate such vast and benevolent actions from others. When posed the question what she would say to Johnny if he ever read about her group’s efforts, Donna articulated that;
“I would talk to him as a parent, since my 7-year-old son is the most important motivation in my life, and I imagine that his children are equally essential to his life. I would tell him that despite how I admire him as an actor and a person, I have allowed this project to enter my heart for reasons that go far beyond… What I am doing is, essentially, thanking the universe for giving me a healthy child. And I think that is something that Johnny Depp would understand very well.”
For truly as Dustin has said, “Life is a gift…have fun.”
johnny-depp.org/johnny/articles.php?display=entry&id=888