This message was self-deleted by its author

[G_j]

18. Springsteen's life built on foundation of giving -- quietly

http://www.nj.com/springsteen/stories/0811charity.html

(FYI)
By Jesse Drucker
The Star-Ledger

For millions of his fans, Bruce Springsteen's music has been a gift. He sings about regular people with real-life troubles, with lyrics that speak to the average guy.

But to dozens of real people living in Monmouth County -- people like waitress Toni Howard of Long Branch and her husband, John, a wallpaper hanger and painter -- Springsteen's gifts have gone beyond his inspirational songs. A gift from "The Boss" meant a new heating system for their home.

Since 1989, Springsteen has anonymously donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to low-income people for home repairs throughout Monmouth County.

A little-known charity called The Foundation, which lists Springsteen as its president and sole benefactor, has donated at least $350,845 to dozens of households since 1995, according to Internal Revenue Service records.

---

"We've always kept a pretty low profile," said McDuffie, who has run the charity throughout its 11-year existence. "The problem with putting something like this in the paper is then you get the greedy, not the needy. The way you have to handle this type of an organization is very quietly. You don't want to get Mrs. Miller and then the next thing you have her brother and her sister. The more low-key you can keep it, the better."

Over his career, Springsteen has offered many acts of charity, including benefit concerts for Vietnam veterans and food banks, and contributions to a variety of causes from his other charity, The Thrill Hill Foundation. But he has consistently shied away from publicity.

..more..