Larry's Big Flyby, or Helping Others Is Music to My Ears

It doesn't matter how many times you've seen them, flybys can still tingle your toes--no matter if its is the Blue Angels buzzing San Francisco during Fleet Week, a B-2 Stealth Bomber sneaking up on a stadium full of football fans, or even a 60-year old B-17 buzzing an airshow crowd.

That said, a tingle in the toes probably isn't what Larry Ellison, sponsor of the aerobatic Team Oracle and founder, CEO, and everything else at Oracle, felt when (and if) he looked out his window not long ago. If he did take a peek, what he likely would have seen was a plane towing a banner around Oracle headquarters (just down the hill and across Highway 101 from Dr. Dobb's world headquarters) pleading for a charitable donation.

According to Ronald Kaplan, founder and Executive Director of the American Songbook Preservation Society and requestor of the donation, the money would go towards fulfilling the group's goal -- to preserve the Great American Songbook by presenting this music to the public at home and abroad as Ambassadors of Song. The request comes as a result of a 2005 settlement requiring Ellison to dispense $100 million within 5 years to the charities of his choice.

Amazingly, Kaplan did hear from Oracle, but the news wasn't good -- there would be no funds available as the $100 million has already been designated.

"We are looking for donors who believe in this American Cultural Legacy and want their name or business associated with the Foundation in perpetuity as we fulfill our mission. The end of the 2006 tax year is rapidly coming to a close. We are asking that concerned individuals help us make this happen with their support, and as the Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and Oscar Hammerstein II song goes, 'Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On'," says Kaplan.

But enough of this Oscar Hammerstein, Tin Pan Alley, and Hollywood musicals. If you want real music, you only have to go as far as (okay, here it comes again) The Trailer Park Troubadours. But the Troubs are into more than just music. They're also into doing good -- and not just good music -- this time of the year. Their vehicle for doing so is the Mary Lou McClain Memorial Fund (named after Antsy's mother) which collects money for those in need. Don't be shy. It's that time of year.

Posted by Jon Erickson at 01:44 PM  Permalink