As we get older most of us experience some age related hearing loss. More if you worked in a field where noise pollution existed before OSHA required hearing protection, or you played in a Rock & Roll band. Or went to a lot of loud concerts. And when most of us get to the point of needing assistance we go to our local hearing specialist to be tested and fitted for the appropriate appliances, AKA hearing aids.
I learned last weekend that half of all hearing issues are preventable and almost all other cases are treatable, and yet 80 percent of the people who suffer from hearing issues live in places that are too poor to afford hearing aids. Many of them are children.
“We are better off doing something good for somebody else than tearing them down. We believe in holding hands and taking a flying leap of faith instead of trying to drive people apart.” Bill Clinton
This is data provided by The Starkey Hearing Foundation whose mission is summed up in the statement “So the World May Hear”. Over the last 30 years the Foundation has expanded their reach from Minnesota across the United States and around the world with the help of volunteers and supporters, like my brother Mark and former president Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation. Because of Mark’s involvement we were able to attend the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala in St. Paul last weekend, which was memorable for so many reasons.
The black tie gala was a great reason to dress up, make a donation to a worthy cause, score some goodies in the silent auction, and hob nob with some folks we’d never otherwise get a chance to meet.
The Foundation’s founder and his wife, Bill and Tani Austin, gave a Caribbean themed party the night before the event which was well attended by sports figures like Julius Irving, Evander Holyfield and Ron Harper, and musicians like Huey Lewis and Robbie Krieger of the Doors, with whom Steve had a chance to chat. Krieger, with his son on keyboards, performed popular Doors tunes to an enthusiastic crowd.
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The gala itself was emceed by Sinbad, and the entertainers included Gloria Gaynor, The Tenors, Darci Lynne Farmer, and Alice Cooper. Alice Cooper was actually sitting at the next table with his wife, and I couldn’t help myself. I crouched by his elbow and said, “I hate to be rude but my husband is sitting right behind you, and the first song he learned on the guitar was the Ballad of Dwight Frye.” He said, “I hope you didn’t hold that against him.” I said, “No, I married him anyway.” He got up and said pictures needed to be taken. And he posed with Steve and they had a great conversation. Coolest guy ever.
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Former president Bill Clinton made a guest appearance and his speech was truly inspirational. And I got a hug.
My favorite quotes from his speech follow:
“Most of us are here because we think — among other things — that we are better off doing something good for somebody else than tearing them down. We believe in holding hands and taking a flying leap of faith instead of trying to drive people apart.”
“Children in poorer countries are seven times more likely to have hearing problems than in countries like our own. They will never grow up to learn, they will never grow up to work, to feel fulfilled unless you help,” he said.
So we did what we could by donating, and would love to join The Starkey Hearing Foundation on a mission trip someday. Mark has, and his comment below sums it up.
Thank you to the Starkey Hearing Foundation for generously sharing their house party and gala photos.
Fabulous! Interacting with both Alice Cooper and Bill Clinton at the same event?! Oh my stars…and you all look great.
You forgot Billy Crystal🤣
Darling, you look gorgeous! I love your dresses and the beautiful smile on your face in every picture.
What a fabulous weekend! ❤️