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Remembering Michael Stanley: 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund announces first round of donations

The Cleveland rock 'n' roll icon died in March 2021 after a battle with cancer.

CLEVELAND — Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story was originally published on Michael Stanley Day on March 25, 2021.

Friday marks what would have been the 74th birthday of legendary Cleveland rocker Michael Stanley. His music defined the city while he also established a legacy of giving back to the place -- and the people -- he loved.

In honor of his birthday, the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund -- founded to keep his legacy alive -- announced its first round of gifts. The fund has announced that $5,000 will be going to The Gathering Place, an organization that supports, educates and empowers individuals and families dealing with cancer.

“Our Dad was personally affected by cancer and lost many loved ones to it along the way. He knew how important it was to be well supported in that journey and he was grateful to have a resource like The Gathering Place,” said his other daughter, Anna Sary. “We hope to partner with them in the future to help give back to others on their journey with cancer.”

RELATED: Cleveland celebrates Michael Stanley Day: Honoring the rock legend as 'My Town' plays through the city

Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous story on March 6, 2021.

A second gift of $5,000 is being given to Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present & Future. It’s an organization that supports and preserves musical culture and enriches local social welfare and economic growth by stimulating music centered initiatives.

RELATED: Michael Stanley tribute concerts set for May in Akron, Warren

"My brother started and ended his music career in this city which has so many cool and iconic venues for musicians to play in. We are grateful to be able to support the music and musicians of Cleveland with the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light donation to this great charity,” said Nancy Oosterhoudt.

Two encore performances celebrating the life and legacy of Stanley have been set for Memorial Day weekend at the Goodyear Theater in Akron on May 28 and Robin’s Theater in Warren on May 29. A portion of those ticket sales will go to the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund.

Stanley, who died in March 2021, was honored with Michael Stanley Day in Cleveland on his birthday last year as his hit My Town played simultaneously on radio stations and speakers throughout Northeast Ohio.

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