hear
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Starkey Hearing Foundation
so the world may
Daring to Dream Inside: Gala 2013
TANZANIA • RWANDA • ZAMBIA PERU • MEXICO
POTENTIAL Behind curious eyes, lies a world, full of magic. Dreams. Hope. Faith. Innovation. Ideas that need unlocking. Thoughts given life, through encouragement. Surprising the world, by acting on your ability to change it.
Live up to your potential.
Tell us your ideas: facebook.com/starkeycares 3
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Inside 4
Reel A peek at stunning, documentary films of missions and more.
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Engage News and posts from friends worldwide.
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Firsthand Chris and Kyle Massey.
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Sounds Good Can you identify this sound?
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We want to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts: facebook.com/ starkeycares 6700 Washington Avenue South Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org 12555 Jefferson Boulevard #150 Los Angeles, CA 90066
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Starkey Hearing Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public tax-exempt charitable organization.
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Recent Missions 10
President Bill Clinton in Africa Connecting with more key partners.
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Peru Building partnerships that will impact a nation.
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Mexico Expanding our impact.
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D aring to Dream S tarkey Hearing Foundation 2013 So the World May Hear Awards Gala weekend was one for the record books.
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Rolling Out the Red Carpet More than 1,600 people filled the Saint Paul RiverCentre to celebrate the giving spirit.
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Road to Healing Gala supporters are introduced to a young man with an unforgettable smile.
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Beyond the Red Carpet Celebrity and honoree support for the gift of hearing moves them to action.
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Short video blogs await you at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/blog. So head there and let us know what you think.
Reel We round up our latest visual story telling. Developing Sustainability in Kigali and Ruhengeri The gift of hearing is about more than just providing hearing aids. In a recent video blog, we follow the mission team as they develop sustainable systems of hearing care in Kigali and Ruhengeri, Rwanda. The team implements our threephase approach to developing systems of hearing care by focusing on screening and impression taking in phase one, fitting hearing aids and patient education in phase two and follow-up care in phase three. The result is a sustainable impact that will ensure patients are connected to the world of sound for years to come.
Building Hope in Tijuana In a recent video blog we travel to Tijuana, Mexico where we meet a mother struggling with hearing loss. She has a powerful connection with her two young children, but she has longed for the chance to hear them laugh, cry and breathe. Thanks to Knowles Electronics, Jeff Macias and Angels of Hope, Kyle Massey, Patrick Warburton, Sandi Young, Ret Templet and the H.N. and Frances Berger Foundation for helping make it possible.
“This is humanitarian action. This is love” PATIENT IN RWANDA
Encouraging Ability in Ain Aar The first school of its kind in Lebanon, the Rehabilitation Institute for Audio-Phonetics (IRAP) has devoted the last 52 years to developing communication and life skills among those living with hearing loss. Their students work to integrate into their environment and become productive members of society. In a recent video blog, we highlight the work of this incredible organization that we’ve partnered with to help open up the world of opportunity even wider for its students.
“We are happy and our hearts rejoice because we saw all of these children become free, autonomous and independent.” SOUAD BALLITA Co-Founder IRAP School
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“When you see them smile, that smile tells it all. It tells you that they are hearing the world again.” JOHN RODACK Knowles Electronics
Letters and posts from you—on the web and in the mail.
Engage Social media has been buzzing with Starkey Hearing Foundation.
Follow the conversation @starkeycares
@ImKeithDavid: I’m @starkeycares event. It’s tremendous & I’m inspired to “be the difference you want to see in the world.” Such brilliant work they do. @holyfield: On my way to St. Paul, MN for an all star charity weekend with @starkeycares #starkeygala
@sinbadbad: Okay folks. Here in St. Paul, MN for an all star charity weekend with @starkeycares
@ChrisMasseyTMB: Everyone must know how much @starkeycares and @StarkeyHearCEO and @TaniAustin have impacted the WORLD!!! I love the gift of hearing.
@matisyahu: In MN to support @starkeycares.
@ghcorps: Thanks @ForestWhitaker for your sweet, sweet intro of Global Health Corps last night @starkeycares. Meet up/brainstorm in Uganda/US soon.
@thorn: Thank you @starkeycares for recognizing our co-founder @aplusk with your Humanitarian award for his work with Thorn!
@weness: Bald eagle just flew above us @starkeycares gala. Cool.
@DallasAustin: Nothing more important than the gift of hearing. I’m so proud to be a part of the @starkeycares family changing lives one beat at a time!
@GregJennings: Awesome time hanging with my man @vernetroyer at the @starkeycares Awards Gala!
“Congrats to @starkeycares for another great night, bringing hearing assistance to hundreds of thousands around the world #starkeygala” Tweeted by @billclinton
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Our goal. The goal is clear: Deliver more than 1,000,000 hearing aids this decade. The reason is obvious: Help people in need, in turn transforming families and communities. The method is effective: Reach out to hearingimpaired children and adults around the globe— many living in isolation, at home and in developing countries. The results are life-changing.
Learn more and join the movement Tell us how you can help: facebook.com/starkeycares Or donate now by visiting:
https://action.starkeyhearingfoundation.org
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Giving the Gift of Hearing: Globally Bill Austin began with the desire to make a difference 50 years ago. He followed up with action. To date, Starkey Hearing Foundation has given more than 1 million hearing aids to people in need throughout the world. We’re building a global network of care—and you can help.
1 + 1 = 2 = million hearing aids already provided
million hearing aids this decade
million hearing aids
Countless lives changed, as we impact not just the person in need but also their family and community with the gift of hearing.
www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org S TA R K E Y H E A R I N G F O U N DAT I O N
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Recent Missions
Mexico Rwanda Peru
Tanzania Zambia
We have delivered the gift of hearing to more than
100 countries. In the past year Starkey Hearing Foundation donated
165,000+
hearing aids.
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5%
More than
of the world’s population has disabling hearing loss.
Progress empowers ability.
progress
noun /pr채-gr s/
e
1. Movement, as toward a goal 2. Development or growth 3. To increase in scope S TA R K E Y H E A R I N G F O U N DAT I O N
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Mission:
The Goal
Expand support for the gift of hearing.
rwanda tanzania zambia
President Bill Clinton in Africa Former president continues support for global fight against hearing loss. DURING A TEN-DAY AFRICA TRIP with the Clinton Foundation, former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton joined the mission team to help fit patients. They made the stops to see the progress the Foundation is making on its Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action of providing 1 million hearing aids to people in need this decade. Currently, we are nearly 40 percent ahead of schedule, fitting more than 165,000 hearing aids worldwide in the last year alone. “Starkey Hearing Foundation is empowering people around the world to achieve a better life through the gift of hearing,” said President Clinton. “Chelsea and I were honored, as we always are, to help the great Starkey staff fit hearing aids for many who had never heard before.”
First elephant visit to Hearing Mission EVER!
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August 2013
What We Did
Connected with more key partners.
Zambia In Livingstone, Zambia, President Clinton was involved in the fitting process as he personally fit patients after receiving instruction from Bill Austin. Actors Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning also joined the team helping to change lives with the gift of hearing.
Dr. Dave Fabry helps a man hear for the first time as actor Jesse Eisenberg studies the mission in full swing.
Actress Dakota Fanning took part in her first hearing mission in Zambia.
special thanks: President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton,
President Paul Kagame, Global Health Corps, Bridge2Rwanda, Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, Hasheem Thabeet, Brook Lopez
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Mission: rwanda tanzania zambia
Tanzania In between missions in Zambia and Rwanda, the mission team made a stop in Tanzania, along with Tanzanian-born Hasheem Thabeet, of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, to give the gift of hearing to those who missed our mission with President George W. Bush and President Jakaya Kikwete.
NBA star and Tanzanianborn Hasheem Thabeet volunteered to help give the gift of hearing in his homeland.
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Mission: Rwanda rwanda tanzania zambia
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President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton joined back up with the mission team in Kigali, Rwanda. Chelsea Clinton proved just as involved with patients as her father and fit patients alongside the former president and mission partners from Barbara Bush’s Global Health Corps and Bridge2Rwanda.
Photos courtesy of Cliniton Global Initiative.
Chelsea Clinton helped to open up the world of sound to this young girl in Rwanda.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame congratulates President Bill Clinton and Tani Austin on the Foundation’s work.
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The Goal
Mission: piura chiclayo trujillo chimbote
Create a future of possibility for thousands.
iquitos
Peru Changing countless lives across Peru. ORGANIZING A FIVE CITY, NEARLY 20,000 hearing aid mission in Peru is no small feat! With the help of more than 70 Rotary clubs from across Peru and Minnesota, the mission team led the charge for this unprecedented 21day mission to change thousands of lives. Patients from all walks of life and generations took part in our missions across Peru. Each patient’s story touched the team and created unforgettable moments and memories. We met 30-year-old front desk manager Nadia, who checked the entire mission team into our hotel. After talking with her, the team discovered that she had hearing loss and was struggling to communicate with hotel guests. During the mission that day, we fit her with new hearing aids. By the time we checked out, Nadia was happily chatting away with every guest and enjoying her job with renewed energy. We also met a 108-year-old woman who had been disconnected from the world of sound for longer than she could remember. Surrounded by multiple generations of her family, the remarkable matriarch was overjoyed to be able to hear their joy as she gazed in awe of her loving family. She proved without a doubt that you are never too old for the gift of hearing.
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special thanks: Spectrum Brands, Greg Gluchowski, Jim Heidenreich, Randy
Lewis, Andreas Rouve, Barry Seenberg, Dave Lumley, Rayovac, Randy Raymond, Mike Wheeler, Juliet Wheeler, Ret Templet, Gyl Kasewurm, FedEx
What We Did
Built partnerships that will impact a nation.
August 2013
special thanks: Kim Humphries, Marianne Hartquist, Discount Tire,
Mike and Kim Turner, Faye Mitsunaga, Marisa Eng, Brenda Bennett, Sara Bennett, LSTN Headphones, Bridget Hilton, Joe Huff, Jerry Brecke
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special thanks: Charles Gillum, Barry Quinlivan, Chris Massey,
Kyle Massey, Rotary Clubs, Jack and Tanya McConnell, Santiago Camacho, Maria Julia, Jonathan Severn
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Mission:
The Goal
Encourage continued program development.
saltillo
querĂŠtaro
Michael Johns and Jonathan Severn introduce this young lady to the world of sound.
Mexico Unforgettable joy during a quick stop in Mexico MEXICO HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE in the hearts of the members of the mission team. The warmth, joy and unforgettable smiles of the patients and families are always revitalizing. From Saltillo to Queretaro, the team enjoyed the musical stylings of Michael Johns as we fit more than 2,000 hearing aids to people in need. A young boy named Sergio arrived at the mission looking determined in his Superman shirt. Once we gave him the gift of hearing, his quick-witted enthusiasm made it clear to everyone in attendance that, like Clark Kent, he is destined for great things.
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What We Did
Expanded our impact.
September 2013
special thanks: Breton Steel Corporation, Starkey Mexico, Michael Johns
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DARING TO DREAM Starkey Hearing Foundation’s 2013 So the World May Hear Awards Gala weekend was one for the record books. The spirit of generosity flowed through the hearts and minds of all who attended this moving and action packed three-day extravaganza.
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ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET The mid-afternoon silent auction was brimming with friends of the Foundation excited to support our work. By 5 p.m. more than 1,600 people filled the Saint Paul RiverCentre, immersed in the giving spirit that would make this magical evening a record-breaker, raising more than $8 million for the gift of hearing. Celebrity and VIP supporters were on-hand, including President Bill Clinton, actors Forest Whitaker, Shannon Elizabeth, Kevin Sorbo and Lou Ferrigno, and sports stars Greg Jennings, Kristi Yamaguchi, Tony Hawk and Lennox Lewis. Performers included Lionel Richie, Marc Anthony, Sinbad, Matisyahu, Jessica Sanchez, Nina Whitaker and ARIA. President Bill Clinton thanked Bill and Tani Austin for their inspirational work and recognized each of the evening’s honorees before he presented Chunli Zhao “Angel” with an award for her work as a leading advocate for disability rights in China. Honorees Sir Richard Branson, who was recognized for the work of Virgin Unite, Barbara Bush, who was recognized for her work with Global Health Corps, Jimmy Walker, who was recognized for his work with Celebrity Fight Night, and philanthropists Dennis and Leslie Hansen accepted awards with words emphasizing the global need for compassion and caring. Ashton Kutcher also accepted an award for his work with Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, after an emotional introduction from his twin brother Michael. The honorees were not alone in their inspiration. The crowd was deeply moved by a surprise speech from Endrias Taza, a young man from Ethiopia who’s life was saved by critical medial care sponsored and organized by Bill Austin. Footage from hearing missions, including New Orleans, Rwanda and China, showed the powerful impact of reflecting caring and sharing around the world.
SO THE WORLD MAY HEAR AWARDS GALA
An evening of unforgettable speeches and performances began with dramatic flair as Nina Whitaker sang a breathtaking rendition of “Amazing Grace,” as a bald eagle soared over the crowd.
Sunday, July 28 | 5 p.m. Saint Paul RiverCentre St. Paul, MN
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Boxing champion Evander Holyfield brought his fighting spirit to support the gift of hearing.
Honoree Barbara Bush discussed the groundbreaking work of Global Health Corps.
President Bill Clinton inspired everyone in attendance with his speech introducing honoree Chunli Zhao “Angel.�
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Couples danced around the ballroom and guests made their way closer to the stage during Marc Anthony’s performance.
An emotional introduction from Michael Kutcher captivated the audience as his twin brother and honoree, Ashton Kutcher prepared to take the stage. Michael described his brother as a protector, and related that same quality to Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, the foundation Ashton Kutcher co-founded in 2009.
Event Sponsor:
Sir Richard Branson spoke about the power businesses have for creating change, and concluded his speech by recognizing Tani Austin’s birthday, and queuing the live orchestra to play “Happy Birthday” as the audience sang.
Dinner Sponsor:
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Entrepreneur Bill Rancic introduced Sir Richard Branson.
Auctioneer Drew Donen helped make it a recordbreaking night for the Foundation, with the help of Brady Forseth and Brandon Sawalich!
Steven Sawalich discussed Operation Change, the Foundation’s movement to inspire young people to take action and be a driving force for good in their communities and around the world.
Comedian Sinbad had the crowd in stitches.
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Lionel Richie brought the house down.
Actor Forest Whitaker introduced honoree Barbara Bush.
Matisyahu gave a moving performance.
NFL star Greg Jennings inspired guests to give even more.
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AFTER PARTY
Sunday, July 28 Saint Paul RiverCentre St. Paul, MN
After raising millions for the gift of hearing, supporters danced the night away at the Gala After Party. The Robert Lee Kobb Band rocked the house as supporters celebrated a successful weekend that will change thousands of lives around the world.
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Steven Sawalich takes a well-deserved moment to celebrate with Bill.
Honoree Jimmy Walker celebrated with guests at the after party.
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FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY
Friday, July 26 | 7:30 p.m. FOUNDATION APPRECIATION PARTY Eden Prairie, MN
Celebrating the work of the Foundation around the world, local Gala supporters and out-of-towners gathered at Bill and Tani Austin’s home to celebrate the spirit of giving. Every year this incredible party pays tribute to all who support the gift of hearing.
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Supermodel Fatou N’Diaye joined in the festivities on Friday night.
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Actor Kevin Sorbo entertained guests with anecdotes about playing Hercules.
Music producer Dallas Austin brought his enthusiasm for the gift of hearing to the Saturday night party.
SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY
Saturday, July 27 | 7:30 p.m. SPONSOR PARTY Eden Prairie, MN
Sponsors and celebrities laughed and danced the night away at a party in their honor, hosted by Bill and Tani Austin. Among the hundreds in attendance were Chris and Kyle Massey, Kevin Sorbo, Doug Pitt, Jessica Sanchez, Lou Ferrigno and Dallas Austin. Sinbad kept the crowd in stitches with an unforgettable stand-up routine, and the Robert Lee Kobb Band jammed into the night. The party’s Asian theme paid homage to the Foundations historical mission to China.
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Actors Chris Massey and Lauren Potter shared the love on Saturday night.
Verne Troyer brought his brand of inspiration to the party.
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Chris and Kyle Massey kept the jokes coming on the golf course.
STRAIGHT SHOOTERS
Friday, July 26 | 8 a.m. OLYMPIC HILLS HILL GOLF GOLFCLUB CLUBEVENT EVENT Eden Prairie, MN
Gala weekend officially began with a little fun in the sun at the annual golf event. More than 200 golfers— celebrities, sponsors and supporters—teed off a weekend of celebrations with 18-holes and prizes. Chris and Kyle Massey, Doug Pitt, Chris Doleman and many more pulled out their 9-irons in hopes of a hole-in-one.
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Actor Keith David joined the race.
Actor Lou Ferrigno showed his support for fitness and the gift of hearing.
RACING RACING FOR FOR HEARING HEARING CARE CARE
Saturday, Saturday,July July27 27||88a.m. a.m. STARKEY STARKEYHEARING HEARINGTECHNOLOGIES TECHNOLOGIESRUN/WALK RUN/WALK Eden EdenPrairie, Prairie,MN MN
Foundation supporters and sponsors got up bright and early to get healthy while having fun, all in the spirit of caring. Sponsored by Starkey Hearing Technologies, this family-friendly run/walk was a great addition to the weekend’s festivities.
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ROAD TO HEALING GALA SUPPORTERS ARE INTRODUCED TO A YOUNG MAN WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE SMILE.
ENDRIAS TAZA AND BILL AUSTIN MET IN 2012 in Ethiopia. The young man was suffering from mossy foot, a debilitating disease caused by walking barefoot on soil containing volcanic ash. His community shunned him because of his condition, and with no family and hearing loss, Endrias lived in isolation. Doing what he does best, Bill Austin restored Endrias’ hearing and gained his trust. The young man revealed to him that he also had a lifethreatening tumor. Once Bill saw the full picture of the young man’s condition, he was amazed at Endrias’ ability to smile so brightly when his future looked so bleak. Bill knew that without his help, this incredible person with a remarkable smile would die, so he arranged for Endrias to receive the medical care he needed in Israel. 36
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Hoping to give Bill a surprise he would always cherish, Steven Sawalich arranged for Endrias to travel to the United States to attend this year’s Gala. Speaking through an interpreter, Endrias told a riveted audience about the hope and joy he found in his second chance at life. He flashed his brilliant smile and looked lovingly at the man who saved him, referring to him as his “father.” By the time Bill joined the young man onstage, many in the audience had tears in their eyes. Speaking through emotion, Bill looked at the young man in wonder, saying, “Seeing Endrias so healthy and full of life is one of the proudest moments of my life.”
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BEYOND THE RED CARPET Celebrity and honoree support for the gift of hearing moves them to action.
WE ARE USED TO SEEING OUR HEROES WALKING THE RED CARPET at the Gala and other events, but for those who support Starkey Hearing Foundation, their commitment extends into the mission field.
SIR RICHARD BRANSON Sir Richard Branson’s enthusiasm is otherworldly, and he brings that energy to everything he touches or commits himself to – that includes the gift of hearing. Branson not only works to understand the issues that influence global hearing care, but he wants to see it in action by looking into the eyes of patients as the world of sound is opened up to them.
PRESIDENT JAKAYA KIKWETE President Jakaya Kikwete is a powerful advocate for the empowerment of the citizens of Tanzania. He fights tirelessly to build a better future for his country, and he has taken a strong interest in hearing care. During our spring mission to Tanzania, President Kikwete stopped by to try his hand at fitting hearing aids and encourage our efforts.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL MARTELLY Dedicated to the economic advancement of the people of Haiti, President Michael Martelly has committed himself to rebuilding his country after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He believes the gift of hearing is vital to education and education is vital to creating economic opportunity. He demonstrated this belief during a visit to Haiti when he offered free education to all the children we fit at our mission. 38
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PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON President Bill Clinton’s commitment to the gift of hearing is powerful and unwavering. Almost as soon as the lights of the Gala dimmed, Clinton was on his way to Zambia and Rwanda to fit hearing aids alongside Bill Austin and the mission team.
CHELSEA CLINTON Long devoted to causes benefitting humanity, Chelsea Clinton has had an impact on issues ranging from economic empowerment to public health. However, she has shown a special affection for the gift of hearing. Joining us on missions in New York, Uganda and Rwanda, Clinton knows the life-changing results of opening up the world of sound.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH President George W. Bush has done so much to help the people of Africa, and his recent support for the gift of hearing only adds to his positive impact. During a recent mission in Tanzania, President Bush donned his mission shirt and took a decidedly hands-on approach to giving the gift of hearing.
BARBARA BUSH Across Africa, Starkey Hearing Foundation relies on the assistance of the Global Health Corps fellows, often led by their co-founder and CEO Barbara Bush. Her commitment to the gift of hearing has inspired a generation of global health care workers to make hearing care a top priority.
Chelsea Clinton photo courtesy of Clinton Global Initiative. President Jakaya Kikwete and President George W. Bush photos courtesy of George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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DENNIS AND LESLIE HANSEN Dennis and Leslie Hansen, along with their family, have become some of Starkey Hearing Foundation’s most fervent supporters. They have crisscrossed the globe with the Foundation, personally touching thousands of lives. The entire family has honed their fitting skills in the field, and they have helped provide care in Malawi, South Africa, Romania, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
JIMMY WALKER Through Celebrity Fight Night, Jimmy Walker has raised more than $87 million, benefiting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and many worthy charities, including Starkey Hearing Foundation. However, his uncanny ability to bring people together in the spirit of generosity extends deep into the mission field.
LENNOX LEWIS The last Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Lennox Lewis, has a passion that goes beyond boxing. He believes strongly in the impact of reflecting caring and sharing throughout the world and has joined the mission team in the field to use his skills to change lives.
GREG JENNINGS “To whom much is given, much is required” is the motto of the Greg Jennings Foundation, and the man himself strives every day to live up to this philosophy. He goes above and beyond for the gift of hearing.
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CHRIS MASSEY Entertainer Chris Massey is known as an actor, comedian and rapper with immense talent, but many people do not know that Massey also has an immense heart. A long-time supporter of the gift of hearing, Massey has joined us on missions around the world.
KYLE MASSEY Kyle Massey has brought his unique sense of joy to life as an actor, dancer, musician, comedian and magician. However, his zest for life has its greatest impact when he is making a patient smile while helping to give him/ her the gift of hearing.
RAY LEWIS After a 17- year NFL career, Ray Lewis decided to devote his retirement to having a positive impact on the world. He believes that kindness has the power to change the world, and he joined us in Tanzania last spring to reflect his caring to patients.
DALLAS AUSTIN Dallas Austin understands the importance of the gift of hearing. As a musician he knows that without the world of sound, his purpose in life would be lost. Austin helped give the gift of hearing during our groundbreaking mission to China and encourages young people to protect their hearing through Listen Carefully.
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CHRIS AND KYLE MASSEY reflect on their time in the field.
Firsthand
A Celebration of Life For years, entertainers Chris and Kyle Massey have dedicated themselves to helping deliver the gift of hearing. From Vietnam to Mexico to Tanzania to our most recent mission in Peru, the Massey brothers are always up for an adventure that includes connecting people in need to the sounds of life. We sat down with them in Peru to discuss their long-standing support of the Foundation’s work and what it means to their lives. How many missions have you been on? Chris: Nine, including international and domestic missions. We plan on doing as many more as we can for the rest of our lives. Kyle: Absolutely! What do you like about the people of Peru? Kyle: Peru is an amazing place. The people here are so appreciative, and they are always so happy. It brings smiles to our faces to know that they really appreciate what we do. They are so genuine, and it makes it all worthwhile. Chris: Every day we share these cool moments with people. We might not ever see any of these people again, but we share these life-changing moments with them. If I ever do see any of them again in my life, we are going to know exactly who each other are because these moments shared through the gift of hearing are unforgettable. I have had a few people I helped with their hearing aids find me on Twitter. They send me a tweet saying, “Thank you for helping me with my hearing aids,” and it is really cool to be able to stay connected and hear about their progress. 4 2 S TA R K E Y H E A R I N G FO U N DAT I O N
What has been your favorite experience as a hearing mission volunteer in Peru? Kyle: Being able to help a woman who is 108 years old. She is amazing! She heard about this mission and came down here to get her hearing aids. Bill Austin said, “Even when you are 108, you don’t want to be alone, and you want to be able to hear.” What do you guys like about being a part of the Starkey Hearing Foundation? Chris: It is like a family, and I love being a part of it. Kyle: I think you need trips like this. Especially when you live in the craziness we live in. We live in Hollywood, and we see just the craziest stuff every day – people’s priorities are often not the same as ours. Having the opportunity to know people who do not have much but are happy and smiling because of something as basic as the gift of hearing, it’s refreshing. More people need to seek out experiences like this. Chris: We definitely want to get more young people involved in things like this. Some of the patients are older, but many of them are our age or younger. We helped one kid who was going to school for engineering, and he was about my age. He was embarrassed that he had to get a hearing aid, and we made him feel comfortable. He saw that we were here enjoying ourselves and laughing, and he realized that getting a hearing aid was not a big deal, and he shouldn’t be embarrassed about. It was just life. Spreading positivity to others is amazing.
ot have n o d o h s eople w f something a p w o n k o unity to iling because More people t r o p p nd sm g the o hing. “ Havin t are happy a ng, it’s refres — Kyle Massey u ri e this.” much b he gift of hea k i l s e c ien st basic a t exper u o k e se need to
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Sounds Good Can you identify that sound? A sharp
inhale as the stomach begins to tighten and release. The air fills with energy that infects and creates an uncontrollable release from all sides. A frenzied whirl of gasps and guffaws as eyes sparkle with life and joy.
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Laughter. The sound of pure happiness. What would life be without it? It has the power to alter the course of events, encouraging positivity, spreading like wildfire. As you tell a loved one a joke or push a discouraged child to find the humor in a difficult situation, believe in the transformative power of laughter.
listen carefully.
Music: we want you to be able to hear it. The sounds of a guitar. The lyrics to your favorite song.
The majority of teen hearing loss can be prevented.
One in 5 teenagers has hearing loss due to high-volume sounds in daily life. Like the blare of car horns. Or the music pumping through your headphones.
Protect your hearing. Lower the volume.
You can’t control the volume of the world around you, of course. But you can lower the volume of your headphones. It’s such a simple thing to do. You’ll save your hearing. Your hearing is fragile. So don’t listen loudly. Listen carefully.
Join the movement at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org
Thank You For Your Support!
SAVE THE DATE
July 20, 2014
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