In the past, I have spread my energies far and wide to support dozens and dozens of charitable organization, through performing at benefit concerts, benefit recordings, public service announcements, and outright financial gifts. These organizations have all been worthy and important and have covered issues including maternal-infant care in Third World countries, environmental causes, preventing gun violence among children, music education in impoverished schools and progressive political and anti-war movements. I have carefully considered my involvement in each and am proud of every association. But there has been an emotional and energetic cost in spreading myself so thin. Even lending one’s name is an loan of one’s energy.
In 2012, I have decided to focus all my attention on just four extremely worthy charities and projects: Children, Inc., the Center for Living Environments and Regeneration (CLEAR), The Secret City, and the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project.
—Rosanne Cash
2012 marks the 25th anniversary of my association with Children, Incorporated I have sponsored many children through their organization, and several have grown to adulthood in these 25 years.
I am deeply committed to Children, Inc’s mission and stand in awe of their integrity and great service in providing sustenance—physical, emotional and intellectual—for thousands of impoverished children around the world. In 2012, Children, Inc will receive a great deal of my attention, honor, and support. I am very proud of my long relationship with them.
CLEAR is an exciting and transformative vision of what it truly means to be stewards of the earth. CLEAR is a vision, beyond mere sustainability and conservation of resources, into regeneration. It’s a concept that is essential for our children and grandchildren, if they are to live in a world of beauty, with clean air and water and nutritious food.
These are the projects and causes I hold closest to my heart at this time in my life, and I invite you to join me in exploring their missions, and offering your support if you are moved, as I am, by these organizations of great integrity and service.
The Secret City is an Obie-award winning ‘church of art’: a collective of artists, and those who ‘worship’ art, who gather together for community and inspiration, and to partake in the deep human need for ritual and community. The Secret City provides artistic, emotional and spiritual sustenance without in a monthly meeting, that uses the structure of a church service without religion or dogma. It is part salon, part tent revival, part cabaret. It includes music, art, food, interactive games and a sermon on a different theme every month. Chris Wells, the founder and director, is a multi-talented and commanding performer, as The New York Times noted.
Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project is an effort to preserve my father’s childhood home as a museum in Dyess, Arkansas. Funds from the Johnny Cash Music Festival support the restoration.
