 Miley Cyrus sings to a young concertgoer. (Photo by Lester Cohen) |
Pop sensation Miley Cyrus brought the crowd to its feet and demonstrated once again her commitment to cancer research at the second annual Concert for Hope presented by Staples, a special benefit performance in Los Angeles on Oct. 25.
The Disney Music Group recording artist was joined by fellow performers Jesse McCartney and Demi Lovato at the Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live. All proceeds from each concert ticket sold were donated to City of Hope; the concert raised more than $800,000.
Lovato kicked off the concert with a rendition of her song “La La Land,” while McCartney rocked with his popular track “Freaky.” Cyrus wowed the audience with a touching performance of “The Climb,” which she sang on stage with a girl who appeared to be in treatment for cancer. Radio Disney DJs Ernie D and Jacob Wetter hosted Concert for Hope.
Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer, introduced five young cancer patients, who presented Cyrus with The Spirit of Life® Award in recognition of her contributions to City of Hope in the fight against cancer. McCartney and Lovato received City of Hope’s Ambassador of Hope Awards for their philanthropic achievements.
 Demi Lovato, right, poses with a young fan as part of Concert for Hope. (Photo by Lester Cohen) |
“We’re grateful for the tremendous enthusiasm and support from Disney Music Group artists Miley, Jesse and Demi, and Staples, who are helping patients every day at City of Hope,” said Friedman. “We are honored to have the commitment of these artists along with Ron Sargent, chief executive officer of Staples and 2006 Spirit of Life honoree, as we work to ultimately find cures and give hope to patients everywhere.”
Cyrus, who is 16, was moved by the recognition. “I’m honored to receive The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to continue in the effort to help find better treatments while saving precious lives,” said Cyrus. “Over the years, when I see the faces of young patients, I want to give them greater hope for a chance at treating their disease and a speedy recovery to getting back to being a kid again.”
Thanks to co-chairs Bob Cavallo, chair of Disney Music Group, and Gary Marsh, president of entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, Concert for Hope raised funds for City of Hope as part of Tim Leiweke’s Spirit of Life campaign. City of Hope will recognize Leiweke, president and chief executive officer of AEG, one of the world’s leading presenters of sports and entertainment, with The Spirit of Life Award for his outstanding philanthropic commitment to the community. The event will take place at L.A. Live’s J.W. Marriott Hotel on Jan. 13, 2010.
