Steven Tyler has announced the launch of his new signature philanthropic initiative to help girls who have been abused and neglected: Janie's Fund.
A partnership with private nonprofit Youth Villages, Janie’s Fund will raise money and awareness to help Youth Villages provide trauma-informed care and experiential therapies to girls who have histories of being abused and/or neglected.
Tyler’s hit song “Janie’s Got a Gun,” originally released Nov. 8, 1989, was born out of a growing desire to speak up for victims of child abuse. Each year, 1 in 5 girls in the United States experiences sexual abuse.
“As a father and grandfather, I want to focus my energy on things that really matter and leave behind something else in this crazy world along with my music,” Tyler said. “I am starting Janie’s Fund to give a voice to the millions of victims who haven’t had one and encourage everyone to join me on this mission.”
Janie’s Fund kicks off with “54 days of impact” running from Nov. 8, the 26th anniversary of the release of “Janie’s Got a Gun,” through the end of the year. Anyone who signs up to support Janie’s Fund during these 54 days becomes a founding member of the fund and receives limited-edition merchandise from Tyler. Fans can visit www.Prizeo.com/StevenTyler to become a founding member and register for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Tyler through Prizeo.
The Ultimate Rock Icon Experience with Steven Tyler prize includes walking the red carpet and VIP backstage passes to Tyler’s new solo album release party and concert as well as hanging with Tyler before and after the show. In addition, founding members are recognized in perpetuity on www.JaniesFund.org.
The excitement surrounding the Janie’s Fund announcement began last week, when other artists began to receive large custom mystery crates: Bono, Miley Cyrus, Sir Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Britney Spears, Howard Stern, Carrie Underwood and more received exact replicas of Tyler’s most famous trademark white, jewel-encrusted mic and mic stand, (courtesy of Atlas Sound and Shure), complete with hand sewn signature scarves and a handwritten note from Tyler saying, “I may have a big mouth, but now I need your voice.” There will be additional mystery crates being revealed from other A-list artists in the coming weeks.
Youth Villages will use Janie’s Fund to support its work with girls who have been abused and neglected, including in intensive in-home services, residential treatment services, YVLifeSet services for girls aging out of foster care, and experiential therapies such as therapeutic drumming. During the past 10 years, the organization has helped more than 20,000 girls who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and expects to help nearly 4,000 such girls this year in its programs in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
“Youth Villages is thrilled to work with the legendary Steven Tyler to help fulfill his dream of helping these most vulnerable children in our country,” said Patrick Lawler, CEO of Youth Villages. “We use the latest science on children’s developing brains and what works to help them heal from trauma. We appreciate Steven using his big voice on these girls’ behalf.”
Tyler, the songwriter and voice of the best-selling American rock band Aerosmith, has been a philanthropist his entire life, performing at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway.
For more information, please visit www.JaniesFund.org or call 901-251-5000.
