The Glamorous Life

We all remember the flavor that this woman added to Prince's Kingdom.  Her stick drumming had everyone singing along to her chart toppers like Glamorous Life and A Love Bizarre. Of course she is still doing her thing in a major way.  I sat with Sheila and her manager a couple of weeks ago and yes we did talk about music but more attention was put on a foundation they started a few years ago. Please read for more details.

Currently, Sheila, a philanthropist, continues to devote her talents and time to the Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF), a charitable organization (which she is co-founder and co-chair) that assists the needs of abused and abandoned children through music therapy. Despite the demands of her commitment to making music, she maintains a heavy involvement in the organization. "There are so many kids who need our help," she says, "And we're trying to help them get their lives together by building their confidence through music and the arts. It's just another way for me to do God's will, another reason for living. I believe we are here to help people in this lifetime. We must give something of ourselves to truly live." Sheila E. and EHF have presented countless events to raise money for the foundation.


A letter from Sheila as told on her website Elevatehope.com

At the tender age of five I was sexually abused by a babysitter. Growing up, I struggled with the shame of my childhood experience, but fortunately I had an outlet. Not until I was an adult did I realize how my exposure to music at an early age assisted in the healing process. Many abused children have expressed a heartfelt desire to involve themselves in the education of music and the arts.

It was evident that I had to do something with what I had experienced for discarded and forgotten children around our country. I decided that it was imperative for me to share God's goodness instead of life's tribulations. Although we go through many, it is more important to share the ups and reveal the downs for a healthy and positive change.

I want to impart strength, endurance, hope, kindness and love to those who feel it is impossible to attain. Sharing my story and offering my help in this process are true expressions of God's love in my life.

In my endeavor, I discovered that many have expressed an urgent desire to involve themselves in the education of music as an outlet. I know, as their families, even society has discarded them, the exposure and education of music and the arts will be a life changing and saving experience. To give to the needs and desires of these children will help enable them to cope with their emotional, even physical challenges.

As a result, my manager and business partner, Lynn Mabry and I launched the Elevate Hope Foundation. She too was sexually abused as a child by a family friend. She shares my desire to assist children, even adults in the healing process. Our foundation is committed to help the needs of those who desire to keep searching for answers, find an alternative to express their pain and work towards enjoying a new life.

If you are one of those who are willing to help, please be one of our "angels" and give. If you are one of those who needs help, begin to talk about it. Pain is only temporary. Your life is yours to live and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

We created an avenue on our web site for you to tell your story. A place for you to read about others like us. To be able to give someone hope by sharing a kind word. Please check out ourinspirations.

With your help, we will soon build a Compassion Care Center Of The Arts in the metropolitan Los Angeles Area for children to have a safe place to be educated in the arts, a place to get away and enjoy an afternoon of peace and tranquility, a place where children and parents alike can receive counseling to help them get through their trying times, even the opportunity to learn the very basics in day to day living. This is our desire.

Be imitators of goodness as dearly loved children and live a fulfilled life of love. Thank you for your support and love.

Always,
Sheila E

Mission

Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF) is dedicated to providingabused and abandoned children an alternative method of therapy through music and the arts, and funding special services and programs that assist the needs of these children using these fundamental methods.

Co-founded in 2001 by entertainer Sheila E. and business manager, Lynn Mabry, EHF supports existing programs of their beneficiaries through monetary funding and in-kind donations e.g. musical instruments, art supplies, and work stations complete with computers, keyboards and applicable instructional software.

Over 65 percent of our grant dollars will be invested at the local community level. Outside financial support fills a viable niche in light of more conservative funding offered by the federal government.

Foster care systems and outreach programs alike share the urgent demand for funding and unite in this strong commitment to serve the needs of disadvantaged children.

For more info like bio, gallery and a new video visit Sheila E.