Hearing Loss: Starkey Hearing Foundation Raises $7.2 Million During 11th Annual Gala Event, So The World May Hear

On Sunday, July 24, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, whose maxim – so the world may hear – helps foster greater understanding among people through hearing, raised $7.2 million during its annual So the World May Hear gala held at the St. Paul RiverCentre – the most monies raised to date. The 11th annual event also attracted the largest contingent of celebrity supporters since the event began, with notables from the worlds of entertainment, sports and philanthropy walking the red carpet, and celebrating the spirit of giving and understanding through hearing loss.

A Great Success

Due to the event’s successful fundraising efforts, which exceeded last year’s total monies raised, the Starkey Hearing Foundation announced it will fund two return hearing missions to Haiti and Israel. In addition, the monies raised during the 2011 gala will be used entirely to fund the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s various hearing health and awareness campaigns throughout the year, including their domestic and international hearing missions; Listen Carefully campaign to promote safe listening among young people; and a variety of other endeavors all designed to foster improved communication and understanding among individuals and their communities. 

hearing loss miley cyrus

Through its hearing missions, the Starkey Hearing Foundation has made it its goal to deliver more than 1,000,000 hearing aids to those in need during this decade. To demonstrate the instant miracle of hearing that takes place when a child hears his or her mother’s voice for the first time after being fitted with a hearing aid, the Foundation presented video highlights throughout the evening of hearing missions conducted throughout 2011, including special visits to Haiti, Africa and Israel-Palestine. 

Humanitarian Efforts

A record number of 1,600+ guests attended the gala, which included a strong showing of support for the Foundation’s efforts by an extensive number of celebrities and notables.  The event also included the recognition of specially-chosen honorees whose unwavering commitment to helping others, and relentless giving of their time and energies, have led to positive changes on behalf of people all over the world.

During the gala, guests were also treated to performances by an illustrious list of artists including Reba, Meat Loaf and Miley Cyrus, who participated in Starkey’s Hearing loss Mission to Haiti earlier this year and as a result, lent her support to the Foundation’s Listen Carefully campaign. John Rich surprised attendees with a special performance with Marlee Matlin. Kevin Costner & Modern West also served as the headliner for the gala’s after-party.

Dedicated to Changing Lives

“It is our belief that helping people is the best work one can ever do,” said Bill Austin, Founder, Starkey Hearing Foundation. “As such, we recognize those leading the way in serving others with their own talents and abilities.”