The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be of concern everywhere in the
world. It is said the virus started in Wuhan China and has spread throughout the
world. If you read the internet, turn on the television or radio the only thing you
hear about is the Coronavirus. The NBA has shut down all games indefinitely.
Recently financial markets have become extremely volatile and leaning toward
more on the downside. The entire country of Italy is paralyzed. The list of those
affected would fill up several pages. The world is being impacted in a negative
way and much confusion has been created.
Scientists everywhere are working on solutions. In the meantime, steps are being
taken by to avoid its spread. World leaders from President Xi of China to
President Trump of the United States have done a fantastic job in efforts to slow
and contain the virus. For the first time in many decades the world is coming
together as one to fight a common enemy the “Coronavirus.” While the fear the
virus has created is alarming, the unity it is fostering is encouraging.
A large benefit concert to create awareness and raise money to beat the virus is
in development with two large Chinese companies. The plan is within four to six
weeks to have this 24-hour telethon. The most important goal is to properly
inform people about the virus with leading experts.
The idea came from two friends, Mark Rafter and John Probandt who were chatting over tea about the COVID 19 virus and its devasting effect on the world. Mark a writer and the founder of The New Marco Polo cares about the world’s people. Mark said, fear and negativity accomplishes nothing.
We are all on this Rock together. It’s all about “Oneness.” John Probandt who has lived in both the United States and China for many years agreed and wanted to be a difference maker. John said something has to be done and immediately took action.
The first thing John did was to approach a very large Chinese company about the idea of a benefit to raise money to unite the world in the fight against the Coronavirus. That company expressed immediate interest and then brought
along a second company. These two giant companies have the money, experience and knowhow to put together such a mega event. Their names are not mentioned while a USA partner is sought. Mr. Probandt who is good friends with the company leaders of these enterprises knows of their commitment towards caring about the goodwill of people. He knows they are the best operators of live entertainment festivals in the world. He knew that they would be interested in this most important world event. They have in the past promoted several concerts in America including one in New York City’s Central Park. When Mr. Probandt reached out to these companies last week within one day, they got back to him and agreed based on certain conditions to be the events main promoter. However, they had several concerns with the first one being they wanted a large USA company to join as co-promoter before making it official. So far this has been a challenge as most USA companies have not returned the calls of Mr. Probandt.
The Chinese companies also had several other concerns: 1) How to deal with the fact that the virus calls for no large gatherings of people in one place and 2) Can sponsors be found for such an event. 3) The last concern was that this benefit needs to be much more than just an event to raise money, it also must be one “to educate and unite the world as one” in fighting this deadly disease. 4) The money raised must be used wisely to benefit those in need. Concern number one of no large gatherings of people was an easy solution as we live in a world of internet steaming, satellites and instant communication. Sound stages closed to the public can be used as the platform for the broadcast. The plan is to hold the benefit concert at one central location with possible remote satellite locations. Los Angeles, New York or Las Vegas are under consideration. It is planned that three sound stages would be used which are next to each other with no live audiences. Disney, Warner Brothers and Universal Studio’s in Burbank California as an example all have such set ups and are under consideration.
By having three stages next to each other, one act can be playing as another is setting up. The third stage will be used for interviews and educators. This stage will be used as the time between acts to have educators, scientists and experts give advice and information on the Coronavirus. Continuous streaming will be running at the bottom of the screen with helpful hints on preventive measures that the public can practice to avoid contracting the virus. Links will also be set up to learn even more helpful information and answer questions. The awareness
talks would be every thirty minutes. These segments will be carefully organized to assure that they are effective, educational and fun. The current plan is to telecast the benefit for twenty-four (24) simultaneous hours with world superstars performing thirty-minute sets with most music acts being USA superstars.
Additionally, it is planned, there will be top world superstars from all points of the world: China, Japan, France, England, Russia and more. Also planned is a contest for unknowns to present a new song for the virus and the winner will be invited to perform the song at the benefit.
While most acts will be music acts, the plan is to have famous people come on stage and give support throughout the 24 hours, from top Industry Leaders, athletes such as NBA players to Actors and others. The only purpose of this event is to help in getting a solution for curing the Coronavirus outbreak and has nothing to do with politics or getting people elected. Unlike events like the Oscars, political comments to support or attack people in office will not be allowed.
Everyone is affected by Coronavirus and this will be by far the most watched televised and streamed event in the history of the world. Sponsorship is not a concern it is an opportunity for brands to show that they care. A sponsorship is a chance to give back to the world. The list of sponsors being invited is endless and includes big pharma, airlines, cruise companies, health insurance companies, hotel chains, computer companies, software companies, game companies and many more. All live sports events are impacted, so the NBA is a natural sponsor along with all other major sporting clubs. Car companies are suffering losses due to the virus and they must keep their name in view of the public are a perfect sponsor. General Motors, Tesla, Mercedes, Kia, BMW, Ford, Toyota and all other auto companies are being invited to participate. Major movie companies are especially suffering, take for example Disney as currently Disneyland Hong Kong and Shanghai are closed. Most movie releases are experiencing a slower box office due to the virus and many are postponed.
In addition to sponsor donations, people watching will be encouraged to go online or over the telephone directly donate funds for this worthy cause. This will be the most important benefit event in the history of the world, as the virus continues to travel to different countries. Lets all unite and win this war we are facing. Together we can find a cure; we need awareness and must to unite in this effort. To unite the world in one common cause is something that can save lives and make a lasting difference.
The money raised from the benefit will be placed in a trust and used intelligently. The trust will then contribute where it is needed most on a case by case basis. A committee will be formed to assure integrity as the money is donated. In addition, a large auditing firm will be retained to guarantee proper accounting. To unite the world in one common cause is something that can save lives and make a lasting difference. This benefit event is the start of bringing the world together in “Oneness.” The life it saves may be your own. Within the next ten days the date and locations of the event will be officially announced.
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