I have been blessed to meet the following individuals on a personal or professional level. They have inspired my belief that if you dare to dream and believe, you shall achieve all you wish for. Thanks for your inspiration … may we meet again.
– Thomas Cook
Ellen Degeneres
Ellen, we met many years ago on your first show with ABC. I was introduced to you by one of your producers, Gil Junger. Your kindness to me and the signed script you gave me is one I will always remember. Thank you for being true to who you are.
Dolly Parton
It was such an honor and pleasure to have worked with you and spent time with you back stage at the Grand Old Opry during your salute to the Troops for America Supports You. You are such a lady and inspiration to all that meet you. Thank you for all you do.
Larry King
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Larry, for being the first person in the late eighties who played the song I wrote for you for the Larry King Celebrity Health Walk. I will never forget our talks and meeting you. You inspired me always to keep on dreaming. A million thanks.
Cher
It was an honor to work with you at the Emmys back stage. You are a true star in all its glory.
Jerry Seinfeld
Who would have ever known we would have been neighbors in NYC? Me always giving you your mail then seeing you again in LA. You dated my roommate who was in one of your episodes, and then we met you again in Washington, DC, when we hired you to be the entertainment for the Leukemia Ball. You’re a true success in all you do. Thanks for the inspiration that we all can have our dreams come true.
Jay Leno
It was an honor to work with you in Washington, DC, during the Leukemia Ball. Meeting you at your private plane, briefing you on the project, spending time with you, and getting to know you was a true privilege. You do so much to always help others and you are a true inspiration.
Rosie O’Donnell
I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for something very special. Although we have never met, I want to share with you that because of you and your kindness to your friends, I was able to compose my first song in LA on my friend Mike Tummis’ piano. It was the first song I wrote for children in 1983 called “A Piece of Your Heart.” He told me later, after we finished the song, that a friend of his gave him the piano because she was moving to NYC and could not take it with her. You were that friend. Who would have ever known in the eighties what kind of mom you would become. Thanks for your love of children and for always speaking from your heart. I hope one day I can sing the song to you.
Bette Midler
It was an honor and privilege to have worked with you and to have met you during the first event at which you performed for DIFFA in NYC. It was my first job working in the AIDS field and your kindness and outreach impressed me beyond belief. Thank you for all you do and all you mean to so many.
John Travolta
During the premier and After Party of Pulp Fiction it was my honor to have met you at Lincoln Center and later at Tavern on the Green. We chatted and I said as a young man that you were such an inspiration to all young men. Thank you for your great gifts and talent and always helping others.
Paris Hilton
Knowing you through your mom and dad and meeting you as a young girl, I will always remember sitting outside of your grandfather’s home and telling you one day when you grow up you will make a difference in helping others. I see now that this is happening with the things you do privately. I also remember we attended an event together because Ms. Victoria could not attend. That was the first time I realized what a cell phone meant to all of us. : )
Hilary Duff
It was such an amazing day we spent together in Washington, DC. Thank you for all you do and for helping our troops. You’re a true gift to us all.
Jewel and Sean Penn
To the greatest country singer around and to Sean Penn, the most amazing actor and producer. I will never forget my first day working on the set of Jewel’s music video being produced by Sean Penn (“I Was Meant for You”). For two days I worked on the set, I got to meet Jewel and Sean professionally and personally. I will always cherish those days and all I learned. Jewel, I still have my jacket on the back of which you drew an amazing angel with wings. It’s true, Jewel … the angels have always been with you and all you touch. Thanks for the inspiration to both of you.
Kelly Perdew
“The Apprentice” Kelly, it’s been great to work with you and call you a friend. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Wayne Newton
It was such an amazing time getting to know you and your amazing wife during your trip to Washington, DC, and working with during your performance. You’re a true gift to the troops and all you meet.
Rupert Everett
Thank you for being a good friend whom I respect so much for all you do to help the world. You’re an inspiration to all for making a difference.
American Idol
Thank you for all the things you have done during my work in Washington, DC. You always helped many nonprofits and made a difference in reaching out to all of us.
Kelsey Grammer
It was so amazing to meet you and spend the day with you in Miami. We were both judges together at the ESPN Corporate Sports Battle and I enjoyed so much your love for life, kindness to others and how you made me laugh. I shall always remember that day.
Prince Charles
I shall never forget that day we met and I performed in front of this amazing man who has done so much for so many. It was an honor and privilege to meet you at the Palm Beach Polo Club and perform before you. Thank you for the memory.
Patti LuPone
You are one Broadway legend I will never forget. It was so amazing to work with you in Washington, DC, and spend the entire day and evening with you and enjoy your love for life. Thank you for touching all of our hearts and thanks to Gingy for introducing us. The greatest DIVA that ever lived.
David Letterman
David, it is an honor and privilege to call you a brother. Being in the same Fraternity of Sigma Chi means a great deal to me and always will be has an important part of my life. In hoc.
Plácido Domingo
To one of the worlds greatest voices, thank you for all your support and help through out the years. Your kindness to others and helping so many causes will never be forgotten. You are a true legend.
Engelbert Humperdink
Thank you for being my friend and being an inspiration to all that get to know you. It was an honor working with you and being your opening act. Thank you for the big break.
President Ronald Reagan
During his time as President when I was a young man, I received one of the highest honors from a President, The Outstanding Achievement Award, for my contribution to help volunteerism in the USA. Thank you for this award and for my first Presidential acknowledgement for helping others.
President George H. W. Bush
It was an honor and privilege to have performed before you at the Al Smith dinner in NYC. This was my first performance ever for a President. I was proud to have met you and honored to perform. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to America.
President Jimmy Carter
During my time in UWP, it was an honor to have met you and performed for you in your home town. Attending church with you and getting to know your community was a privilege. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to America and helping us all remember that we all deserve a home.
President Bill Clinton
During my time with Susan Davis International, while working on the World War II Memorial opening celebration, it was an honor to meet you and spend time with you that day. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to America.
President George W. Bush
It has been an honor and privilege to have met you over the last years. I have been privileged to be a part of each Saint Patrick’s Day event at the White House with Susan Davis as the chair of the IAR, IBC. Thank you for helping the Irish and building the relationship between the north and south. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to America.
Mary Tyler Moore
It was an honor to have met you and worked with you at JDRF. During that time I was the National Field Manager. I am proud to have been a part of such a wonderful and great organization. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication.
Owners of the Indy 500—The Hulman George Family
Thank you so much for all you do for our troops. It is an honor to call you my friend, Josie, and to have met you back in college.
Academy Awards
What an amazing time I had working with so many folks on the production staff of the Oscars. Thank you all for the memories and great times we shared. May we meet again.
Emmy Awards
What an amazing time I had working with so many folks on the production staff of the Emmys. Thank you all for the memories and great times we shared over the years. May we meet again.
The Kennedy Honors
What an amazing time I had working with so many folks on the production staff of the Kennedy Honors. Thank you all for the memories and great times we shared over the years. May we meet again.
Bette Davis
It was my honor to have met you and spent an entire evening with such a legend. Thank you! You are to a true idol. I shall never forget your greatest response to the press when they asked an inappropriate question as we were walking the red carpet together, and you replied, “YOU’RE MUCH TOO CLOSE.”
Jimmy Stewart
Meeting this great legend was an honor. I shall never forget shaking his hand and speaking to this gentle soul. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for showing me back then that no matter how old we become it is important to be respectful and kind to others. This was one of the many great gifts you bestowed upon us all. You will be missed.
Peter and Kitty Caruthers
(Olympic silver medalists)
Peter and Kitty, I shall never forget meeting you on Cape Cod at 17 years of age. Who would have ever thought our friendship would have lasted all these years. Thank you for always reminding me you can really make your dreams come true.
Scott Hamilton (Olympic Gold Medalist)
Scott, I must say it has been a privilege to have known you over 20 years. You have always done so much to help others and I must say you’re an inspiration to all. Hope to see you soon.
Tom Cruise
Even though we have never met, I do want to take this time to thank you for helping my sister make a dream come true for one of her students, who since has passed away at a very young age. His dream was to go to a NASCAR event and you and your office made that dream come true. Thank you for all the unknown acts of kindness you do for others. You’re a true hero.
LOGO TV
Jason, thank you so much for being a friend and spending time to meet me in NYC, and most of all being such a success with your LOGO News segment. Thank you for staying with your passion, heart and drive to make your network become what it is today. You’re a true inspiration to all.
John Cameron Mitchell
John, I shall never forget meeting you for the first time in NYC. Drew introduced us. I picked you up in a white limo and you said, “What the heck is this LOL.” Well do I remember that back then you were so talented and a free soul, with a spirit that had no ending. Thank you for always reminding me to be true to your heart and let your dreams fly.
Veronica Castro
Thank you for all the years we have known each other in México. It was an honor to spend time and get to know you and sing to you, my sweet friend.
A special thank you to the following nonprofit organizations I have worked closely with. Thank you for all you do.
DECA
DIFFA
JDF
Susan G. Komen Foundation
National Hospice Foundation
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Women’s Alliance
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial