NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--America’s beloved songsmith and humanitarian, Steven Tyler, an iconic rockstar forever known for his big voice, is now opening his big heart. Tyler is honored to announce today the launch of his new signature philanthropic initiative: Janie’s Fund (www.JaniesFund.org), in partnership with Youth Villages. The fund will bring hope and healing to girls who have endured neglect and abuse. It will also raise much-needed money and awareness to address, through proven programs, the trauma of sexual abuse in children and to expand these services to aid even more girls.
Tyler’s hit song “Janie’s Got a Gun,” was born out of his growing desire to speak up for the victims of child abuse. Launching Janie’s Fund has been a longtime dream of Tyler’s, and he is passionate about the positive results that this fund will create for young people.
“As a father and grandfather, I want to focus my energy on things that really matter and leave behind something else in this crazy world along with my music. I am starting Janie’s Fund to give a voice to the millions of victims who haven’t had one and encourage everyone to join me on this mission,” said Tyler.
Janie’s Fund kicks off with a historic 54 days of impact, running from November 8th, the 26th anniversary of the release of “Janie’s Got a Gun,” through the end of the year. Anyone who signs up to support during these 54 days becomes a Founding Member of Janie’s Fund and receives limited-edition merchandise from Tyler. Fans can visit Prizeo.com/StevenTyler to become Founding Members and register for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Tyler through Prizeo.
The “Ultimate VIP Rock Experience with Steven Tyler” prize includes walking the red carpet and VIP backstage passes to an upcoming performance, as well as hanging with Tyler and his entourage backstage before the show. In addition, other priceless experiences are available, and all Founding Members will be memorialized in perpetuity on www.JaniesFund.org.
The excitement surrounding the Janie’s Fund announcement began last week, when other artists began to receive large custom mystery crates: Bono, Miley Cyrus, Sir Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Britney Spears, Howard Stern, Carrie Underwood and more received exact replicas of Tyler’s most famous trademark white, jewel-encrusted mic and mic stand, (courtesy of Atlas Sound and Shure), complete with hand sewn signature scarves and a handwritten note from Tyler saying, “I may have a big mouth, but now I need your voice.” There will be additional mystery crates being revealed from other A-list artists in the coming weeks.
Tyler, the iconic songwriter and voice of the best-selling American rock band, Aerosmith, has been an avid philanthropist his entire life, performing regularly for social causes, including the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway.
For more information please visit: www.JaniesFund.org.
More about Janie’s Fund:
Janie’s Fund is a philanthropic initiative created by Steven Tyler in partnership with Youth Villages to bring hope and healing to girls who have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect. Steven first gave voice to this cause with his hit “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and his establishment of the fund ensures that these vulnerable girls will have an enduring voice for years to come. Janie’s Fund has two important goals: to bring much-needed awareness to the issue of abuse and neglect of children and to generate financial support to ensure that girls receive the most effective support available to help them overcome the trauma and pain of abuse. One hundred percent of all donations to Janie’s Fund are used to support proven programs at Youth Villages that have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing the trauma of sexual abuse in children and to expand these services to help even more girls. These services incorporate the latest research on developing brains and neuropsychology.
More About Youth Villages:
Founded in 1986, Youth Villages is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to providing the most effective local solutions to help children with emotional and behavioral challenges and their families live successfully. The organization helps more than 23,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family Restoration® approach involves intensive work with the child and family, a focus on measuring outcomes, keeping children in the community whenever safely possible, and providing unprecedented accountability to families and funders.
More about Steven Tyler:
Steven Tyler is the iconic songwriter and prolific voice of the best-selling American rock band, Aerosmith. Tyler is considered one of music’s most recognizable, dynamic frontmen and has been cited by Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest singers of all time.” Tyler and Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, he has won 4 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, and an Emmy Award. In addition to having 9 number one hits, 25 gold, 18 platinum and 12 multi-platinum album certifications, Tyler, along with the rest of his band members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2013, Tyler was awarded with the Founder’s Award at the ASCAP Pop Awards and was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Tyler is currently working on his highly anticipated solo album with Big Machine Label Group. His first country single ‘Love Is Your Name’ debuted on May 13, 2015 and reached #1 on the Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart. The accompanying video has garnered nearly 10 million views to date.
