Michael Jackson’s humanitarian background commences during his early years, when, out of his daily earnings as a Jackson – 5 lead member, he would purchase ice-cream and chewing gum for children in his neighborhood, according to himself, his mother, Katherine, and father Joseph. Both as a child and until later in his life (as required by his Jehovah’s Witnesses religion), he would deliver Bibles door to door to families and preach to them the word of God, while concealing his renowned identity with disguises. As Jehova's Witnesses, he, along with his mother and siblings would not celebrate birthdays and Christmases.

The Early Years:

One of Michael Jackson’s earliest gigs is a local hospital performance in Gary, Indiana with the Jackson 5 around 1965, where a real live Santa Claus features on the program the same day.

In 1969, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform at a benefit concert for their home county, Indiana’s mayor, Richard G. Hatcher.

On Christmas Day, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, the 14 year old singer and the Jackson 5, dressed as Santas, make their appearance at a foundation, to visit and offer presents - on behalf of their record company, Motown - to 700 underprivileged children.

In an article, titled “The Jackson 5 Really Changed!”, the writer points out that “the first time the J-5 did a benefit at a children’s hospital, Michael came home and cried all night at the memory of all those sick children lying in beds, some not even able to move their hands to clap. That is when he became actively involved in communicating with these kids. He corresponds with youngsters his own age in hospital all over the country. These are not letters dictated to a secretary by a superstar, but letters written in Michael’s own hand during breaks in recording or rehearsing or even in school.”

On March 7, 1973, young Michael Jackson visits the bedside of 6-year old Leslie Robinette - suffering from from aplastic anemia caused by the genetic disease fanconi anemia – at the Seattle Children’s Hospital - then The Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center. Robinette received a bone marrow transplant, and was one of the youngest to ever have the procedure. She went through chemotherapy, radiation, an ever-changing plethora of medications and was kept in isolation for three months; her state of health was precarious, the doctors saying, after she was dismissed from the hospital, that she might live 10 years. “I was sitting in my room looking out the window, ironically listening to 'Looking Through the Window' by the Jackson 5, when I heard all the nurses going wild and carrying on”, Robinette declares 26 years later. Coincidentally, the Jackson 5 were there. “They asked me which one I wanted to see, and I said I wanted to see Michael - he was the cute one”, she says, laughing. She describes teenage Jackson as shy, but kind and sincere, signing an autographer for her, holding her hand and asking about her state. “I would never say that he saved her life - that's crazy - but he gave her back a little of her will to live because she had lost it”, Trine Robinette, Leslie’s sister adds. Leslie eventually did improve, and her family returned to their farm in Greeneville, Tenn., where she still lives with her parents. 11 years later, Leslie met Jackson again, while he was on tour in Knoxville with his brothers, where she received free tickets, then went backstage to meet the Jackson clan. "I asked him if he remembered me, and he said yes. We talked about my singing in chorus and how I was getting my back brace off soon”, Robinette says. Jackson then told his security detail that she was his guest, so she got to watch the third show from a raised VIP platform, seated right next to Jackson's mother, Katherine. Still struggling with her disease, she is less than 4 feet tall and weighs about 60 pounds, but she is now 42 and is involved in North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and currently is training to become an instructor. "I've always felt that Michael and I were kind of kindred spirits, because we both grew up not being able to really go anywhere or do anything normal kids do”, Robinette says, adding that she hopes people will remember Michael Jackson for his good deeds and music.

On August 16, 1973, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform in a benefit gig at St. Paul Civic Center Arena in Minnesota, with proceeds of the concert being funneled to the Afro-American Music Opportunities Association (AAMOA). AAMOA, based in the Twin Cities, promotes Black Music and assists Black composers and musicians worldwide.

In a back issue of Harlem's Black newspaper, the “Amsterdam News”, a display commercial announcing a performance of the Brewery Puppet Troupe at the Space for Transnational Arts on November 29-30, 1974 is featured. ‘The Jackson 5 Meet Malcolm X’ - with puppets is “a comedy musical adventure chronicling through the art of puppetry the dancing and singing talents of the Jackson 5 and their encounter with one of the most important modern-day black leaders, Malcolm X”.

On May 17, 1977, the Jacksons flow to Glasgow, Scotland for a command performance for Queen Elizabeth II, with proceeds of the show going to the Silver Jubilee Fund. The Fund was established 1977 to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and its purpose is to enable a small number of senior students in Cumbria’s schools and colleges to undertake work experience projects of academic nature overseas, connected to industry, service to the community, the arts, sport etc.

In January, 1979, the singer donates a certain amount of books, including J.M Barrie's "Peter Pan", to the "Chicago Public Library’s Young Adult Section", and, on occasion of a library project, "Boogie To The Book Beat", he delivers a speech on the importance of reading.

In 1979, "The Black Linkage For Adoptive Children" hosts a charity event during which the Jacksons’ costumes from their 1979 Destiny Tour were auditioned off to the highest bidder; Michael Jackson’s costume garnered 575,00 dollars, the highest price from an impersonator who performed in an outfit that night for a gig.

In 1979, the entertainer participates at a fundraiser organised by American actress, writer and activist, Jane Fonda.

In 1980, Michael Jackson performs song “Rock With You” at “Because We Care”, a UNICEF Charity Gala. "Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, not only for your applause, but thank you for caring; and I’m very happy to be here. I love you all. Thank you”, he says to the audience after performing his song.

The 1980's

Around 1980, while touring in Philadelphia, Michael Jackson and The Jacksons visit the local Children’s Hospital, the group making other such relief apperances during their tours.

In 1980, a very excited and cheerful Michael Jackson – already a huge fan of anything Disney - appears on Kraft Salutes Disneyland’s 25^th Anniversary Show’, performing a medley of songs, namely “When You Wish Upon A Star” (from Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of ‘Pinocchio’), “Ease On Down The Road” from film ‘The Wiz’ and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” (from the soundtrack to the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz’), and is accompanied in song and dance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and other Disney characters.

For The Jacksons' Triumph Tour, opened on July 9, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael Jackson, inspired by film “Close Encounters Of The Third Kind”, designs a space-age set and also brings in magician Doug Henning to work on the show’s special effects. ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ is a 1977 American science fiction film written directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, and Cary Guffey. It tells the story of Roy Neary, an Indiana electrical lineman, whose life changes after he has an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO). In addition, the United States government is also aware of the UFO’s, as is a team of international scientific researchers. Jackson meant to create a special atmosphere of triumph, in celebration of brother Randy’s recuperation following a serious car accident in Hollywood the year before.

On July 22, 1981, The Jacksons give a special benefit concert for the "Atlanta Children’s Foundation" at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, and raise 100,000 dollars for the charity, subsequently to lengthy episodes of Black youth disappearances and murders in the mentioned city. Speaking on behalf of himself and his brothers, Michael Jackson reveals, "We Are doing this because we care". LeBaron Taylor, vise president and general manager of Divisional Affairs for CBS Records, distributor of Epic Efforts for whom the Jacksons record, and coordinator of the special event comments, "We are pleased that The Jacksons have scheduled this special performance for such a worthy cause [...]".

* During the years of residing at Hayvenhurst mansion with his family, Michael Jackson accepts a large number of children’s requests to visit him there through foundations such as "Make A Wish", most of these visits not being publicized, sister La Toya Jackson confirms in her 1991 autobiography, as well as the singer himself. The young visitors would be treated to screenings, sweets to their preference from the residence’s Candy Store, to petting the exotic pets of his menagerie, to arcade and video - game playing and the like.

In 1982, singer Donna Summer covers world-anthem "State Of Independence" on her album, “Donna Summer” produced by Quincy Jones. Summer's version of the song features an all-star choir including Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Lionel Richie, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon and Stevie Wonder. This song was originally written and recorded by Jon Anderson and Vangelis for their 1981 album, The Friends Of Mr. Cairo. It was cited by Quincy Jones as being the precursor to and inspiration for the 1985 'We are the world', written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and thematically, it is a spiritually-driven song about universal love, peace, and unity unfolding under God’s guiding truth.

* An animal advocate as well, the singer rescues a chimpanzee (that would become his pet animal) from a cancer research facility in Texas, U.S. around 1983, and would, moreover, house other endangered species of animals as part of his menageries from both Hayvenhurst and Neverland ranches throughout the years.

A promo for the 1983 “Beat It” video, inspired by the famous musical film, “West Side Story”, and directed by Bob Giraldi, is financed by Michael Jackson for 140,000 dollars.

On April 9, 1984, he welcomes, through the auspices of the "Brass Ring Society", 14-year-old David Smithee to his mansion, boy suffering from cystic fibrosis, as a result, granting his last wish, who will pass on 7 weeks after.

On April 14, 1984, Jackson equips a 19 – bed unit at "Mount Sinai Medical Center", a division of the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research".

On July 5, 1984, on occasion of a Jacksons’ press conference at former restaurant in New York, USA, "Tavern on the Green", Michael Jackson announces that his Victory – tour share of proceeds are to entirely cover three charitable organizations: "The United Negro College Fund", "Camp Good Times" and "T.J. Martel Foundation". Furthermore, at each gig, 500 places are reserved for invalids and hospital patients, taken on stretchers into the stadiums.

In 1984, the group donates 1200 tickets, valued at 39,000 dollars, to a number of disadvantaged children, subsequently to a performance at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. In addition, they perform for eight children suffering from incurable illnesses in Jacksonville, Florida, where Michael Jackson grants the wish of 14-year old Malanda Cooper in Miami, Florida,  paralyzed in a car accident, visiting her backstage and presenting her with a tape of his Victory tour concerts and a jacket worn by the singer during the concerts. The group also performs for 700 other underprivileged people during another performance. Furthermore, they enable the transportation of 40 children from the "Thelma Marshall Children's Home" for orphans, foster and abandoned children, - The Hoosier Boys Home and the Donzels Work Study Program for high school students working toward a college education to Detroit, Michigan for a performance there. The selfsame year, Michael Jackson meets and supports a moribund young patient by offering his black sequined glove and leather jacket to him.

The entertainer’s father, Joseph Jackson, in partnership with American boxing promoter, Don King, make a multimillion-dollar in 1984 deal to film a commercial for Pepsi, a product the health devotee neither drank nor liked, however, he complies with the deal as the company was sponsoring The Jacksons’ Victory Tour.

On December 13, 1984, he visits the unit for burn victims at "Brotman Memorial Hospital" in Los Angeles, him having been admitted there previously for head injuries, derived from a stage pyrotechnics incident during filming the commercial for Pepsi along with his brothers. Among the victims, he meets 23-year old mechanic, Keith Perry, burned over 90 percent of his body in a car crash. The surgeons declare that Jackson’s visit at Perry’s bedside was the main reason he had pulled through: "Michael encouraged him, talking to him for hours", says Los Angeles hospital spokesman, Judy Davis. Michael Jackson does not sue Pepsi, instead donates the entire earnings in damages from the sponsor - 1,5, million dollars – to a center named after the singer, "The Michael Jackson Burn Center For Children".

In 1984, he engages in supporting the "National Campaign Against Teenage Drunk Driving", campaign addressing the perils of alcohol use: car accidents, and/or life loss.

On January 28, 1985, Michael Jackson arrives at A&M Lion Share Studios, Los Angeles, California to record with a variety of American singers the highly successful benefit anthem, "We Are The World" (co-written with singer Lionel Richie), grossing a total of more than 60 million dollars for the most severely famine – stricken African countries. Among the long list of other performers are: Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, James Ingram, Bob Geldoff, Jackie, La Toys, Marlon, Randy and Tito Jackson, Al Jarreau, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, Steve Perry, The Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick etc. The recording session begins at 9:00 p.m., and lasts the entire night. Jackson doesn’t leave until 8:00 a.m. the next morning. “We Are The World – The Video Event” will become the ninth best selling video cassette of 1985.

In 1985, for the “Hands Across America” project, which follows the USA For Africa one, Jackson favors use of “We Are The World”. He has been outvoted by the other board members and a new song was specially written for the event, “Hands Across America”, with “We Are The World” as the B-side, though the song won’t achieve nearly the amount of success “We Are The World” has. A second version of “We Are The World” will be produced by George Duke, with children singing the lyrics. Jackson has always preferred this version to the USA For Africa one, feeling the song was meant to be sung by children.

On March 29, 1985, the singer visits the London Hospital, it being his second visit there in two years.

On October 21, he visits the animals from the "Cohuna Wildlife Sanctuary" in Perth, Australia.

On February 28, 1986, he telephones and invites 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California - convalescing after a heart transplant - over to "Hayvenhurst" mansion in Encino, there dining and watching a film with the young patient, the actual visit taking place on March, 8. That same year, he invites 12-year-old Danielle Finmark (attending "Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times", an organization for children with cancer) to the ranch, where she tours the residence, visits his menagerie, has lunch with Jackson and watches movie "Short Circuit" with him, according to Finmark.

In the afore – mentioned year (1986), he establishes the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund", a foundation then estimated at 1,5 million dollars, aiming to boost youth education, specialization in art performances and communication. The company’s funds would be a yearly supply for the African-American students attending a "UNCF" college or university. That year, the fund had provided 97 scholarship awards and enrolled scholars in nearly all of UNCF’s 42 schools, it was reported.

“Michael’s Pets”, a collection of stuffed animals made in the likeness of Jackson’s own pets is marketed in October, 1986. The singer was “very instrumental in the designing of the toys” and “in how it should be programmed”, according to Bob Michaelson, who helped develop the line with Jackson. The stuffed pets are ten in number, namely Cool Bear, based on the singer himself, Jabbar the giraffe, Louie the llama, Muscles the snake, Bubbles the chimpanzee, Uncle Tookie the frog, Spanky, a white dog, Mr. Bill, another dog, Suzy the rabbit, and Jeannine the ostrich. The singer requests that one dollar out of each purchase from the "Michael’s Pets" set be placed aside for a children’s organization.

In 1987, Michael Jackson meets 4-year old wounded Angela Darlington and her mother, Helen, in Melbourne Children’s Hospital. The mother has this to say on the visit 21 years later: “My daughter, Angela, was in hospital with head injuries after being hit by a car. One day we were told by the nurses that Michael Jackson was coming to visit. We had to keep it a secret, so the hospital wasn’t overwhelmed with fans. There was a big flurry, as his assistants handed out T-shirts and signed copies of his Bad album to everyone on the ward. Then he just walked around and talked to the patients. […] I said hello. He said he was pleased to meet me. I was gobsmacked. He was very gentle and seemed shy. I got the sense he had a deep love for children, especially those who’d been hurt. Then he crouched down and said ‘Hello, Angela’. She couldn’t talk, because she’d just come out of a coma, but she started smiling. After that day, she started to get better. I think of him as an inspiration. We’d been having a terrible time – Angela was in hospital and I’d been ringing Lifeline to keep myself together, but he was a total inspiration for the whole ward. I thought: ‘Thank God for sending him’. He just had a presence about him – this great empathy with people who needed to get better. Now, Angela is 25, at university and full of life. There was another boy on the ward who was about 15 and was a huge fan. After Michael’s visit, he started getting better too. His mom thought it was a miracle. I believe many of the children got better after meeting him. I think people should know about this side of Michael. I’ve never believed he was anything but a good person.”

In September, 1987, Michael Jackson donates 20,000 dollars to a family in Japan, for their 5-year old kidnapped and murdered son, Yoshiaki Hagiwara, in memory of whom the singer says a few words while on stage in Yokohama, Japan, on the second leg of his Bad World Tour. Furthermore, on September 13, he displays his support towards a campaign against racism, as well as towards "NAACP"s mission to help arrest prejudiced conduct against black artists.

In 1987, country singer, Kenny Rogers releases a book of collection of photographs he has taken of some of his famous friends, titled “Your Friends and Mine”. Rogers recounts the story of the idea behind the book’s creation and publishing. In one of the photos, Jackson poses with Bubbles the chimpanzee in his arms, the entertainer being dressed casually, in worn jeans and a simple shirt. Rogers’ several other photos of Jackson feature another black-and-white shot of him sitting on the floor and holding a fedora up to his face.

Below, is the book’s introductory excerpt about how Rogers met the entertainer, and his pleasant impression of the star he would call a “friend”:

“The first person I shot for the book was Michael Jackson. In 1986, I hosted the Grammy Awards telecast in Los Angeles. That night, my son Christopher met Michael backstage. Christopher had always loved Michael. He would even dress like him at home […] As it happened, Marianne, [Roger’s wife] sent me some flowers with a little plastic Grammy attached. Unbeknownst to me or anyone else, Christopher took the plastic Grammy, walked into Michael Jackson’s press conference, and handed it to him. The next day, Michael called to tell Christopher how much he appreciated it. He also invited him out to his house to see his animals, so Marianne and Christopher went out to Encino. Michael knew I was a photographer, he mentioned that he’d like it if I took a picture of him and Christopher together. I called Michael th next day to set up an appointment, and he agreed to come down to my studio. I told Michael during our first session that I was thinking about doing a book of portraits and calling it Your Friends And Mine. I had heard about his chimpanzee, Bubbles, and we did a shot with the chimp. Later on, Michael and I did another session alone, at his request. That was the start. Michael Jackson’s agreeing to be part of the book was, in fact, the jumping off point for the whole project. Michael Jackson is unique, both as an individual and as a performer. Yet, while I’d been around him many times, I never honestly felt I knew him until we spent a day together in the photography studio. As I explained earlier, Michael had invited Christopher, my youngest son, to his home to see his zoo. They had such a good time that Michael, who heard I was a photographer, suggested I take a picture of him and Christopher in my studio. I told him of my ideas for this book and asked him to bring his chimp, Bubbles. There were maybe twenty-five people in the studio that day, and the chimp was the center of attention. That meant the focus was off Michael, and I think the relative anonymity gave him a chance to relax. And Bubbles was so human it was almost frightening. He would take Christopher by the hand, walk over to the refrigerator, open it, take out a banana, and hand it to him. Christopher was amazed – we all were. The session was the first time I’d had the chance to be one on one with Michael. It means a lot to me to be able to say that not only do I love his music, but I also like him very much as a person and consider him a friend.”

Jackson previously collaborates with the country singer for a duet called “Going Back To Alabama” off of Rogers’ 1981 album, “Share Your Love”, Jackson being a big fan of country music. The song tells a brief story of a strong man emerging from life’s trials and tribulations – which could also be the story of Jackson himself. The two artists also will cross paths on occasion of the 1985 “USA For Africa” relief project and song, “We Are The World”.

In October, 1987, he gives away 30 personal items and memorabilia such as t-shirts, sunglasses or a windbreaker for an auction addressing "UNESCO", the proceeds of which being invested into awareness raising and helping educate children in developing countries.

In November, 1987, Jackson offers 10,000 pounds to the "Children In Need Appeal" in England.

On November 18, 1987, he visits the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, Australia. Natasha Lang, mother of a child committed in the hospital at the time, offers her account of his visit there years later: “[…] I will never forget that day as long as I live, when Michael came to the hospital with an abundance of stuffed animal toys, so generously given, to all the children in the children’s ward. He went around the ward and visited each child personally and quietly spoke words of comfort to them and I will never forget the delight of these children, the medical staff and the parents who visited on that day. My son now is a grown man and I wish to share this photograph with the whole world because it shows Michael’s selfless and generous nature. My son, unfortunately, lost his eye in a school accident that week and, as you can imagine, it was a real tragedy for the whole family, but that day he gave us all some joy, great pleasure and an abundance of happiness.”

In January, 1988, one of his Bad Tour concert proceeds in Los Angeles are funneled to "Childhelp USA", the largest organization against child abuse.

In February, 1988, the singer’s (inspirational) song, "Man in the Mirror", in partnership with "Camp Ronald McDonald", provides the cancer-plagued children of "Good Times" with its royalties.

On February 24, 1988, two-year old cancer patient, Allan Bufford, held by his mother, Brenda, meets his favorite entertainer backstage in Kansas City, Missouri on occasion of Jackson’s US leg of his first solo world tour, the Bad Tour. The ill boy obtained his doctor’s permission to attend the sold-out show.

On March 1, 1988, (on occasion of the United Negro College Fund's 44th dinner) at a press conference organized by his sponsor, Pepsi, he offers UNCF’s President and CEO, Christopher Edley a check for 600,000 dollars, the entire grossings from his private sold-out benefit concert held at Madison Square Garden in New York City (for the 42 UNCF institutions, including Fisk University), making him one of "UNCF"s most significant donators.

At the 30^th Grammy Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall, New York City, March 2, 1988, he performs “The Way You Make Me Feel”, as well as gives a powerful gospel performance of “Man In The Mirror”, chanting repeatedly exhortations. “Stand up for your brother! / Stand up for your sister! / Stand up for mother! […]”, cries he, being joined on stage by the New Hope Baptist Church Choir, all in blue gowns. His other background singers include Siedah Garret and Andre Crouch. Jackson is given a standing ovation for his performance, and many ensuing press praises, but he wins no Grammy awards Jackson was nominated at 4 categories.

Cable channel Showtime airs a special on Michael Jackson, titled “Motown On Showtime: Michael Jackson… The Legend Continues” on March 12, 1988. Executive producers are Motown’s Susanne de Passe and Jackson. The program covers his entire career, with a focus on his earlier years with Motown. Three fans are included in the special, winners of an “Ask Michael” contest sponsored by Showtime and MTV; part of the prize was the opportunity to appear on the special, and they also got to tour Jackson’s home and meet with him in one of his concerts in Australia.

In early 1988, Bubbles, Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee pet makes another TV appearance on talk-show “Dick Clark Presents-Live!”. Bubbles arrives with a note from his famous owner, typed on Moonwalker stationery and signed by the entertainer.

In April, 1988, Jackson gives away free-of-charge tickets for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the "Make A Wish Foundation".

In April, 1988, “Weird Al” Yankovic releases his second parody of a Michael Jackson hit single. After “Eat It” (“Beat It” parody), the sequel for it will be “Fat”, a parody of “Bad”, included on Yankovic’s album, “Even Worse”, the cover of which almost exactly replicates “Bad”’s album cover. Jackson, who has a great sense of humor, grants him permission to parody his song, and also helps the film crew gain access to the set for the “Fat” video. Jackson enjoys the video so much, that he orders twelve copies for his friends. Yankovic tells one interviewer: “He doesn’t have to let me do this kind of stuff. He doesn’t need the additional royalties. The only reason he would let me is that he has a sense of humor. It is heartening to find somebody that popular, talented and powerful who can really take a joke”.

On April 27, 1988, after four years in the works, Michael Jackson’s autobiography, “Moon Walk” is finished, released and published by Doubleday, and has been edited by friend Jacqueline Onassis. It is written in a highly unpretentious style and in it, he discusses his childhood, his career starting with the Jackson 5 era, dispels a few persistent rumors made against him along the while, and shares a few details of his private life (largely speculated upon by the media), such as him not being gay or the strained relationship between him and his father. He also describes himself as being “one of the loneliest people in the world”. The first manuscript of the book has been put together by Robert Hillburn, however will be refused by Doubleday, due to its lacking in juicy details. Stephen Davis will be the next to help Jackson put the book together, however the singer will substantially edit Davis’ manuscript, due to its sensationalistic feel. In the end, Jackson writes the book himself, with a little help from Shaye Ayreheart.

In the spring of 1988, Michael Jackson moves out of his home in Encino, California, which he has shared with his parents, brother Randy, and sisters La Toya and Janet since approximately 1971. He has purchased a 2800 acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California for the reported price of 28 million dollars, while other sources say it was closer to 17 million. The grounds of his ranch consist in a mansion, guest house, tennis courts, lakes, streams, thousands of oak trees and a large space for his menagerie. Shortly before purchasing his new home, his Encino house is used for an auction of artwork, the 2 million-dollar proceeds from the auction going to the “South African Council of Churches” for housing, clothing and medical supplies. The auction is hosted by actress Whoopi Goldberg; Jackson was not at home at the time.

On May 22, 1988, he visits the "Bambini-Gesu" children’s hospital in Rome, Italy, where he signs autographed pictures and delivers sweets, records and moral comfort to the ill children, among whom 13-year old heart-transplant patient, Nunzia Glaccio. Jackson signs a check for 100,000 pounds to the hospital.

In 1988, he presents an idea for a new toy to Matel, a transformer type of toy which looks like an animal. He enjoys his visit to the factory, meeting the company’s toy designers, watching them work. “There were stars in his eyes”, one employee says of Jackson. His idea, however, was rejected. That same year, he is said to be contributing to the design of a multi-million dollar waterpark for the grounds of the mirage hotel and to the organization of Jackson Attraction, which is to house Michael Jackson souvenirs and memorabilia. He creates the attraction and attends interviews held by the president of Golden Nugget for reporters to see the 3100 room hotel.

In 1988, Jackson’s signed fedora is given away on occasion of a music celebrity auction advantaging the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research", the hat being sold for over 4,000 dollars.

In the summer of 1988, there is a request made in Malaysia by some officials there that Michael Jackson perform to raise money for the Welfare Fund, which distributes money to children’s homes and charities. The Ministry asks the cabinet, but reject their offer.

Around 1988, Jackson has his giraffe, Jabbar shipped to California in Encino from a breeder in Missouri, and he applies for a state permit from the Fish and Game commission to keep the giraffe – neighbors complaining of the smell from Jabbar’s pen. Years before, at Hayvenhurst, neighbors also would complain of the noise his three peacocks at the time, Winter, Spring and Summer would make when mating. Jabbar grows to become a movie star like Bubbles the chimpanzee, appearing in Pee Wee Herman’s “Big Top Pee Wee”. Jackson has given Herman permission to use any of his animals that he wanted to in his film after agreeing to follow all instructions for their caring. Jabbar later will get a playmate in June 1989, Mahali, for his Neverland Ranch, which he purchases from the Sedwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, for 15,000 dollars. With the help of trainer Bob Dunn, Bubbles the chimpanzee will be taught to do several tricks: going to the toilet, flushing it himself, kissing pictures of himself, playing dead, blowing bubbles, moving his lips like he is talking, joining pillow fights, sticking his tongue out, giving the high fives, riding a horse, rollerscating, imitating his owner’s famous moonwalk dance. Bubbles also appears in a film, “Back To School”, by Rodney Dangerfield. Michael Jackson will also rescue a gorilla, Ivan, having spent 25 of his 28 years in a cage at Tacoma, Washington’s B&I’s shopping mall. He adds to his collection a baby lion, who first went to a trainer before joining his fellow zoo mates; most of his animals are harmless, having been declawed and no longer having venom.

On July 16, 1988, he meets Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales before his "Bad" concert in London, and presents a check for 150,000 dollars for the "Prince’s Trust" (an organization addressing disadvantaged children), as well as one for 100,000 pounds for the "Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital" in the U.K. Jackson also presents the royal couple gives with Bad Tour jackets for sons Prince William and Prince Harry; he also presents them with a framed set of cassettes and compact discs of solo albums “Off The Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad”. “I was so excited at meeting the royal couple. I’m very very happy that they came to watch me perform. I thought the Princess was just wonderful.”, says the singer following the meeting. Originally, Jackson didn’t wish to perform “Dirty Diana” in order to not offend the Princess, but she told him that is one of her favorite songs and that he should perform it, which the singer eventually does.

On July 20, 1988, he visits critically ill children and their parents at the "Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital", where he spends longer time with the less critical patients, reserving words of comfort to them, reading them stories and delivering presents, including albums, signed photos and T-shirts. He associates himself with the "Wishing Well Fund" for sponsoring the contruction of a novel unit, as part of the "Hospital for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street, London, England. Notably, 9-year old Neil Clark, having undergone live-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour – and originally not scheduled to see the popstar – is visited by the singer, the boy’s father declaring with gratitude that the visit "cheered my son up". 4-year-old Joanne Doeffer, having undergone a throat operation and breathing through a special tube, was visited by the star, the meet-and-greet prompting her to struggle and say "Thriller" to a delighted Jackson.

In July, 1988, on occasion of a ceremony honoring the singer in England, Jackson is accompanied by 10-year old Jimmy Safechuck, a young American orphan he had taken under his wing. At Hamley’s in London, the world’s largest toy store, he shops with Safechuck and purchases computer games, over twenty dolls and teddy-bears, and six puppets: three Stevie Wonder ones and three of himself. He also wishes to purchase a carnival for the backyard of his ranch, offering 2 million dollars to John Carter’s Steam Fair; however, Carter isn’t interested in selling it, thus Jackson’s offer is declined.

On his 30th birthday in 1988, on August 29, he delivers a concert to the "Give For Life" charity in Roundhay Park, Leeds, England, the benefit concert’s 130,000-dollar grossings favoring immunization programs for 40,000 children. He also presents a check for 65,000 pounds to the mentioned charity-organization.

Michael Jackson lends his song, “Beat It”, for use in a Flinstone Kids cartoon special encouraging children to avoid drugs. “The Flinstone Kids” airs in September, 1988. In it, little Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty work odd jobs to earn money for tickets to a Michael Jackon concert. They finally make it to the concert and see Michael Jackstone singing new lyrics to “Beat It” about not needing drugs: “They told the girl / Why don’t you step over here? / You wanna be cool, / Take a look in here. / They wanna do drugs / And their words are really clear, / So beat it! / You don’t need it! (Say no!) / You don’t need friends / Doing things that are wrong, / There’s lots of kids like you / Who are cool and strong, / It might be kinda tough, / But you can move along, / So beat it! And say it ain’t fair, /Don’t mean it! / Don’t need it! / Just say no to drugs! / Defeat it! Have a life that’s happy, / A future that’s bright, /You make it happen,/ Drugs are wrong / And you’re right./ Just beat it! / Just beat it! (Say no!) / And defeat it! / Now, Moms and Dads. / You ought to listen to me: / To be a kid today, / It ain’t easy. /Just make your home and family / A loving place to be. / So beat it! Send it riding a wave!” Sister La Toya also contributes to the special with “Just Say No” from her album, “LaToya”.

On October 23, 1988, the performer also signs a check for 125,000 dollars, to Mr. Esther Edwards and Motown founder, Mr. Berry Gordy, finance sustaining the maintenance of the "Motown Museum Historical Foundation" in Detroit, Michigan, the highest amount of money donated up until that time to the museum; Jackson also donates a black fedora, one of his rhinestone gloves and a stage costume dating from 1972.

Later that year, ITV Telethon disseminates 4000 Michael Jackson concert tickets to the "Hospital for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street, London, tickets valued at 200,000 pounds; the entertainer, accompanied by a number of patients, visits the institution and the children charged therein, as well as reads a story to the less affected patients, comforts them verbally, poses for pictures and hands out dozens of presents to them.

In December, 1988, he visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg, doused with kerosene and severely burned 5 years before by his father during a custody conflict; the boy had suffered an estimated 50 reconstructive operations, yet, remained disfigured. Afterwards, the singer visits the injured youth more times, and pays for the necessary further operatory interventions.

On January 10, 1989, at the completion of his Bad tour, the "Children’s Wish Foundation", in association with Jackson, donates 100 tickets to critically ill children for each concert.

* During his Bad World Tour (as well as other tours of his), he is joined backstage prior to his concerts by children with illnesses from the respective local areas of his performances, with whom the entertainer would pose for pictures and sign autographs to, often, the singer spending time purchasing and assembling playthings he would personally deliver to them the following day, according to Seth Riggs, Jackson's vocal coach. Jackson invites underprivileged children to watch him perform, and contributes to hospitals, orphanages, and other charities. At every Bad Tour concert (at least in the United States) he makes sure that 400 tickets are being reserved for underprivileged children. These tickets will be distributed across hospitals, orphanages and charities. Jackson also donates concert takings to multiple causes. He also brings out several children on stage to dance at the end of each Bad Tour concert. They are usually chosen at each stop from local hospitals or charitable organizations, such as “Make A Wish Foundation”. Then he joins in, dancing like them. While in Los Angeles, California, he also brings young Jimmy Safechuck on stage.

On February 7, 1989, Michael Jackson visits each classroom from the "Cleveland Elementary School" in Stockton, California, the parents of the children at the nearby Central United Methodist Church, as well as the children checked in the hospital, 3 weeks after a gunman had fired 100 bullets into a playground, then committing suicide. 5 children were murdered and 39 injured during the attack. The pop star arrives to comfort the surviving children by giving them the confidence to view the world more positively subsequently to the traumatic experience. 8 year-old Thahn Tran, who had lost his younger brother during the massacre, speaks about the effect Jackson’s visit had on him: "I didn’t want to go back to school, but Michael made it all right again. If he goes there, it must be safe. Michael is my friend and I’m very glad.", sharing the sentiments of other children there, according to Diane Batres, a counselor from the district support unit. In addition to making another visit to the nearby church hosting the injured ones from the attack and the parents of the dead – to whom he offers words of sympathy, signs plaster casts on the wounded youngsters’ legs, while chatting and joking to them -, he makes another stop at the "San Joaquin General Hospital", and talks to two wounded children under treatment there. 7-year-old Alice Montejano says, while raising her autographed picture: "I’m not frightened about going back to school now, because Michael will keep all of those bad men away". Afterwards, Michael Jackson says the following to the children in the mentioned hospital: "You are very brave. When you are better, perhaps you will come and visit my private zoo." Vice-Mayor of Stockton, Ron Coale, has this to declare on Jackson’s goodwill visits: "Words cannot say how much turmoil this town had been through over the past few months. Michael Jackson’s visit has helped us to try and overcome it a little."

On March 5 1989, he receives 200 children from "Saint Vincent’s Home for Dysfunctional Children" and "Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs to the Circus Vargas" institutions into his newly constructed mansion at the time, Neverland, introducing them to his private zoological garden.

He contributes to the creation of a new California Raisin commercial which first airs in theaters in July 1989, and on TV in September, and it features a claymation of Michael Jackson. The claymation dreams of being ‘Michael Raisin’, who performs “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, by Marvin Gaye. His singing voice isn’t used in the ad, because of his exclusive contract with Pepsi at the time, but his speaking voice is. The singer acts as a model for the claymation figure and contributes to the creation of six other backup raisins. He receives 25,000 dollars for his contribution to the ads, which he donates to charity.

On November 13, 1989, Jackson performs song "You Were There" (that he wrote for singer Sammy Davis Jr.) for the first and only time, at a musical gala honouring Davis Jr., the event’s funds advantaging the "United Negro College Fund". At the same date, he is reported to host 50 children from "Maclaren Hall" and "Make A Wish Foundation" at his residence, while, via the "Wishes Granted" charity, 4-year-old Darian Pagan, suffering from leukemia, is granted the wish to meet the singer and is, additionally, invited to watch a performance by a group of Canadian acrobats with him.

On December 28, 1989, young HIV victim and activist Ryan White befriends the entertainer, and shares a holiday with him at Neverland Ranch at the singer’s invitation. Following the youth’s swift disappearance, Michael Jackson dedicates song "Gone Too Soon" (from his 1990 "Dangerous" album, composition also performed in loving memory of late Princess of Wales in 1997) as well as the poem: "Ryan White" (from his book, "Dancing The Dream") to him.

The 1990's:

On January 6, 1990, he organizes a festivity for 82 deprived children at his residence via "Childhelp USA, who are offered  a tour of the ranch, games to play, a barbeque for meal and a film representation to watch: "The Little Mermaid" and "Back To The Future II".

On April 4, 1990, while in Washington to receive a humanitarian award on behalf of President Bush, he visits the Children's Museum there; he plays with exhibits and enjoys being surrounded by children. On April 5, following his award reception, he is a guest of honor at the Children's Museum fund-raising reception.

On April 12, 1990, 18-year old activist Ryan White dies from AIDS. He has been treated as an outcast in his home town in Indiana since contracting the disease through a blood transfusion at 14, it has been reported. This will result in him being banned from his school in Kokomo, Indiana as parents would protest. Over 1,500 people attend White's funeral on April 11, a standing-room-only event held at the Second Presbyterian Church on Meridian Street in Indianapolis. White's pallbearers include Elton John, football star Howie Long and television talk show host, Phil Donahue. Elton John performs "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral and also trains the Hamilton Heights High School choir to sing with him. The funeral is also being attended by friend Michael Jackson, seated beside Ryan’s sister, Andrea, and his mother, Jeanne (whom he comforts throughout the service) and First Lady, Barbara Bush. Busloads of Ryan's schoolmates at Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, 25 miles north of Indianapolis, also attend the funeral, which is carried live by ‘Cable News Network’.

On June 3, 1990, he suffers from chest pains while at home in Encino, where he was doing his regular Sunday dance exercises. He is taken to St. John's Hospital and Health Center, and three days after, he is diagnosed with costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage on the front rib cage, suspectedly caused by overexertion and stress. However, the tests performed show no problems with the heart and lungs. Jackson has lost maternal grandmother Martha, Sammy Davis Jr., with whom he was a good friend, as well as young Ryan White, all gone within weeks of each other which have taken toll on him; he also has been immersed in a variety of conflicting projects involving theme parks like Disney or the Universal Studios in Florida. Before being discharged fom the hospital, the singer visits Elizabeth Taylor recovering from a bad case of pneumonia, and after her release a few weeks later, she is invited by her good friend to recover at Neverland.

In July, 1990, he invites 45 critically ill children from the Project "Dream Street", from Los Angeles to Neverland, where they are treated to a tour of his ranch, a meal and a film. The Dream Street program is an organization for children with life-threatening illnesses.

On August 18, 1990, he welcomes 130 children from the "YMCA" summer program in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, treating them to a barbeque meal, video games, a free pair of footgear and the permission to visit his private zoo and watch films.

In September 1990, partners Walter Yetnikoff and David Geffen refuse to allow Jackson to contribute a song to the soundtrack album of film, “Days Of Thunder”, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and released on Geffen Records, Yetnikoff also refusing to allow him to contribute to “Listen Up! The Lives Of Quincy Jones” documentary. Jackson later does contribute to the latter with an off-camera interview; on September 4, 1990, Yetnikoff resigns as CEO and president of CBS Records.

In November, 1990, Michael Jackson invites British lung cancer victim, John Brown, to visit him to his Neverland Ranch in America. The 14-year old jets to Los Angeles, California with sister Michelle. The trip is arranged by “Make A Wish Foundation”. Mother of two, Michelle, has written to them when John was told there was nothing that doctors could do. On the arrangement: “It’s wonderful. This is a fantastic, kind-hearted act. John can’t believe it. Michael is his favorite pop star.”, his sister says. “It’s just in time for John. He knows he is dying and he probably has weeks left rather than months. He’s such a brave lad.”

In December 1990, Michael Jackson’s performance of song “Come Together” is included in “A Tribute To John Lennon” special. Jackson, a big admirer of John Lennon and The Beatles, covered the song for the concert portion of his film, “Michael Jackson: Moonwalker” in 1988. The recording also appears on Jackson's studio album, ‘HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I’ (in a shorter edit), and is performed live at certain concerts during his HIStory World Tour. “Come Together” is a song by The Beatles, written primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon/McCartney. The song is the opening track on the Beatles' September, 1969 album, “Abbey Road” and its history begins when Lennon is inspired by the Timothy Leary’s failed gubernatorial campaign for governor of California, titled "Come together, join the party" against Ronald Reagan, which promptly ends when Leary will be sent to prison for possession of marijuana. Lennon is known to also have been a political activist, having written anti-war anthem, ‘Give Peace A Chance’, and sung by a quarter of a million anti-Vietnam-War demonstrators in Washington, D.C. on October 15, 1969, the second Vietnam Moratorium Day.

In March, 1991, Bubbles stars in an episode of “Father Dowling Mysteries”, as a murder suspect who had been framed. After this role, the chimpanzee has lost his passion for life. Jackson consults chimpanzee expert, Jane Goodall, who suggests he gets Bubbles two female companions and a kinder trainer. Bubbles later starts in a vaudeville act in TV movie, “The Entertainers”.

In 1991, he organizes and hosts a "Chimpanzee Tea Party", in benefit of Jane Goodall’s ape research institute. On May 6, 1991, he also attends Mrs. Goodall’s "International Tribute Benefit".

On June 1, 1991, Temptations' group member, David Ruffin, dies of a drug overdose. Because it has been found that Ruffin was peniniless, Jackson contacts  Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit and makes arrangements to cover a large portion of the funeral costs. He also sends a heart-shaped arrangement of carnations to the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit with the note, "With Love, from Michael Jackson". Jackson was a big admirer of Temptations. He would not attend the funeral ceremony to not divert attention from it.

In June, 1991, the singer is co-chair at an event dedicated to Stevie Wonder, who receives the Nelson Mandela Award. The other co-chairpeople at this special dinner hosted by Bill Cosby are Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Eddie Murphy, Lionel Richie, Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey.

On July 26, 1991, Jackson visits the "Youth Sports & Art Foundation" in Los Angeles, California, (charity addressing drug abuse problems and approaching relief programs for families with gang members), talks to the children there, offers them financial support and a wide-screen television set.

The music video for racially-conscious "Black or White" was first broadcast on November 14, 1991. Along with Jackson, it featured actors Macaulay Culkin (also Jackson’s friend), Tess Harper, and George Wendt, with cameo appearances by the singer’s niece, Brandi Jackson and Wade Robson. The video was directed by John Landis, who previously directed Thriller. It premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million viewers, the most to ever watch a music video. The video shows scenes in which Maasai tribesmen begin dancing like Jackson; so do, in sequence, Thais, Native Americans, a woman from India and a set of Russians. Jackson walks through visual collages of fire (defiantly declaring "I ain't scared of no sheets; I ain't scared of nobody"), referring to KKK torch ceremonies before a mock rap scene shared with Culkin and other children. The group collectively states, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color." At the end of the song, different people dance as they morph into one another (shown as "talking heads"). Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself. The “panther dance’, as it was called, contains complicated dance techniques, sexually suggestive behaviour and physical aggression, which the entertainer would later say they formed an interpretation of the animal instincts of a black panther. MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. The performer is seen smashing shop windows and car window panes reading racist graffiti "Hitler Lives", a swastika, "Nigger Go Home", "No More Wetbacks", and "KKK Rules"). The video also shares the message that “Prejudice is ignorance”. What has not been brought into discussion is the complexity of message behind this video (or other videos of Jackson). The black panther Jackson portrays in the video is a reference to “The Black Panther Party” (originally the “Black Panther Party for Self-Defense”), an African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black people aginst police brutality. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960’s into the 1970’s. The Black Panther Party achieved national and international impact through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960’s and 70’s, as the intense anti-racism of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes permanently altered the contours of American Identity", hence Jackson’s provocative dance testimony in the video. While Jackson does not promote violence, the dance was a ‘free speech’ bodily statement, a venting off against human injustice.

In December, 1991, the entertainer’s company in Los Angeles, California, "MJJ Productions", donate 200 turkey dinners to a number of destitute families.

Before heading for a two-week venture in Africa, the singer pays a visit to a storage facility in Oxnard, California, where a sequined glove of his will sell for 1,000 dollars. Before the auction, he meets with four children, to whom he sings "Man In The Mirror" after one child didn't believe it was truly Jackson singing.

Between February 11 and February 18, 1992 - and on occasion of Black History Month - the artist tours 30,000 miles of the African continent in 11 days (covering Gabon, The Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya and Libreville), where he visits medical centers, schools, churches, children’s housings and educational NGO’s for disabled children. He phones his ranch daily, however, to make sure his property and animals are unaffected by the storms and floods in California at the time. He is reportedly interested in making a film, "Return To Africa", for his own video library. He also gives an interview while in London regarding his visit and more for May's issue of "Ebony" magazine, confessing towards the end, "You know, that's the most I've said in eight years... You know I don't give interviews. That's because I know you and I trust you. You're the only one I trust to give interviews to."

On February 3, 1992, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation" during a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, the mission of the foundation being that to provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and necessities, and improve world’s life standards.

On May 1, 1992, after being rewarded with another "Point of Light" award by President George Bush Sr., the singer visits 7-year old Raynal Pope - other sources at the time, such as Associated Press reporting that the girl's name was actually Raynelle Tucker, severely injured by four dogs March 21 in District Heights, Maryland. He spends forty five minutes with the young girl, her younger sister, Myjan and two of their cousins; they play hide-and-seek, wrestle and dance, after which Jackson poses for pictures and autographs a Beat It jacket.

On May 6, 1992, he pays expenses for young Ramon Sanchez’ funeral, mortuary and cemetery costs and a headstone, illustrating how he is a "point of light" and that each person can help a dispriviliged someone. 9-year old Sanchez  was killed during the Rodney King violent riots in California, while in his kitchen having a glass of milk. His parents couldn't afford to bury him, hence Jackson's aid. The Sanchez family later have the opportunity to thank the singer in the flesh, being arranged for them to visit a studio in Culver City, where he was filming a Pepsi ad. Through a translator, the mother of Ramon tells Jackson that "Ramon was one of your biggest fans. You have helped to make a very tragic time for us more bearable. Your involvement was a pleasant surprise, and we are eternally grateful."

On June 26, 1992, Michael Jackson donates 40,000 DM to then Mayor of Munich, Mr. Georg Kronawitter, as a relief for the needy children residing in the urban areas. On June 29, he visits the "Sophia Children’s Hospital" in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, publicly signing a check for 100,000 pounds for the institution's "Michael Jackson Playroom".

In July, 1992, the performer finances "La Partita del Cuore" ("The Heart Match") in Rome, Italy with L. 821,477,296, and children’s foundations in Estonia and Latvia with 120,000 DM.

On July 25, 1992, while on tour in Dublin, Ireland, he announces a donation of 400,000 pounds, out of his concert earnings, to various charities there. A delay provoked by a malfunction before his Dangerous Tour concert in Leeds, UK, leads to the singer being fined by a national council with 60,000 pounds, that are paid by Jackson to a music charity fund.

On July 29, 1992, the entertainer fetches characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the "Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children" in London, and distributes toys to the ill children there. While in London, he visits one of his favorite comedy actors, Benny Hiil, at a hospital where he was interred for cardiac problems. Jackson excitedly tells him he is his hero, having watched all his work, Hill confessing to Jackson he too is a fan and that he has material of the entertainer which he very much enjoys. Hill dies, however, a few weeks after, and Jackson releases a statement to the press on the set of his video for "Jam": "The world is suffering the great loss of a great talent".

Eric Herminie, a fan of Jackson’s, threatens to jump off the roof opposite the Dorchester Hotel, where the entertainer is staying on his Dangerous Tour concert in London, Britain. “It was worth it.”, Herminie says. “He was fabulous on the phone. I talked for quite a while with him. He sounded a very warm person. He told me not to do it again - to stay together. Of course, I am going to. He basically saved my life. If he hadn’t come out, I obviously would have jumped.”

On July 31, 1992, before performing on his second concert at the Wembley Stadium in Great Britiain, he financially (re)acknowledges the "Prince’s Trust" with a 200,000-pound check. The very year, the first "Heal The World European Children’s Congress" is established in England, the occasion of which 84 children, aged between 8 and 16, have gathered to discuss global issues of imminent interest and their possible solutions. In spite of being down with laryngitis, the artist also participates at "Regent’s College" for several hours.

On August 16, 1992, backstage in Leeds, England, he meets with 6-year-old Nicholas Killen, left visually impaired after a cancer procedure.

In September, 1992, Michael Jackson presents the Queen of Spain’s charity with a sum of 1,000,000 pesetas.

On September 30, 1992, Jackson visits the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" care facility and its children, in Bucharest, Romania, on a halt from his "Dangerous" tour. He spends quite a large amount of time in the orphanage, where 5-year old Alice, whose mother was an employee at the facility, gives to a gracious Jackson a drawing and photo album created by the home's children, which he  patiently browses. Before his concert, he discusses HTWF’s tenets in a press conference, before which a group of children sing "Heal The World" to him. He also finances a playground for 500 homeless children there via Playday, in the amount of 10,000 dollars, and inaugurated by then Romanian President, Ion Iliescu. A portion of the proceeds from this concert is reported to have been directed to the Serbian refugees at the time. During his stay in Bucharest, he also takes time to visit the Snagov Monastery, built by Vlad Tepes, the so-called Dracula; he requests privacy, and spends 6 hours inside, reportedly, in order to pray and explore the building, but agrees to sign an autograph for one of the female journalists waiting outside.

On October 1, 1992, Jackson chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast, the country being known for the large number of children’s housings.

Michael Jackson, along with other celebrities of color, contributes to the financing of director Spike Lee's 1992 film, "Malcolm X", a biographical film about the African-American minister, human rights activist and black nationalist, Malcolm X. The public speaker was shot dead by three men, while speaking to a meeting of Afro-American Unity. The story of the film is based on "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" as told to African-American writer, Alex Haley. Actor Denzel Washington was nominated for an Academy Award For Best Actor for his role as Malcolm X.

On November 15, 1992, a biographic film detailing the Jacksons' life airs on ABC. Although it isn't a superficial representation, some aspects are overlooked, such as patriarch Joseph Jackson's abusive treatment towards his children, certain members of the family indicating he was more abusive than portrayed, as well as more infidel in his marriage. Other areas are also grossly neglected, and some errors also intervene. The film, however, will draw very high ratings.

On November 24, 1992, inside a hangar at "John F. Kennedy Airport" in New York, Michael Jackson monitors the loading of 43 tons of medical supplies, blankets, shoes and winter clothing onto a cargo jet bound for the children of Sarajevo, a war-torn zone in the former Yugoslavia. The Heal The World Foundation teams up with "AmeriCares" to fly the 2.1 million-dollar worth of aid to Sarajevo for distribution by the United Nations. The aid is reported to have been also addressed to the Serbians, Croatians and Muslims in need.

On November 25, 1992, Michael Jackson grants the wish of young David Sonnet, whom he meets via the Make A Wish Foundation, the boy being invited to go along with other children from the foundation to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Sonnet suffered a brain aneurysm at the tender age of 8, leaving him only able to function through a communication device, it helping him convey his thoughts through a specialized computer. Young David had received a ‘Beat It’ jacket from a local charity in a West Palm Beach, Florida, which he wore for his special encounter. Jackson notices it and says “I see you have my jacket on’. Among the activities David did together with his mother at Neverland, he held Bubbles, Jackson’s monkey, rode the Octopus, the merry-go-round and other activities suchlike. Because Sonnet was unable to talk or walk, the two shared an “I Love You” in sign language. A visibly emotional Jackson receives a stuffed lion and a picture of himself from the youngster and tells the boy he would keep his photo in his room. Before this encounter, David Sonnet had written to Jackson on various occasions as a show of support, and the entertainer would write back and include photos and other personal mementos. A hat of his featured in this auction from West Palm Beach was gifted from Jackson to Sonnet, while Sonnet sent a thank you card to the singer, inclusing a wedding card when he married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994. Both times Jackson responded with a signed letter and salutation. According to Debbie Sonnet, David’s mother, Jackson’s music did help him recover of a coma his recovery room was decorated with numerous Jackson photos and his music was played at all times. Sonnet passed away on July 26, 2004.

On December 26, 1992, the singer acknowledges the merits of the "United Negro College Fund", by virtue of which the "Michael Jackson Scholarship Program" had enabled over 200 young men and women to receive qualified education up until that time. Jackson contributes a taped performance of "Heal The World" to Lou Rawls' UNCF telethon, taken from a "Dangerous" concert mixed with footage of Jackson during his journey in Africa.

In 1992, during his Dangerous Tour, Michael Jackson visits Valencia, Spain in a secret trip just to go to the Lladró factory, hosting porcelain figures. Since a young boy, Jackson appreciated their little statues. It is there where he catches site of a delicate Tinkerbell figure, which he kisses. However, the singer will lose the statue on occasion of some 2005 Neverland auctions. In the spring of 2009, Jackson will try to reobtain his beloved statue by phoning Lladró, and will be able to repurchase some statues also lost in the mentioned auctions – he will receives all of them but the Tinkerbell. 2 weeks after calling the factory again and pleading for it, Michael Jackson, unfortunately, passes away. A Facebook group of fans, touched by this story, have launched the online project, ‘Let’s Return Tinkerbell To Michael Jackson’, “to lay next to her Peter Pan” via a Pay Pal donation, the fans involved in this campaign being determined to raise the needed monies – 1,500 Euros to purchase for the entertainer’s three children. They are clarifying, however, that the coveted Disney figure is not the one kissed by the entertainer, it not being out for sale, but belongs to another company working with them and is “100 % Lladró”.

On January 18, 1993, he joins Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers and various other artists, including a choir of children, all conducted by Quincy Jones, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to sing “We Are The World” for a preinaugural celebration of then incoming President Bill Clinton. The new first family, including daughter Chelsea Clinton, later joins Jackson and the other stars on stage. His appearance at the event is unscheduled. Jackson stays at the Madison Hotel and his only requests are for clothes pressing service and strawberry ice cream. “An American Reunion: The 52nd Presidential Inaugural Gala” takes place a day later - January 19 - at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland. Jackson first addresses President elect Clinton on the need for and importance of increased funding for AIDS cure research, then sings “Gone Too Soon” - in memory of his friend, late activist, Ryan White, and “Heal The World”, accompanied by a large group of children. He dedicates the song to "all the children of the world". He then joins the other performers at the event, including Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Elton John and Barry Manilow, for a finale led by reunited music group, Fleetwood Mac, singing one of their songs, the optimistic “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)”, a song about living each day in positivity, discarding past negativity.

In January, 1993, Jackson is involved in the creation of a new version of the video for “Man In The Mirror” - “Portrait Of Change” - is shown on MTV, with footage of the Presidential campaign and some of the areas needing the most changes: poverty, homelessness and the environment.

On January 26, 1993, at a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, a novel U.S. Children’s Relief Initiative, "Heal L.A.", is announced by Jackson, a collaborative effort sustained by "Cities in Schools", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", "BEST Foundation", "Watta Health Foundation", and "Partnership for a Drug Free America", with the mission to battle urban-area troubles and those of their young denizens through instructive programs featuring AIDS prevention, a substance-free living, as well as counseling and immunization campaigns.

On January 31, 1993, Michael Jackson performs at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California for Superbowl XXVII’s halftime of Dallas' 52-17 trouncing of Buffalo, this raising NBC's halftime rating higher than the Super Bowl action before it. Unlike many previous years, he was the only performer in the entire halftime show and his set included message-oriented songs such as "Jam" (with the beginning of "Why You Wanna Trip On Me"), "Billie Jean" and "Black or White". The finale featured a video montage showing Jackson participating in various humanitarian efforts around the world, and a choir of 3,500 local Los Angeles area children singing "We Are The World", later joining Jackson as he sings his single, "Heal the World". A giant inflatable Globe also rises on the center of the stage, as is the case with each Dangerous and later HIStory concert. The foundation’s initiative, “Heal L.A.” is launched in conjuction with his appearance at Superbowl XXVII. The NFL pays performers only for their expenses, but it donated 100,000 dollars to Jackson's ‘Heal the World Foundation’, named for one of the songs he sang at halftime. Radio City’s Music Hall marketing and special events expert, Arlen Kantarian, declares shortly after the singer’s demise that he recalls Jackson pushing to sing newer songs from his then newly released "Dangerous" album, as opposed to older songs like "Billie Jean" and "Black or White." According to Kantarian, Jackson said, "'Billie Jean's' just a tune; it doesn't mean anything,'" and "It's a new world; this has to be about 'Heal the World.'"

In February, 1993, the entertainer sends his condolences to the parents of two-year-old James Bulger, then murdered in Liverpool, Merseyside by 2 older minors.

In February, 1993, in association with "Sega", "HTW" distributes over 108,000 dollars of computer games and equipment to children’s hospitals, housings and charities in the U.K.

In March, 1993, it is announced that Michael Jackson has formed an independent film company dedicated to producing uplifting movies. Michael Jackson Productions, Inc., will donate a share of its profits to the singer’s Heal The World Foundation. Another project Jackson is reported to be involved in, also dedicated to children, is a plan to form an entertainment and educational cable television network. Jackson was partners in the venture with former junk bond king, Michael Milken.

In March 1993, "The Rock & Roll Cookbook", by Dick and Sandy St. John, is published, and includes recipes from various rock stars. Included in the book is a recipe for Maple Pecan Butter Cookies that Michael Jackson contributed. It does not reveal, however, how often he made these cookies.The same month, the singer wins approval from officials in Santa Barbara County to build a twenty acre breeding ground for apes, white tigers, bears, llamas, snakes and other animals on his then Neverland Ranch.

On April 14, 1993, Michael Jackson visits the Hasbro toy factory in Powtucket, Rhode Island to witness how toys are made; he checks out the production line and fun room where toys are tested, as well as visits with children and signs autographs for them.

In 1993, Michael Jackson heads a list of the music industry’s Who’s Who participating on comedy actor and occasional singer Eddie Murphy’s third musical album, ‘Love’s Alright’, “JET”’s April 23 issue reveals. A variety of charities would benefit from proceeds from the sales of the Murphy-written single, ‘Yeah’, and it features voices as Michael and Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, Julio Iglesias, Luther Vandross or Garth Brooks. The single’s proceeds would be funneled through Murphy’s “Yeah Foundation”, which he founded soon after the single had been recorded. Eddie Murphy’s album, ‘Love’s Alright’, also features a duet between himself and Michael Jackson, titled “Whatzupwitu”, the video for this song being released that year. The song, featuring the Boys Choir of Harlem, bears the message that man and the world are God’s creations and He is the overseer of all, both good and evil, and the video is a light-hearted look at Murphy and Jackson singing and dancing against a backdrop of blue skies, clouds, hearts, birds and flowers. Jackson, who featured Murphy in his “Remember The Time” short film, agreed to be a part of the two mentioned projects.

On April 26, 1993, as part of his "Heal L.A." tour, Jackson pays an unannounced visit to the "Watta Health Foundation" and two school centers from "Los Angeles South Central", where he engages in discussions with the children and the service staff providers of the immunization, mentoring and drug-abuse prevention programs. He also poses for pictures with the children in need of the mentioned programs, and embraces them. Jackson's "Heal L.A." and "Heal The World Foundation" will provide much needed funding to many inner-city organizations, including to the "El Santo Nino Center" on East 23rd Street, where the singer meets with the children later in the afternoon. His final stop that day is the "Horusman Middle School", where he listens to children boasting of a special mentoring program.

On May 5, 1993, former American President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, and Michael Jackson, then chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, visit Atlanta, Georgia to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive", sponsored by "Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.", "Ronald McDonald Children's Charities" etc., and commissioned to increase the number of children benefiting from local immunization services to over 17,000, by means of a family health care system.

In June, 1993, he announces that "HTW"s total earnings of 1,25 million dollars, along with his  entire "Super Bowl XXVII" proceeds from that year will be funneled to "Heal L.A." to the children having suffered from the Los Angeles’ riots at the time. In the same month, he invites 100 children at his home from "Challengers Boys" and "Girls Clubs" in Los Angeles. The Big Brothers of Los Angeles give Jackson a rocking chair made by a woman who made them for President Kennedy and the Pope. Another group of children visiting the ranch get a sneak peak preview of “Tom & Jerry: The Movie”. The film wasn't scheduled to begin running in theaters until July 30, but the artist received an advance copy from Joseph Barbera.

The entertainer attends an event in L.A., on June 10, where he promotes the "DAREPLUS" program, an initiative to educate children on the dangers of substance abuse.

On June 18, 1993, he pays a visit to a hospital in Washington, D.C. for several hours, speaks to the children and plays chess with them.

“Together For Our Children”, a syndicated special, begins airing in June, 1993. The special was put together to help raise funds for children's immunization. Jackson lends a performance of "Jam" from London's Wembley Stadium to be included in the special.

In early July, Jackson sends Mallory Cyr, an eight year old girl suffering from a rare intestinal disorder, a check and a promise to call. He has responded to a letter writing campaign conducted by school children in Sabattus, Maine. Jackson's note reads, "I am sending you all my loving and caring, Mallory, along with the enclosed gift, which I hope will help nourish you and keep you strong."

The opening act for all of Jackson's Dangerous World Tour concerts was Rozalla, a Zimbabwe native whose 1991 single, 'Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)', was on the Top Ten charts in eight countries. The song's message is that "we are all a family / That should stand together as one / Helping each other", resonating perfectly with Jackson's world-conscious songs and other endeavors.

In August, 1993, "HTW" partners with "Pepsi-Cola Thailand" to endow 40,000 dollars to the "Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's" foundation and to the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, as a sponsorship for school meal programs in the villages of Thailand. In the same month, new ambulances reach "Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children" in Moscow, Russia and the "Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez" in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On September 3, 1993, between his two Dangerous Tour concerts at Taipei's Municipal Stadium in Taiwan, Michael Jackson visits a Toys ‘R’ Us store that closed for two hours for his visit. He spends 4,500 dollars on video games, water pistols and other toys for his nephews who accompanied him to the store; he also spends time with the store manager's children and stops to paint a picture.

The Dangerous tour's next stop was Fukoka, Japan. Jackson arrives in Fukoka on September 7 and performs 2 concerts there. He also visits a school affiliated to a U.S. naval base there. At his September 10th concert in Japan, there is also one special fan who got to see Jackson perform. The artist has flown a terminally ill Dutch boy, 15 year old Martijn Hendricsen, and his two brothers to Japan via “Make A Wish Foundation”. They were driven in a twenty three foot gold limousine to Amsterdam airport to meet with the entertainer and see the concert.

Lois Sheldon, director of a San Diego shelter for women and children with AIDS, decides to withdraw her request to name the facility after Michael Jackson. She has been seeking permission to name the shelter the “Michael Jackson Rainbow House”, but due to the 1993 allegations made against Jackson, Sheldon held back.

On September 20, 1993, during his stay in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jackson visits ill patients at a hospital, speaks to and passes toys to them, waves to an extensive congregation of admirers from his hotel balcony and throws down pieces of memorabilia to them. He also visits the Tsirn Army Base there. Meantime, Jackson’s associate, "Pepsi", warrants 160,000 dollars for the "Ghandi Foundation for Children", resulted from the singer’s concerts in New Delhi, India.

Earlier in October, 1993, Jackson's thirty-five year old cousin, Tony Jackson, dies in a car accident. While he wasn't able to return home for the funeral (being on tour in Mexico, and having been performed surgery on an abscessed tooth), he pays all of the funeral expenses.

In October, 1993, grants totaling in 100,000 dollars are distributed to the "Children's Defense Fund"; "Children's Diabetes Foundation"; "Atlanta Project", and "Boys and Girl Clubs" in Newark, New Jersey, to further the provision of health services for children.

On October 22, 1993, the musician visits a hospital in Santiago, Chile.

On October 28, 1993, Michael Jackson enables 5000 deprived children in Mexico to visit "El Nuevo Reino Aventura Park", home of whale Keiko. In the same month, Jackson passes thousands of concert tickets to the necessitous children of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and provides thousands of such children with another set of tickets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On November 5, 1993, he attends a children’s festivity at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mexico City, dedicated to the homeless ones from the "Tere Alarcon" orphanage.

Towards the end of 1993, Pepsi would sever ties with Jackson, due to the recently made allegations (not resulting in trial) against the singer, him being dropped on unsubstantiated allegations. Many other celebrity pitchmen have been dropped by Pepsi’s advertisers because of negative circumstances, including Madonna, Burt Reynolds, Magic Johnson or Mike Tyson.

In December, 1993, "HTWF", in association with "Gorbachev Foundation USA", renders 60,000 vaccine doses to the impoverished children of Tbilisi, Georgia.

On December 16, 1993, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" offer support to U.K.’s "Operation Christmas Child", the organization’s children airlifting over 100,000 (other sources state 30,000) of 'shoebox gifts' of toys, sweets, school items, photographs, letters and the like to the children in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In 1994, Michael Jackson presents 500,000 dollars to the "Elisabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation".

On January 7, 1994, the pop star organizes, on occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a gala for 100 needy children at his Neverland residence. Meanwhile, "HTWF", with partners "Unihealth" and "Los Angeles Immunization Coalition", disseminate vaccines to the homeless children in Los Angeles, beggared by a damaging earthquake in the area. Moreover, the singer’s "HTWF", along with "Discovery Playthings", hands hundreds of toys to children attending an immunization drive. "Heal L.A.", additionally, donates more than 85,000 dollars to the "Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center", "Casa Rutilio Grande", "Clinica Para Las Americas", "Families in New Directions", "Meeting Each Need With Dignity", "Proyecto Esperanza", "Pueblo Nuevo", and "Vaughn Street Family Center" sheltering the victims of the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley earthquake. Associated with "General Electric", "Lever Brothers" and "Surf Wash", "HTWF" deliver washers, dryers and soap to 25 NGO’s, as well as free laundry services, all for the earthquake-stricken people, in addition, along with "Heal L.A." and "Salvation Army", 400 homeless people and their children are invited to spend a day at "Universal Studios". Michael Jackson and his residence are also hosts to 100 children from the "Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation" in Los Angeles, whom he speaks and plays with, poses for pictures and signs autographs; the children, moreover, watch film "Beethoven's 2nd" with him in his amusement park, and visit his private zoo.

In 1994, 500, 000 dollars in earnings derived from "The Jackson Family Honors" event held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada are pledged to several charities not control by the Jacksons, such as an entertainment industry earthquake relief fund, Friends of Conservation,  and the Library of Congress - American Popular Music Program. Television broadcast fees and ticket revenues of the gala were estimated at 6 million dollars. The remaining 5.5 million dollars are said to be funneled to "Family Caring for Families", a then recent Jackson family NGO. At the mentioned gala fundraiser and tribute to actress, Elizabeth Taylor and music mogul, Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson joins members of his family and other artists, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Celine Dion, Bruce Hornsby, Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick to perform "If You Only Believe", a relief anthem speaking about the blessings of life, regardless of its inevitable perils. The entertainer originally has not wished to be present at the event, only a couple of months before being discharged from a facility where he recuperated following the 1993 false allegations that took a hold on him, but relents to his family's wishes. He takes the stage to present Gordy and Taylor with their honors, after which the two of them each say their speech of support towards Jackson, Gordy stressing, "Michael, I believed in you when you were 9, and I'll never stop believing in you!", after which he embraces a gracious Jackson. The Honors were broadcasted on NBC three days after the taping, on February 22, 1994.

In early 1994, Jackson has reportedly resurrected an earlier project. He was to have contributed a song to the Addams Family Values soundtrack. That song, "Is This Scary", is now being finished along with an extended length video. The video, financed by the artist, was said to cost 6 million dollars.

Michael Jackson is looking at a new home - in Florida, ten minutes from Walt Disney World in Orlando. The massive house was set on an immense piece of property and cost approximately 10 million dollars. Jackson is interested in building a park on the property for children.

In the summer of 1994, "HTWF", in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, "I Have A Dream Foundation", "Best Buddies", "Overcoming Obstacles" and "California One To One", provides 2000 children with tickets to see singer Janet Jackson, the L.A. Laker Jam and The Beach Boys in concert; in the fall of the same year, "Heal L.A." funds implementation of the Los Angeles Team Mentoring Program in six Los Angeles Unified School District Middle Schools, from the South Central Los Angeles and the Pico Union Districts, reaching over 1,000 young people, and utilizing 300 volunteers.

On August 6, 1994, Jackson and then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, visit two children’s facilities in Budapest, Hungary: the Heim Pal Hospital For Children and the Bethesda Hospital. The singer distributes toys to the afflicted young patients, while "HTWF", along with partners "Toys 'R' Us" and "AmeriCares", distribute 20,000-dollar-worth toys, food and provisions suchlike therein. Author of "Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary", Adrian Grant, also present at the facilities, remembers a highlight of this event 10 years later in an interview for a fan magazine: "During the visit, the most amazing thing happened, when Michael brought a smile on the face of a dying 8-year old girl who had lain motionless and silent for weeks. […] [She] reached out and touched Michael’s hand. It was great to see the positive effect Michael’s superstar status could have on a person. […]", says Grant. Jackson also offers to purchase a respiratory machine for the Bethesda Hospital.

In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley visit almost every room in the St. Jude Hospital in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. He hands out toys and signs autographs to the ill children, then stops to chat with some of them. 10-year old leukemia patient, Kristen Sidman (sp) is one of them, whom he tells, while stroking her head, “You are going to get better…”, then adds, “She’s shy as I am – can’t believe it”.

In March, 1995, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" provide specialized treatment to 4-year-old patient, Bela Farkas, who was abandoned by his mother and in need of a liver transplant, the singer also visiting and befriending the boy a year before at the "Bethesda Children's Hospital" in Budapest, Hungary where he was charged, Jackson paying for the ultimately successful surgery expenses and care. He also meets a girl admirer from Krusevac, Serbia, backstage, following his concert in Budapest, and empathizes on the struggles of Serbian people, praising their history to her.

On March 3, 1995, Michael Jackson attends two-year old (murdered) Craig Fleming’s memorial service, pays his surviving brother’s medical costs, establishes a trust fund in benefit of the latter, as well as dedicates song "Childhood" from his "HIStory" album in his memory. He also involves himself in founding the "Community School/Safety Havens Initiative", with the purpose of creating a secure environment for the L.A. students, families and residents, and consisting in after-school activities, namely computer instruction, languages, mathematics and sports. In the mentioned year, "HTWF" brings forth entertainment figures to support "Heal L.A."s initiatives, such as pop/rap singers Kriss Kross (who visit patients at the "George C. Page Children's Hospital Community Health Center", in support of Heal L.A. Immunization Initiative), Raven-Symone and Bryton McClure (who visit students at Bancroft Middle School, in support of Heal L.A. Mentoring Initiative).

In 1995, "HTWF" and "International Rescue Committee" ship two pallets of toys to children in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. The singer further supports the rescue and release of caged dolphins by addressing a plea to authorities concerning proper legal approach on the dolphins’ life standards from zoos and parks. In the meantime, "Heal L.A." continues to support the "Community School/Safety Havens Initiative" by including over 1200 more families to the curriculum and extending its timetable.

On April 18, 1995, "HTWF", "Permanent Charities" and "EC2000" finance transportation facilities for 46 children from 18 countries to attend the "World Congress of Children" ("WCC") held at Neverland, a 3-day seminar and leadership preparation tackling children’s critical issues, such as reports on Switzerland’s child rights, the solutions being submitted by "HTWF" and "WWC" for the "World Summit of Children", during the United Nations’ Golden Jubilee in California. Jackson and his wife at the time, Lisa Presley, welcome the children to the residence. Additionally, "HTW" and "International Rescue Committee" channel 2 boxes of toys to the war regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while, along with "WCC" and "Children's Torch of Hope", convey "WCC"s mission and statement across the U.S. at over 30 events.

Travis Thomas, a 5-year old boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis, wished to meet the entertainer, the issue number 2 of History Magazine reveals in 1995; his wish comes true in June through Jackson and the Make A Wish Foundation, a non-profit group that fulfills the dreams of children suffering from fatal illnesses and which Jackson would support for many years. Travis and his family, along with 20 other seriously ill children, spent a weekend at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and were allowed to roam around the compound’s private amusement park. “The love this man has on his face when he is with these special children is unbelievable. He is one of the kindest and most gentle men I have ever met’, Travis’ mother says. “One evening, we were watching TV and Travis hadn’t eaten for a couple of days. He was on TV”, Thomas recalls, “and we came across the American Music Awards and Michael Jackson… Travis sat up and wanted to eat… He said, ‘I love Michael Jackson, Mama!”.

In the final chapter of a trial that started in 1995, Michael Jackson has been totally cleared of plagiarism allegations brought against him by Italian singer-songwriter Al Bano in 1992. The Rome appeals court has ruled that Michael Jackson was not guilty of plagiarism allegations and didn't steal a part of the melody of Al Bano's 1987 song "I Cigni Di Balaka'' in composing "Will You Be There". In May 1999, a lower court in Rome found Michael Jackson guilty of plagiarism and ordered him to pay court costs. But Michael Jackson's lawyers appealed the decision. In 1999, in a separate civil case inititated by Al Bano and involving the same song, a Milan court will also find Michael Jackson not guilty of copyright infringement.

In December, 1995, "HTWF" and the youth ambassadors of "WCC" address a statement to the "Guardians of the Future" monument in Mexico City, co-sponsored by "EC2000", "Terra Christa Communications", "UNICEF", the mayor’s office in Mexico City and the "Coalition for Children of the Earth".

In 1995, singer, dancer, and choreographer Michael Jackson rehearses for what would have been a concert with “just the man, just the moves, just the music”, a special due for cable-network, HBO, and titled “Michael Jackson: One Night Only”. On August 17, 1995, on occasion of a live-chat interview with his fans (Simulchat), he announces the existence of this project: “I’m doing an HBO special, and it’s intimate. It’s close-up. It will allow me to do things I’ve never done before.” Jackson also rehearsed a special pantomime number for the show with internationally acclaimed French actor and mime, Marcel Marceau and planned to accompany this act with song, “Childhood”, and had other 25 songs planned or performing, notably "Black Or White", "Dangerous", "Smile" and "You Are Not Alone". The concert was set to be aired on Sunday, December 10, 1995, 8 p.m., at New York’s historic Beacon Theater, but it was cancelled because Jackson had collapsed on December 6, while rehearsing for this special due to a severe case of gastro-enteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and was rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center in New York where he remained hospitalized until December 13. William Alleyne II, the artist’s doctor for almost two weeks at the time, speaks for the first time since Jackson’s life-threatening experience, a month after his untimely demise fourteen years after: “Mr. Jackson was in critical condition, Alleyne says. He was dehydrated. He had low blood pressure. He had a rapid heart rate. He was near death. […] Michael Jackson was unconscious when he arrived. I had to make that clear.” Alleyne adds that he found no immune system problems and no drugs while examining Jackson and, eventually, he was stabilized. “Michael Jackson was the most soft-spoken, least demanding guy you would ever want to meet, Alleyne says. Everything he said was a whisper. His biggest concern was could he perform.” Alleyne advised the singer against it. Near the end of Jackson's hospital stay, he asked Alleyne if he could visit other patients in intensive care. Jackson met one lady, gave her an autographed picture after he prayed with her, and the lady told Alleyne, ‘I can die now; I prayed with Michael Jackson’. “I told Mr. Jackson maybe visiting with people who had suffered heart attacks or other serious problems wasn't such a good idea.” Before Alleyne left the hotel that day, Alleyne recalls Jackson telling him: “Thank you for saving my life”. Then Jackson told Alleyne he understood how difficult it had been for a black man to get to such a distinguished position within the medical world, that Alleyne's accomplishments were inspiring to Jackson. “It was very touching, Alleyne says. I will never forget that. That to this day he is so loved comes as no surprise to me. He was very gracious and kind”, Jackson’s former doctor adds. The “One Night Only” show was put on hold and soon after Jackson’s hospitalization, his then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, would file for divorce. Asked about a possible reschedule by a fan during a VH-1 interview in 1996, the artist said there were plans for the concert to still happen in South Africa. The show would, however, not be rescheduled indefinitely.

In 1995, all proceeds from the sales of two French perfumes, "Mystique de Michael Jackson" and "Legende de Michael Jackson", named after the singer, go to charity.

In February, 1996, "HTWF/WCC" youth ambassadors from Mexico exhibit a model for sustainability to the U.N. Habitat II Prep. Committee; later on, the 2 NGO’s attend "Children First: A Global Forum" in Atlanta, Georgia, event hosted by former President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, "Carter Center", and "Task Force for Child Survival", and co-financed by "Rockefeller Foundation", "Annie E. Casey Foundation", "World Bank" and "Heal the World", gathering 360 representatives from 100 countries to discuss strategies on the improvement and development of children’s lives. "HTW" and "WCC" also assist the "Spectrum of Light Youth Conference" in Washington , D.C., with the intention to create new collaborations benefiting a sustainable society in a thriving environment.

On June 21, 1996, Michael Jackson donates his four-time platinum "HIStory" C.D. to the Dunblane appeal in Sevenoaks, U.K.

In 1996, a new drink, "Mystery: fresh-cool-magic", coinciding with his worldwide HIStory Tour, hit the market. The official Michael Jackson product is described as a "healthy and vitalising isotonic mineral drink", "refreshing, fruity, with a touch of fresh peaches", contains "Vitamin C and other vital vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium" and has a "unique pink colour"

On July 18, 1996, Michael Jackson offers a wreath of flowers to honor the victims of the "Apartheid" riots in Soweto, South Africa, and renders a bouquet of white roses, carnations and lilies in remembrance of 11-year-old leukemia victim, Jaymee Bowen. Meanwhile, the highest bid for a Neverland visit on behalf of the star is obtained at the "Cities in School" celebrity auction and, with the aid of radio "KIIS-FM" in Los Angeles, 115,000 dollars are delivered to school pupils.

In September, 1996, the artist is guest of honor at "Hope", the first sports festivity for underprivileged children, where 3000 children and 600 volunteers have participated.

On September 6, 1996, in Prague, Chech Republic, he visits a children’s hospital.

On September 13, in Bucharest, Romania, he gives away toys and sweets to and plays with children from the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" state home, which he also acknowledges with 35 million Lei (1 million dollars) and, along with a number of children, he kneels before a monument dedicated to the victims of the 1989 Romanian revolution. He also is a guest at the Parliament Palace where children give performances for him.

During the HIStory Tour in Warsaw, Poland, on September 20, 1996, Jackson, who had the big dream to build amusement parks the world over, is approached by a local businessman, Jacques Tourel, director of the World Trade Center in Warsaw, to consider Poland as one of the possible places to build amusement parks.

On October 1, 1996, he donates earnings from one of his concerts in Tunisia to the "National Solidarity Fund", charity dedicated to fighting poverty. On October 3, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, he visits hospitals "Ronald McDonald House" and "AMC", interacts with the patients and distributes toys and other presents to them. A unit from one of the hospitals (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Jackson. That month, Jackson also visits a facility for challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, and offers 2000 free concert tickets to them.

On November 1, 1996, Jackson donates most of the proceeds from the HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor. Michael Jackson flew to India in a private jet. Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft, the event management agency that had the airport shut down on his arrival recalls 14 years later: “Michael met the CM and Raj Thackeray. This was followed by an aarti by Sonali Bendre. As he was walking out, a strange incident occurred. A child fell down and Jackson immediately glided over and picked him up. He held him and hugged him with such care like he was the child’s mother.”, recounts Sabbas. “The (1993) allegations seemed all wrong. Michael even shot with 100 children in India for a calendar that he was producing”, he continues. On his way from the airport, he stopped the car several times to dance with the poor. Sabbas adds that Jackson was even willing to postpone his visit for a day or two in India to meet Mother Teresa. But that didn’t work out. Viraf Sarkari, co-director at Wizcraft, recalls that all the celebrities and industrialists wanted to meet him. “We arranged meet-and-greet sessions with him. Michael kept all his commitments. He was a gentle person and met everyone respectfully.” Sabbas echoes the sentiment that Jackson was the easiest international artiste to work with, as he was very humble and the staff very professional. Both directors acknowledge that Jackson had a great spiritual connect with India. Viraf says, “We first met him in Los Angeles to confirm the concert. We were told he is very keen on performing in India. We’d presented him with a Ganesha, a Nataraj and a sherwani. And without requiring any explanation, he said, “Yes, that’s Ganesha, the god of luck.” Even when Bal Thackeray presented a silver statue of Nataraj to Jackson, the star didn’t need the politician’s explanation and said, “Yes, I know, that’s the god of dance and art.” He also visits and endows a children’s home and a school for visually-impaired ones in Bangkok, Thailand with 100,000 dollars, toys and the like in November, 1996.

On November 7, 1996, 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he will also pay a visit on November 16 to children’s hospital, "Starship", room to room, and hands out toys, autographs and C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. The visit lasts for hours, the singer conversing to all the ailing children. He signs autographs to the children, and one cancer-stricken young girl asks the entertainer what it is like being a superstar, to which he humbly replies: "Hmm... I don't know.. I really don't. 'Cause I don't remember not performing, so it's fun to make people happy... It really is." Another boy tells him his favorite song is the singer's 1972 "Ben". When asked by a reporter how the looks on the patients' faces make him feel, he replies, his hand on his chest: "It touches my heart. I love them very much.", after which he shakes hands with the boy asking him about "Ben", then adds, hand on chest again: "It's heart-touching." "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.

In November, 1996 Michael Jackson pays a visit to the "Prince of Wales Hospital" in Brisbane, Australia, a housing of children with cancer and heart conditions, asthma and various tumors, in which he delivers autographs and toys to over 75 children. He also visits a children’s facility in Sydney, where he similarly acknowledges more patients, as well as 6-year old severely burned victim, Tjandamurra O’Shane - doused in petrol and set alight in the grounds of a primary school by an Adelaide man - at a hospital in Australia, on a halt from the HIStory tour.

On November 26, 1996, Jackson visits the "Royal Children’s Hospital" in Melbourne, Australia, where he delivers toys to and signs autographs for the children.

On December 7, 1996, on occasion of the annual Orphans Christmas Party held at the Manila Hotel in Manila, Phillippines, he donates toys to 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila, signs autographs and speaks to the medically cared for children; additionally, he makes known that a portion of his concerts will be used for renewing the hospital facilities. A young orphan boy present at the event says: “I got separated from my mom and siblings. That's how I ended up in an orphanage... […] I became happier [after I had received the gifts from Michael]… It feels like… the sadness is gone. I’m not sad anymore.” Then P.R. officer at Manila Hotel, Gwen J. Cariño, offers a detailed insight on her blog regarding the event and its preparations alongside Jackson himself, shortly after the susperstar’s untimely passing in 2009: “Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. […] It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him. “Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I’m early ’coz I didn’t want to miss the program.” I said, “Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here’s what Michael, why don’t you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit.” He replied, “Sure, anything you say… (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!” […] Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn’t believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori’s dance number. Later, his back up singers and dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael’s face was just amazing. […] He later showed me and [security] Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. […]”

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Michael Jackson visits the Children’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan around 1996, signs autographs and hands over more than 200 toys to them.

On January 25, 1997, the musician waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO educating children dwelling in slums - ”Shiv Udyog Sena” - the sum also helping to create jobs for 270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay, the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20 minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.

Michael Jackson performs at a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor for her AIDS benefit concert in Los Angeles, California, aired on February 27, 1997, and titled "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth" by ABC – TV.

In April, 1997, the singer donates the entire 1-million-pound profit of a British publication (it previously providing erroneous information on the birth of his first son), releasing selective photographs of the new-born son to charity.

On April 19, 1997, he arrives in Paris, France at the Grévin Wax Museum for the inauguration of his wax figure there. A huge legion of fans welcome the singer, that the Grands Boulevards had to be closed off by the police, in collaboration with the Grévin Museum. After greeting the excited crowd and signing autographs to fans for over 10 minutes, Jackson and his entourage enter the Museum. French mime, Marcel Marceau makes a surprise appearance at the unveiling of Jackson’s wax figure and performs a panthomime act for the entertainer. He imprints his hands in clay, as well as offers one of his “HIStory” triple platinum record to the Museum. On exiting the building, Jackson once again greets his many admirers and signs autographs for more than 15 minutes. Melissa, a young girl brought by he parents beyond the safety barriers, runs to him happily and hands him a photo to be autographed. He dedicates the photo to the girl and she runs off, only to return to him three more times, Jackson eventually taking her in his arms and waiting for her parents to take a picture. He also acknowledges a fan in wheelchair, bends down to her level and signs an autograp, after which reaches out to kiss her both cheeks.

Michael Jackson returns to Warsaw, Poland in an unofficial, but elaborate visit on May 28, 1997, to explore the possible venues for his new project. The local politicans are amazed, therefore decide to support the 500-million dollar investment. Rough estimates place Jackson’s intended contribution at 100-300 million dollars. A June 1, 1999 date is scheduled for the opening. While in Warsaw, his first stop there was the President’s Palace of Wilanow, which he tours alongside Professor Marek Kwiatkowski, and converses with the former President’s wife, Jolanta Kwasniewska, who expresses hope that the singer’s plans for Poland all materialize. The President of Poland at the time, Aleksander Kwasniewski, hands a plaque over to him on behalf of the city of Warsaw and they embrace. The singer shows interest in the interior decorative frieze of the Palace, as well as in the monument of King John III Sobieski. Then, Jackson visits the ‘Bristol Hotel’ and a high school, Batorego, which he tours for 15 minutes, without disturbing examinations taking place at that time. His third stop is the ‘Warsaw’s Kings Bathrooms”, enjoys the peacock, a movie on Warsaw, and tours the ‘Palace on Water’. He attends a piano concert - a Chopin recital at the Theatre of Stanislaw, after which the Major of Warsaw, Marcin Swiecicki, presents him the keys to the city and effigy of mermaid. Both Jackson and Swiecicki, furthermore, sign a letter of interest in which both parties agree to prepare for the contructions of a theme park of the first kind there. He even will set up a company in Delaware under "MJJ Poland Inc". He also attends a special dance show put together by patients from the Children’s Hospital on Litewska Street. That day, he will shop for children at the “Kidiland” toy store, reportedly in the amount of 670,000 dollars, then fly to Lubiaz by helicopter to visit the “Cistercian Order Palace” for 45 minutes; Jackson expresses will of having the two-story baroque building renovated and leased; he tours with same Professor Kwiatowski, very impressed by the singer’s knowledge on Polish relics. The plans to build the amusement park on a nearby military airport have won approval from state officials in February, 1998, meantime the entertainer asks Landmark to draw up sketches for the proposed theme parks, however, following the project’s approval and a huge hiatus, the army owning the airport does not agree to make it available for the park, and other two grounds pointed out by the government will also be denied due to local protests. The Polish government abandons this project altogether and nothing will come out of it.

On June 18, 1997, he signs "Children in Need", a book auctioned by UNESCO.

* Jackson invites underprivileged children on stage with him in each city included in his Europe "HIStory World Tour" during world-awareness songs such as "Heal The World", similarly doing so during his "Dangerous World Tour".

* Jackson has also acknowledged his admirers and supporters throughout the years while during his tours, on occasions of events such as fan gatherings, displaying his appreciation to them by means of paper notes he would cast down from windows including, greetings, pillows and blankets. Food (such as pizza or hot chocolate), candles and the like, were delivered at his request by trucks, to each individual, and he would occasionally be inviting a few of them for a visit inside his hotel rooms for pictures and autographs. He would, additionally pay the costs for hotel accomodations for some (i.e.: in New York, following the September 11 terrorist attacks). A variety of groups (varying from families in need to his own supporters) would also be allowed to visit his mansion and its vicinities in California, including in his absence over the years, where they would help themselves with food and other facilities, as reported and/or witnessed.

* At a non-accurate date, Michael Jackson visits, offers a computer to and pays for the medical costs of a 4-year-old girl and admirer of the star at a hospital, the child being gravely injured by a dog in Washington, D.C.; in addition, he makes a discrete appearance at the funeral of two children in South Carolina, drowned in a car by their mother, for whom he speaks in their memory and pays for the last rites’ expenses.

On July 28, 1998, he mentions the establishment of "Michael Jackson Japan Co.Ltd.", the purpose of which being the construction of theme parks and toy selling around the world.

In September, 1998, Michael Jackson befriends 5-year-old cancer-ailing Aza Woods at the "Hilton Hotel" in Las Vegas, displays the "Star Treck: The Experience" show to him and invites him to his ranch, helping with his healing stages. Jackson also participates at the "Southern Africa Economic Summit" from Windhoek, Namibia, an annual event considering the formation of a newly competitive Africa, and while on a visit to Namibia, Jackson announces his plans to build a leisure complex and shopping centers in the impoverished country.

In 1998, he writes and produces song "Children’s Holiday" (translated in Japanese by "Yasushi Okimoto"), a charity anthem and number-one single in Japan performed by a Japanese group, J-Friends and a children’s choir, all revenues of which being used in aid of the victims (and their families) of a devastating earthquake in Kobe City, Japan, in January, 1995. Jackson also gives world-relief song, "People Of The World", to J-Friends, which they would perform on various platforms.

On December 12, 1998, Michael Jackson attends the Grand Opening of Sun International's US "Royal Towers” of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where, surrounded by children, he shyly performs single "Heal The World". The resort was created by South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and Kerzner International Limited. Other performers were Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, N-Tyce, Tevin Campbell, James Ingram, Stephanie Mills and many more.

In March, 1999, the entertainer negotiates with a consortium led by Malaysian entrepreneur, Abdul Rahman, to donate a certain amount of money to help create four African universities in Tunisia, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, which would be named after him.

In May, 1999, Jackson is involved in the "Pavarotti & Friends for War Child" charity concert in Modena, Italy, event ultimately earning 1 million dollars for "United Nations High Commission for Refugees", an NGO benefiting refugees from Kosovo, with the help of the "Safe Children" project. The singer could not be present at the event on health purposes of his son, the late tenor performing Jackson’s "We Are The World" with the event’s artists for the finale in his absence. At an uncertain date, Jackson is said to have recorded a compact disc in honour of late Princess Diana, together with singer Paul McCartney and late tenor, Luciano Pavarotti.

On May 9, 1999, the pop star participates, alongside other artists, in the "No Boundaries" relief album, the proceeds of which being intended to provide food and shelter for the Kosovo victims.

On June 10, 1999 the first "Michael Jackson Dance Studio" (previously in the media announced as the “Michael Jackson Entertainment School”) is opened in Tokyo, Japan.

On June 28, 1999, while performing “Earth Song” on top of a bridge (more than 27 feet above the ground) on occasion of the benefit concert, “MJ & Friends” in Munich, Germany (for more details, visit Speeches and Statements at the said dates), the upper part of the bridge collapses, no longer being held by engines and only stopping from falling free by the cables that were attached to it. Jackson was standing on the steel footbridge when it fell down and violently hit the ground below stage level. Most of the audience didn't notice the accident and thought it was part of the show. The singer, visibly shocked, manages to climb back on stage and carries on his performance of “Earth Song” without showing signs of pain or distress, ending the song with a usual routine, consisting of a tank being brought on stage, a soldier pointing his gun to a little girl, her offering him a flower of peace and causing the soldier to break down in tears. Michael Jackson suffers chest injuries during the accident, as reported by German newspapers the following day, as well as back strains, causing the singer pain which would become severe in times of abrupt movements or high stress (such as his 2005 trial, when he was visibly suffering from them). His longtime make-up artist, Karen Faye, later recounts the frightening experience: “[…] Backstage, there was crying and screaming, only the crew and performers knew there was something desperately wrong. From our vantage point we had lost sight of Michael, as the bridge had fallen below the front of the stage. My heart stopped beating, while in the strong arms of a perplexed security guard. Even though the show continued for everyone else, time stood still for me as I could not imagine how Michael could have survived such a fall. But slowly, and after what seemed like an eternity, as the music and applause continued, I saw one arm reach for the floor of the stage...then a long lean leg, another arm, another leg...he was up, center stage... finishing the end of Earth Song! My mouth dropped open in relieved amazement . Looking dazed, he made his way to our side of the stage. "Michael, sit down...." "No!" He demanded. “Security... please get him to the hospital!" I was begging. "No!" He grabbed the microphone and ran out to finish performing "You Are Not Alone". I could not believe what I was witnessing. He finished the song, took his final bow, and returned once again to his stage dressing room and then... collapsed. Security whisked him off to a hospital in Munich. […]Once back in the hotel... I started making the phone calls to find out how he was. I got the reports that nothing was broken, but he was badly bruised, and his back was very badly strained. It had been a miracle. Being the performer he was, he knew how to land. […] He was better. I asked him...why did you continue? I cannot believe you were able to do that. "You know […], the only thing that I heard in my head was my father's voice saying to me, ‘MIichael, don’t disappoint the audience!’”

On September 4, 1999, at the 4th Kora All-Africa Music Awards in Sun City, South Africa, Michael Jackson presents Mr. Nelson Mandela and his "Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund" with a check for 1 million rand (166,400 dollars, - a portion of the proceeds from the "Michael Jackson and Friends" concerts from June 25, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea and June 27, 1999 in Munich, Germany), the former President declaring the following on the donation: "The trustees of the Children's Foundation and myself would like to express our deepest appreciation to our friend, Michael Jackson. He is a supporter of worthy causes and I'm happy that the foundation is tonight one of his benefitions (sic). [...] And the contribution of Michael Jackson, I hope, will inspire people not only in our country, but throughout the world, to follow his example and to bring a measure of happiness to our children. [...]" In addition, the 3,3-million-dollar grossings of the "Michael Jackson and Friends – The Adventure of Humanity" benefit concerts held in Seoul, Korea and Munich, Germany, advantage "UNESCO", "Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund" and "International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies". "What More Can I Give" is the key-phrase utilized in these concerts – "the concept of giving" - , and a child’s face is shown on the videotron screens during certain parts of the Munich concert.

On December 4, 1999, Michael Jackson attends singer Whitney Houston’s Fund Raising Event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.

In late 1990’s, the superstar partners with Burbank-based ‘Landmark Entertainment Group’ — the creators of the Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure and the Jurassic Park water ride at Universal Studios Orlando — to draft a plan for ‘Peter Pan’s Neverland’ theme park. Michael Jackson dreamed of a theme park based on the J.M. Barrie story of “Peter Pan”, complete with looping roller-coasters, 3-D flight simulators, water rides, stunt shows, dinner theater, night-time spectaculars and hotels. The concept looks remarkably similar to Disneyland past and present, with all the Peter Pan parts of the park (pirate ship, dark ride, skull rock) amplified and embellished with plenty of pixie dust. ‘Peter Pan’s Neverland’ envisioned a grand entrance into Victorian London with replicas of Kensington Gardens, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. On Neverland Island, reached by boat, there were six themed lands: ‘Lost Boys Woods’, ‘Mermaid Lagoon’, ‘Indian Village’, ‘Pixie Kingdom’, ‘Pirate’s Village’ and ‘Future Zone’. No price tag or location was ever announced for the ambitious project, and the partnership dissolved after a few years.

The New Millennium:

In January, 2000, Michael Jackson performs at the "Evening of Stars" telethon, organized by the "United Negro College Fund", the event collecting 13,5 million dollars.

On January 22, 2000, Jackson, alongside other artists, engages in financing the restoration of the "Chateau de Versailles" park, 10,000 trees from which being demolished in a tempest, and donates certain items to the 4th annual online auction by the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research".

On September 19, 2000, on occasion of an interview for BBC Radio Oxford, London Times' "Millennium Preacher of the Year" at the time, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, offers some tidbits on then friend, Michael Jackson and his "genuine devotion" for children, including his (the Rabbi’s). He recounts that, on occasion of Jackson’s 42 Birthday at his Neverland ranch – to which Boteach and his family were invited – the singer also welcomed a critically ill ten-year old boy, suffering from leukemia, and his family for four days. The singer would treat him to the amusements of his home, speak to him in order to help him gain post-chemotherapy confidence and pays his medical expenses, as in more such cases involving the deprived, Boteach adds, (as part of Jackson’s relief efforts outside the public eye), continuing to say that the pop star would weekly invite hundreds of children from inner city schools for day trips to his ranch, spending "millions of dollars on children who are in need", an affirmation confirmed by the singer himself, by others who have been/were in contact with Jackson and some of the media reports. Moreover, Boteach also recounts that, after reading a piece of news on a critically cancer ailing boy, Jackson asked the staff of a New York hospital to install a telephone in the boy’s room, the singer then phoning the young patient daily, his paedatrician confirmed.

In October, 2000, Michael Jackson and his family support "Wave To The World", an official fund-raising project of the Paralympic Games 2000 in Sydney, Australia, alongside a host of other stars, contacted by project founders, Mark Filby and Stephen White. Jackson puts on an orange "Wave To The World" T-shirt and participates in a video for a song, "Spirit of Life", beside siblings Rebbie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, the latter acting as executive producer of the song. Michael Jackson, later on, invites founder Mark Filby at the Jacksons’ Hayvenhurst residence, into a room filled with memorabilia, dedicated by the entertainer to his family. A video compilation with the participating stars "waving" is, in addition, created, among whom Jermaine Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, mother Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson.

On October 28, 2000, escorted by actress and friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, he attends the "Carousel of Hope" ball  - a fund-raising gala addressing juvenile diabetes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, where he donates a self-painted plate, and a limited-edition poster at the "African Ambassadors’ Spouses" annual gala, organization directed to treating children suffering from AIDS. The "Carousel of Hope" Ball raised more than 6 million dollars benefiting the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Marvin and Barbara Davis, founder of the "Carousel of Hope" evening of charity fund-raising, hosted the mentioned lavish lunch for the out-of-town guests, plus participants in the fundraiser. Among those who stopped by to hug Michael Jackson is Berry Gordy Jr., his discoverer, and Susanne de Passe, as well as Shirley MacLaine, Carrie Fisher, Joan Collins, David Foster, Toni Braxton, Sidney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Neil Diamond, Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sylvester Stallone, Charlotte Church, to name but a few.

On November 20, 2000 the entertainer attends the birthday party of Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in Englewood, New Jersey, USA, and meets young Elissa Mingino, a 7-year old girl suffering from leukaemia. Her biggest dream was to meet with her favourite singer: Michael Jackson.

In December, 2000, a Las Vegas relief project titled "The Way of the Unicorn/The Endangered Ones", and organized by "Big International Group of Entertainment, Inc." is approved in writing - though yet to be implemented - by means of the singer’s printed agreement to place his professional ability into the project.

On December 20, 2000, in thunderous applause, he makes a surprise stage appearance at WKTU 3^rd Annual Holiday Concert, the "Miracle On 34th Street" relief event in Madison Square Garden, New York, alongside other artists who performed their finale with Whitney Houston in the lead, such as Backstreet Boys, Melanie C., Ricky Martin, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton, Marc Anthony or Christina Aguilera. The singer embraces Houston as he enters the stage and shakes hands with all the gathered stars. Jackson addresses a few words to the audience, including a “Merry Christmas” holiday wish and joins the other performers for the encore, but didn't perform solo due to a case of laryngitis. He was a special guest of honor that night.

On February 14, 2001, in New York, Michael Jackson, in association with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and "L’Chaim Society", announces via a seminar, the creation of "Heal The Kids", a HTW campaign lasting a year (2001) with the mission to help parents worldwide rededicate themselves to their children, by providing them with sufficient attending and moral support. Three years afterwards, Boteach declares that the charity completed its purpose.

On March 5, 2001, Michael Jackson has lunch with then friends Uri Geller and Shmuley Boteach in a restaurant in the center of London. Later in the afternoon, he will accompany them to the Royal Institute of British Architects to attend a brief ceremony for the launch of a new book co-written by Boteach and Geller.

On March 7, 2001, the day following his critically acclaimed speech at Oxford University in London, he attends ‘MJ Day 10”, the tenth anniversary fan event and  charity auction from the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in London, even though in crutches due to a severe leg pain. The party has been organized, as always, by Adrian Grant, author of ‘Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary”. A visible hurting, but strong Jackson welcomes the crowd and says a few words on taking the stage in front of 3000 excited fans. The event features 100 performers which Jackson describes as ‘beautiful and incredible’, and is, additionally, a charity auction featuring Jackson memorabilia also unfolds, when a hat, personally signed by Jackson will be purchased for over 1,000 dollars, a personal phonecall by him on a lucky person’s birthday is also out for bidding, in addition to one of his jackets worn at the WMA the year before, and other smaller items which Jackson donates for the ‘Movie For Action’ charity auction; the mentioned NGO is associated with “UNICEF” in projects concerning African children and mothers with AIDS. Other proceeds from the evening go to Michael Jackson's "Heal The Kids" initiative. This fan event will give him the inspiration to develop the show further and in 2005, he will put ‘Thriller Live’ into production alongside Grant.

On March 26, 2001, Jackson delivers books to children attending a theater play in Newark, New Jersey, upon the opening the "Michael Jackson International Book Club", a "Heal The Kids" charitable subsidiary sponsoring juvenile reading and parental reading to children.

On October 21, 2001, Michael Jackson performs alongside a host of other artists his relief songs "We Are The World", "Man In The Mirror" and "What More Can I Give" at "United We Stand: What More Can I Give", a benefit concert  organized by the artist and held at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., and collecting 15 million dollars for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, N.Y. The benefit gig was the third major concert in tribute to the 9/11 attacks. The other two were held in New York City. During the telecast of this show on ABC, there was no mention of Jackson's name and he was always filmed with the rest of the singers in the background; this was because Jackson signed a contract with CBS over the 30th Anniversary Special (from September 10) to not appear under his name in any other program. Jackson recorded the all-star tribute that year, which included stars such as Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, Shakira, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan. But despite the commercial power of such a line-up, Sony Music did not release the song, much the singer’s bewilderment.

The singer dedicates album "Invincible" (released October 30, 2001) to 15-year-old murdered African-Norwegian, Benjamin Hermansen, advising on the importance of not judging a person by race, but by character.

On February 9, 2002, Michael Jackson makes a brief appearance alongside Elizabeth Taylor at the "Art for AIDS" fund-raiser held at Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach, California. At the beginning of the event, commemorative t-shirts signed by various stars including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ringo Starr, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and others have been auctioned. Jackson's, which was signed twice, will go for an amazing 700 dollars. Elizabeth Taylor and him will also briefly appear later at a private 2,500 dollar per plate dinner, also in support of the fund-raiser.

On April 24, 2002, the musician performs at a fund-raiser at "Apollo Theater" in Harlem, New York for the "Democratic National Committee", to launch a campaign aimed at persuading United States citizens to register and where nearly 3 million dollars are collected for the voting registration. Jackson performs "Dangerous", "Black Or White" and "Heal The World" at the said event, the superstar sharing the stage with former president Bill Clinton and singers Tony Bennett and K. D. Lang.The money would be used for the then new "Every Vote Counts" campaign, the committee said. The 1'400 audience members paid up to 5,000 dollars each to see the array of stars.

On September 15, 2002, by means of an auction, the performer donates 16 autographed items (compact discs, videos and a pair of cotton napkins), valued at 3935 Euros, to victims of a flood in Germany, as well as an autographed fedora and a jacket, worn by Jackson at the 2002 American Music Awards, to the "Tribute To Bambi" charitable auction, items calculated at 18,303 Euros and addressing the street children of Germany from "Off-Road-Kids e.V".

On October 12, 2002, as a personal acknowledgement of the gallantry and sacrificial services made by the military in his community, Jackson invites over 200 U.S. Airforce members from "Team Vandenberg" – then recently returned from overseas deployments – and their families to his residence.

Between the 19 and 29 of November, 2002, the "Siegfried & Roy's" celebrity auction takes place, for which Jackson donates an autographed plush bear, benefiting "Opportunity Village" (NGO in charge of the life-expectancy issues of mentally challenged people and their families) with 5,000 dollars, including a jacket auctioned for 16,000 dollars at the "Bambi Charity Event" in Berlin, Germany, on November 21.

In December, Michael Jackson and Bee Gee's member, Barry Gibb, write "All In Your Name", commonly and falsely spread about as "Prayer For Peace", and leaked to the media a few years ago. The song was written in protest of the U.S. plans to invade Iraq. The war in Iraq will eventually break out as a military campaign against "the terrorists" on March 20, 2003.

On June 11, 2003, Michael Jackson returns for the first time in 20 years to his hometown, Gary, Indiana, where, during a news conference with Gary Mayor Scott L. King – who presents him the key to the city, the singer announces he would partner with Mayor King to develop a performing arts center for the city - the 'Michael J. Jackson Performing Arts Center', that would be located in downtown Gary. According to Mayor King, the singer would support the project in any role he felt comfortable with, for instance helping with the design or fund-raising. The implementation of these projects fell through, though, due to the entertainer being charged with false accusations few months later, and a trial period ending with his exoneration. Jackson, then, visits his old home where he grew up, including the Roosevelt High School, where the Jackson 5 perfomed in the 60’s. There, he tells students that "with a will of iron, with perseverance and determination" they „can do anything they want.” He is given presents and made an honorary Roosevelt graduate and Later on, he participates at „Salute To The Troops”, an event open to the public with free admission, where the troops were recognized.

In June, 2003, Michael Jackson invites the Wolfs - a German family of two parents and two children, Saskia and Sabrina, affected by the floods of Saxony, Germany in August, 2002 - over to Berlin, Germany during his participation at the "Bambi Awards", including to Neverland for three days, where they enjoy the ranch's facilities and also meet with the singer's children. In September, he donates 16 autographed items, among which CD's, videos, a stuffed teddy-bear and two cotton napkins in support of the floods' victims. Jackson also donates a pair of painted footgear to the "Shoes For Charity" fund-raiser, in aid of children suffering from traumatic experiences.

On August 30, 2003, 12 year-old Trisha, from USA suffering from asthma, recounts her story of meeting the entertainer a year and a half before, via Make A Wish Foundation, one of the trusts the singer would support (for two decades). Her number one wish was to meet the entertainer and she is among the manifold children that were given the opportunity to meet him over the years. “They told my mom and I, that we were flying to Los Angeles in three weeks to go to the Celebration Of Love concert. I screamed and cried. I couldn't wait”, says/writes Trisha. “[…] [At the concert], some guy […] said that Michael would like us to go up to his dressing room. So, my mother and I, plus the other 2 families that were there, walked up the narrow staircase and walked into the dressing room and he was standing in the corner, in front of the firehouse”, she recounts. “I was the second to walk up to him and he hugged me so tightly. His colonge got all over the shirt I was wearing, but I hugged him again and started crying. I told him I was a fan since I was 1, and he went "Wow...Thank you". I couldn't believe he said ‘Thank you’ to me. Michael and my mother were starting up a conversation about a place in Scotland from where she was, It was Lochlomond I believe. I still couldn't believe it.. The next day (Sunday), we got on a bus and drove for three ours to the Neverland ranch, where fans were loaded down the street with "Happy Birthday, King Of Pop!" banners everywhere. I [have] seen Michael pull out in his black S.U.V, I think, but wasn’t sure... That's how I got to meet Michael Jackson”, writes Trisha onwww.mjfanclub.net.

On September 15, 2003, the entertainer hosts a star-studded charitable event at Neverland Valley Ranch, ticket price at presale being 725 dollars, with proceeds going to the Oneness charitable organization. Guests enjoy a tour of Jackson’s menagerie, amusement rides, various assortments of food and other exciting things. The party subsequent to the event is hosted and broadcast live by ‘KIIS FM’. Jackson briefly addresses the guests in attendance. Prior to his speech, the "Harvest International Children’s Choir", along with a host of fans and special guests in attendance, join in to chant 'Happy Birthday' to their favorite star, whose birth date had been 2 weeks before.

On October 1, 2003, he makes an appearance at a charity event to raise funds for "Lupus L.A." and Lupus research, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

On October 27, 2003, Michael Jackson premieres the short film for charity single "What More Can I Give" in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the edited version of the song, featuring a host of other artists, is released via the official "Music for Giving" website as a 2 – dollar download to support charity projects. The charities that received donations when "What More Can I Give" was donated were "Oneness", "Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation" and "The International Child Art Foundation". It was due to certain legal delays and misunderstandings that the charity anthem, (also previously devoted to the Kosovo victims and intended to be performed with late Luciano Pavarotti in 1999), was redirected – via Interney pay - to providing financial aid to the September 11, 2001 victims in New York.

Throughout 2003, Michael Jackson is working on a new studio album, initially intended for release sometime in 2004, including on song, “Wonderful World Of Candy”, planned for a children charity project. Dieter Weisner, the entertainer’s manager at the time, introduces young music artist and protégé, Nisha Kataria, to Jackson, who invites her onto his Neverland Valley Ranch at the time to record with her a few tracks in his private recording studio. Jackson wrote the mentioned song and recorded it with Kataria as a duet. Due to the late 2003 accusations and the resulting arrest of the singer on the 18^th November of that year, all plans had been put on halt since. (sources: Dieter Weisner - Michael Jackson's manager, 1996-2003; www.jvillage.de, Korgnex (from www.mjjcommunity.com, www.maximumjackson.com)

In 2004, Michael Jackson’s custom-designed car, a Bentley Arnage Red Label Turbo, is sold at an auction benefiting the singer’s "Go For Your Dreams" foundation; the automobile served to drive to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch the host of stars that recorded the "What More Can I Give" charity single in 2001, in appreciation for their involvement in the benefit project.

On September 17, 2004, during his latest child-abuse pre-trial appearances (the singer being absolved of all counts of misconduct later in 2005), he welcomes a large group of supporters to the restaurant "Epiphany" in Boston, Massachusetts, while ordering pizzas for each individual, in appreciation for their enduring commitment to him.

On December 17, 2004, Michael Jackson invites approximately 200 people - children and their families from 6 special centers, among which churches, church schools etc - at his residence in California, and reiterates previous statements regarding the access of families, as well as tourists around the world, welcomed to spend time and tour Neverland; he also greets the gathering families and verbally addresses them holiday wishes. Jackson’s spokesperson at the time, Raymone Bain, also present at the event, says that it was not an out-of-the-ordinary event at Neverland (as previously shown): "[…] And at least 2 to 4 times a month, organizations are allowed to come here. And, since this was the last part of the holidays, he decided he would surprise the kids by doing so and they’re very happy about that". The event was an annual Christmas festivity, where hundreds of inner-city and underprivileged children and adults spent their time exploring the surroundings and the singer's ranch, riding on attractions, snacking on food and drinks, watching movies and playing in a two-story arcade, all of these being provided free-of-charge by Michael Jackson, and, often, even during his absence there.

* In relation to Neverland, at a non-accurate date (supposedly 1992), the musician composes a background song, titled "Neverland Entrance Theme", an eerie, classical composition starring a choir of children and playing as a welcome for guests visiting his residence.

During his trial (in 2005), Jackson and his parents allow a visit from fans at his home and inside of it, the admirers remaining impressed by the manifested generosity given the circumstances.

Vernay C. Lewis (USA) from MJFC fan club shares that in April, 2005, a group of fans from MJFC went to Neverland Ranch to show him support in light of then current trial, and gave him a basketful 2000 of roses. A week before, they were a part of the “Many Nations…One Voice” rally on Courtroom day, April  4, 2005 in support of Jackson. Part of the group of fans (approximately 100) remaining after they handed over their present are welcome inside the singer’s Ranch by him to view his living and dining room. In addition, fans met him, his parents, his children, and make-up artist Karen Faye. He had opened his gates as a show of gratitude for all the events that had taken place in his support. Michelle Basart (USA) from MJFC shares 4 years later, on occasion of late Michael Jackson’s 51^st Birthday Tribute Party in Portland, Oregon, that “we were able to see Michael as a father that day. Paris held his had and helped daddy open the boxes & pull out ultimate collection box sets to hand off to all of us fans there. I will treasure it and seeing Paris help her daddy give them to us fans.” At the mentioned tribute bash, Mary Carr talks on she was present at one of Jackson’s HIStory shows overseas and how her and eight other female fans of the entertainer met him in a hotel elevator, as he was was staying two rooms down the hall next to theirs; the fans would then add that, the following day, when they left the hotel to pay their bill, they found out it had been paid already by Michael Jackson.

At an unknown date, the singer hires a circus for children with the Down’s Syndrome, according to English musician, Pete Townshend. “[Jackson] has unselfishly helped every cause, and individual child, I have sent his way.”, Townshend declares in June, 2005, defending his friend against the child abuse charges. “In one case he hired a circus for the Down’s Syndrome children of a special school of the daughter of a friend of mine, and showed up to happily, and – yes – in childlike enthusiasm – watch the show with them. This little girl believed she was Michael’s future wife, and he so kindly allowed her to sit next to him, as his future bride. His feathers may be badly burned, and he may be damaged in other ways too, but he is something of an angel.”, says Townshend.

In January, 2006, while living for a year in Bahrain, the singer has been in talks with Bahraini corporation, "AAJ Holdings", over a series of potential projects in the Saudi-Arabian Gulf, varying from music academies to theme parks, with hopes to achieve city and urban evolution.

On May 28, 2006, on occasion of accepting an MTV Legend Award in Japan, Michael Jackson visits the "Seibi Gakuen" children’s home in Tokyo, where he meets more than 160 children, and watches children performing traditional music. He addresses a few words of appreciation to the audience, as well as shakes hands with and signs autographs for the children.

In 2006, while retreating for one year in Ireland following his 2005 trial (ended with his vindication), Michael Jackson records six verses of the Irish folk ballad, “The Fields Of Athenry” with an Irish choir, the Caheraggin Village Choir, the priceless recording being placed in a bank vault until its exact ownership is determined. The news was reported shortly after the singer’s sudden demise in June, 2009. The choir spokesman, Kevin Gillane has revealed that the choir and its trustees have determined that they may hold the entire rights to the recording as technically Jackson was merely a guest on their recording: “[…] We were in the former Sunset Studios recording our album with owner, the late Gerry McGrade, when we were asked to work on doing some backing vocals for material that Mr. Jackson and his people were working on. However, it was during our paid-for time and down time in his recording that we got together to sing “The Fields of Athenry”, so technically, this creates a different issue for the choir and the trustees. That is why we have placed the tapes in the vault”, says Gillane, insisting they do not seek to exploit this situation in their favor. He says they had known about the recording for three years but were unwilling to record it out of friendship and respect for Jackson. The entertainer became attracted to the song because of the line: "Michael, they have taken you away." “The Fields of Athenry" was created during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1850), about a fictional man named Michael from near Athenry in County Galway, who has been sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay, Australia, for stealing food for his starving family. The inspirational lay is a widely known and popular anthem for Irish sports supporters and fans of Celtic F.C. and has also been adopted in movies.

On March 8, 2007, the pop star revisits Tokyo, Japan for several "fan appreciation events", where he first attends a V.I.P. gala as guest of honor, amid a total of 400 admirers, impersonators and business people, as well as over 100 orphans and challenged children and adults, the deprived being given complimentary tickets by Jackson to attend the event; he also appears on stage to read an appreciation statement to the audience and to emphasize that he would neither change his career path, nor would he nurse bitterness over his lifelong succession of difficulties, despite "deliberate attempts [of "some"] to hurt me", moreover, adds: "I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me"; he poses for pictures with the guests, and signs autographs and acknowledges the assembled children. A day later, he also attends a larger festivity directed at his main fan base and for those not affording high – priced tickets, where more than 1,000 people assembled at a popular night club.

On March 10, 2007, Jackson greets approximately 3,000 U.S. forces personnel and their family members at Camp Zama, a U.S. army base in Tokyo, shakes hands with some of its members, then holds a brief speech in recognition for their sacrificial services in favor of freedom. The singer, subsequently, attends a ceremony at the respective camp in honor of a member being promoted at the time.

On November 8, 2007, the pop star participates at Reverend Jesse Jackson’s birthday celebration, the event also being a fundraiser.

On occasion of a charitable party held in Devon, England (where members of the Jackson family, - including Michael Jackson, shortly, via telephone - , participated), on June 8, 2008, among additional financially-valuable items, 6,000 pounds are raised through an auction of Jackson memorabilia, including the singer’s white fedora, (worn in one of his videos) signed by himself.

On March 17, 2009, reality T.V. star, Jane Goody (housemate on "Celebrity Big Brother 2007", who would lose the battle with brain cancer on March 22) confirmed to "New" magazine that Michael Jackson had sent her a goodwill message while in London, U.K. Jackson was there between March 3 and March 8 to announce his last concert series in the U.K. via a press conference. The singer called in at the hospital where she was admitted – the terminally ill patient not being available at the time - then recorded an answerphone message for the T.V. star, with the following well-wishes: "Hi, Jade, I'm thinking of you and hoping everything goes as well as it can. I want you to come and see me when I'm over [to London for the concert series]. My brother [Jermaine Jackson, runner-up in the "Big Brother 2007" finale] keeps asking me about you." Goody's publicist, Max Clifford, declared after her death that Jackson would not be attending the memorial service, due to the singer not wishing to detract attention from Goody and her family. "He has sent a lovely message of condolence to her family, that she was a brave girl and that her message will save a lot of lives, and he will be sending flowers."

On June 6, 2009, it is reported that Michael Jackson has given his socially-conscious song, „Heal The World” to a group of young entertainers from Merseyside, Liverpool, to help raise money for the "James Bulger Red Ballon Centres Appeal", established by his mother, Denise Fergus from Kirkby, Merseyside. James Bolger, her 2 year-old son was killed in 1993 by 2 teenagers. With all proceeds being funnelled to James Bulger House (a school for bullied children), hundreds gathered at an homage event with a host of singers and dancers in Liverpool, including James’ parents. The four-hour concert, paying homage to 3 more tragic teenagers – Rhys Jones, Francesca Bimpson and Sarah Payne - ended with an emotional live performance of song „Heal The World”. „The Centre will accomodate roughly 15 children, but they are never going to lose their education at school because of bullies at school. These kids are going to have the best education that we can offer them through our charity Red Ballon Learner Centres”, the fundraiser’s organizer, Steve Linder, said. On the singer and his offer, Fergus later comments: "[Michael] was aware of James, as he sent a personal message to me, with a large basket of flowers. He wrote a couple of lines for James and he named it 'Child Of Innocence'. We played Michael's song at James' funeral. I've listened to 'Heal The World' over and over again and it gave me such a buzz when we found out we could release it to raise money for the James Bulger House. The words in the song are very touching. I feel the world does need healing with children committing crimes. It is very upsetting the way the world is at the moment, bullying is going on everywhere." The song performed by the Merseyside entartainers would be released on October 26, 2009.

* Michael Jackson is reported to have been owner of two top floors of the Dolphin Hotel at the "Walt Disney World Resort" in Orlando, Florida, in which ill children and their families have been allowed to stay for gratis.

* The entertainer also donated to local schools in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, according to local residents there. (information from Linh Ngo)

* At the wishes of the late entertainer – as expressed in his will - The Michael Jackson Family Trust would devote 20% of its trust earnings to a number of undisclosed charities.

* Before his passing, Michael Jackson had hired entertainment company, The Machine Management, with the purpose of helping him create animation companies, another company meant to be a vehicle to launch his own film projects, and the "Michael Jackson Global Warming Awareness Initiative", according to a creditor claim of the entertainment company. The singer had been expressing concerns with global warming on different known occasions, the latest having been the 2007 Ebony magazine interview, the 2008 „Good Morning, America” radio interview, or the making of the 2009 This Is It concerts (via song "Earth Song", preceded by a special introduction on this theme).

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In September, 2009, a YouTube member, MYGRANDSONDEVIN, posts the following lines underneath a fan video by mjchicco for song “Privacy”: “I know people judged him so wrongly. I met Mike & got to know him, because my 3 year old little grandson had severe cerebal (sic) palsy - couldn't walk - talked very few sounds - couldn't eat by mouth (fed through a tube) - blind in both eyes & Mike came to see him. He stayed at our house to see if there was anything he could do. But, unfortunately, my grandson died.”, the post reads.

On October 19, 2009, it is reported that 2 legal documents, signed by Michael Jackson, handing to USA for Africa the profits from the 1985 hit "We Are the World" that Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote, and which brought in „tens of millions”, will go to auction, benefiting VH1's Save the Music Foundation. „(Michael Jackson) was a bigger philanthropist than most people gave him credit for,” USA for Africa Executive Director, Marcia Thomas, says of the singer-entertainer. „He didn't do it for the credit. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do.” Nancy Birdsall, president of the Washington-based Center for Global Development, adds that „'We Are the World' marked what at that time was a high point in rich-world concern about poor people in the developing world. That sort of awareness helps to open the way not only for more effective foreign assistance but for other changes in policy, such as trade and migration, that can have a big impact on poor people's lives.” The 2 legal documents, transferring his rights and profits to the group USA for Africa, are estimated to gross in 50,000 dollars at the Alexander Autographs auction at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. The in-person and online auction includes a huge number of rock-and-roll and Hollywood artifacts and is organized by an auction house noted for its historical and political offerings.

On February 1, 2010, over 80 musicians are involved in the (re-)recording of best-selling charitable hymn, We Are The World (written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985), at the Henson Studios in Los Angeles, California, in order to raise funds for the capital of Haiti, Port-Au-Prince, roughly stricken by an earthquake on January 12, 2010). The project was organized by singer Lionel Richie and producer Quincy Jones, the song containing updated lyrics and music, including a rap segment pertaining to Haiti. Michael Jackson’s original segment of the song was kept, his sister, Janet, joining him in a duet through a montage. Among the voices provided for this new version were Pink, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Barbra Streisand, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Will.I.Am, Carlos Santana, Enrique Iglesias, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Scherzinger and Nicole Richie, with other artists joining for the chorus, among whom Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Faith Evans, India.Arie, nephews of Michael Jackson - Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, T.J Jackson, Gladys Knight, A.R. Rahman or Rob Thomas. A shortened video of the 2010 version of We Are The World premiered on US TV channel, NBC on February 12, during their coverage of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, while the full video was played a day later. The “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” project, apart from raising money benefiting the Haiti victims, it will make grants for efficient Haiti relief efforts and continual development of programs for the nation in the future, via the newly created We Are The World Foundation. On February 19, 2010, Latin artists such as Emilio and Gloria Estefan gather to record a Spanish-language version of the song - "Somos El Mundo" - for the same purpose. Other singers involved in recording this song version are Banda El Recodo, Carlos Santana, Chayanne, David Archuleta and José Feliciano.

Twelve years after it closed, Michael Jackson’s 3-D space adventure/music video epic, “Captain E.O”, is screening again at Disneyland Paris in June, 2010, the attraction receiving overwhelming response from Disneyland and Michael Jackson fans, all excited to experience the musical mastery of Jackson’s “E.O.” one more time. “Captain E.O.” is a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Michael Jackson, and is directed by Francis Ford Coppola with George Lucas receiving executive producer credit. The project was initiated by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who wanted to help bring something new and relevant to the struggling Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Himself a tremendous lifelong Disney fan (Jackson often frequented Disney Parks, and visited Disneyland in California two weeks before his passing), the artist composed two original songs for the film – “We Are Here To Change the World” and “Another Part of Me”, the latter of which appearing on 1987′s album, “BAD”. The story of the film consists of E.O., played by Jackson, leading a troupe of space misfits on yet another dangerous mission to the nether regions of space. This particular mission involves traveling to a surreal, industrial-looking planet and finding the Supreme Leader (played by actress Anjelica Houston) to give her the gift of music; this gift, E.O. says, will help her unlock the beauty within. “Captain E.O.” originally opened at Disneyland Park and Epcot at Disney World in September 1986; it opened the following year at Tokyo Disneyland and was an opening-day attraction at the then-named Euro Disneyland (now Disneyland Paris) in 1992. By 1998, however, all the “Captain E.O.” attractions in the four Disney Parks were closed, and later replaced with the far less successful, “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience”. Due to popular demand by guests, spurred by Jackson’s untimely passing on June 25, 2009, Disneyland offered a special engagement limited return of “Captain E.O.”. The show will also re-open later this summer at Epcot and Tokyo Disneyland. Although the run is limited, Disney has not announced a timeframe for the show’s closing.

Charities:

The singer’s humanitarian commitments during the course of his life are accredited in the Guiness Book of World Records and in the Year 2000 Millennium Edition, establishing him as the pop celebrity having supported the most charities, registered as 39, as well as other affiliated organizations and projects, namely: AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, Angel Food, Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, BMI Foundation, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Brotman Burn Center, Camp Ronald McDonald, Childhelp U.S.A., Children's Institute International, Cities and Schools ScholarshipFund, Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Dakar Foundation, Dreamstreet Kids, Dreams Come True Charity, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Love Match, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Minority Aids Project, Motown Museum, NAACP, National Rainbow Coalition, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund, Red Cross, Rotary Club of Australia, Society of Singers, Starlight Foundation, The Carter Center's Atlanta Project, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation, Transafrica, Unesco,United Negro College Fund (UNCF), United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope, Volunteers of America, Watts Summer Festival, Wish Granting, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw.

Research has shown that Mr. Jackson supported at least 33 more charities, namely: Democratic National Committee, Community School/Safety Havens Initiative, Lupus L.A., United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Atlanta Children’s Foundation, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change, Foundation for the Junior Blind, Oneness, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, The International Child Art Foundation, Go For Your Dreams, Opportunity Village, Off-Road-Kids e.V, UNICEF, T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, National Solidarity Fund, Family Caring for Families, Operation Christmas Child, Children's Defense Fund, Children's Diabetes Foundation, Boys and Girl Clubs, Ghandi Foundation for Children, Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's, Heal L.A., Prince’s Trust, Youth Sports & Art Foundation, Jane Goodall’s Ape Research institute, Children’s Wish Foundation, Give For Life, Wishing Well Fund, MusiCares and Camp Good Times.

"Besides his talent as a musician and entertainer, it's his humanitarian efforts. the fact that he really wanted to bring joy and happiness to sick and disabled children. [...] Michael has always used that fame to give to others. He worked with lots of charities to help sick children and their families. He worked very hard every day yet during the Thriller period, through the Victory Tour and even after, he'd go and visit children's hospitals, do appearances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, local hospices when he was off, much of the time it went unnoticed by the media. That was Michael's decision, these were private moments dedicated to help. Lots of artists today don't do that, you don't see them as concerned as Michael was.”

[Journalist Frédéric Taddeï – 2008]