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Ronnie Tober Foundation |
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Born in the Netherlands, but raised in Albany (New York) until the age of 18, the popular singer/entertainer Ronnie Tober has regularly performed for the developmentally challenged. Ronnie has come to know and love many of these special people and their families, and considers them a very important part of his life. Ronnie's own words: "I believe that more people should involve themselves with these wonderful people. Interaction is the only way to understand and respect those who may be "different" from us. Music, theatre and outings are excellent means to stimulate their minds. I hope that when my time on earth has expired, people not only remember me as an entertainer, but more importantly as someone who enjoyed and cared for his fellow human beings. The year 2003 was very significant for me. It was both the Year of the Disabled and also the year that I celebrated my 40th Jubilee as an artist. I am grateful for the gifts in my life and desired to give something back. This desire, along with my large network of contacts, helped launch the Ronnie Tober Foundation." The goal of the Ronnie Tober Foundation is to promote contact between those with disabilities and others in society through cultural and musical events. The Ronnie Tober Foundation makes use of all available resources to attract attention to its mission and objectives. Members of our committee seek out sponsors, and utilize outlets such as the Internet, print media, television, radio, functions, events, and mailings to accomplish our goals. The Ronnie Tober Foundation works in close partnership with facilities that care for the disabled to organize events. Our vision is to offer aid and support to these facilities that would not normally have the ability or funds to provide such events for their residents. Our priorities are heavily focused on those facilities and organizations that do not receive subsidies or sponsorships on a large scale, therefore requiring monetary assistance. We have formulated a number of policies and criteria to ensure that our support goes to those truly in need. Not only does The Ronnie Tober foundation provide support to those in need, we also organize and initiate our own events to generate donations. The Elsje Tober Cup, named after Ronnie's beloved Mother, is an annual golf outing in which numerous well-known Dutch personalities come together to raise funds. The foundation also hosts an annual benefit gala dinner and auction, in which businesses purchase tables to help raise funds. With monies raised by the foundation and donations by generous sponsors, The Ronnie Tober Foundation is able to organize day outings, music festivals and even vacations for members of our community who are disabled and their families. In the past year, The Ronnie Tober Foundation has made significant contributions to the lives of many citizens with developmental disabilities. Two large groups were able to spend their Holiday in a beautiful hotel in South Limburg, and many hundreds have visited a theme park. These events are described in detail on this website under, "In the Spotlight." For those of you who cannot read Dutch, we feel that the heart-warming pictures speak for themselves. Please take time to enjoy this site. |
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