Local United Way To Benefit From Made In America Festival
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This weekend's "Made in America" concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia could translate into some big dollars for the local United Way.
Jill Michal, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, says performer Jay Z, who put together the two-day show, has committed a couple hundred thousand dollars from the show's proceeds - up-front - to United Way operations in New York City, Philadelphia, and Lancaster.
Michal says for the Philadelphia organization, a much-needed shot of support, is on the way.
"We know it's going to be incredibly significant. I really do believe it will approach if not exceed a half a million dollars to this local community, this region."
She says for this region, the majority of the money is being committed to a joint project with the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.
"It's a regional initiative which is really about kind of what we might refer to as 'Cradle to Career' education strategies. And, so we're really looking at this as an opportunity to help launch some of that work."
Michal says Jay-Z also is planning to have public service announcements on message boards visible to concert-goers encouraging them to text a $10-pledge to United Way.
