Last Dot Event The last dot event on May 25, 2013 was very special for so many reasons. First, the recipients of the final dots, Millie and Gavin Murray, were the perfect people to be honored. Dr. Patrick Treacy (a physician and friend of Michael Jackson) brought their story to our attention. When Michael was living in Ireland he had wanted to visit Millie and Gavin after he heard they were burned while in the back seat of a car that was firebombed. Michael wasnt able to meet with the kids at that time, but we made it our mission to bring him to them through our portrait. This brings us to the second reason the event was so special. It was all made possible with tangible support from Michael’s global fan base, and with special efforts from the Belgian fan club, Unity. It was the fans who made the last dot event a reality. Dr. Treacy was a gracious host, helping to take care of the hotel and transportation. The event was held at Dr. Treacys Ailesbury Clinic, where MJ was treated years earlier. The event itself was the perfect size. We have had huge events with media and celebrities and they were wonderful, but that kind of feel just wasnt right for the last dots. This event was about Michael, his fans, his humanitarian work, and the tribute that is bringing so many people together from almost every country in the world. The event was closed to the media so everyone could be themselves without the pressures of the cameras watching, and the attendance was kept to a small group of Irish MJ fans. After all, the final dot recipients are young and their comfort was the number one priority. After David had a chance to meet Millie and Gavin it became even more obvious that they were the right people to receive the last dots. David has spent countless hours placing millions of dots on the canvas and he wanted the last dots to be given to people that MJ, himself, may have chosen. Millie and Gavin were picked because they are people who we knew were particularly dear to Michael. When David met the children, he felt in his heart that it was meant to be. Millie and Gavin came with three other siblings and their mom, and all were wonderful. The kids were looking after each other and were respectful and kind. It was clear that they had been taught well by their caring mother. The event opened with Dr. Treacy sharing his memories of Michael in Ireland. He spoke about Michael’s personal interest in Millie and Gavin’s story and the similar health struggles Jackson faced himself. MJTP Board Member Marijke Paesen spoke next. She put the heart into the event as she told moving stories of Michaels dedication to providing encouragement and support to children who face adversity. Marijke came to the event all the way from Belgium and brought with her original Neverland mementos that she collected over the years. The smiles on the childrens faces were priceless when she told them they could keep the items. Her stories of the times she spent with Michael were truly inspirational. David spoke next about the portrait and how the Tribute has been promoting Michaels humanitarian legacy by doing charitable work. David then placed some last-minute dots for some of the people attending. At that point, the third to last dot was given to the a fantastic organization called Michael Jacksons Legacy for their work in Liberia. All eyes were then on Millie, Gavin, and Davids pen as the last two dots were placed on the canvas. After the event, the five Murray children and their mom were treated to an evening of burgers (the kids choice of food) and arcade games. The MJ fans who attended the event joined as well. Gavin repeatedly asked David to say different words so he could hear his American accent and Millie took the time to beat David in a car racing arcade game. Then, in true Murray family spirit, the kids all pooled their tokens together so that their youngest brother could win a huge arcade prize. It was definitely the perfect way to end a Tribute where so many have worked so hard to spread a little love. On behalf of the entire MJTP team we would like to thank everyone who supported our efforts to honor the life, love, and legacy of Michael Jackson through this tribute. Linda Higgins Editor-In-Chief MJTP Newsletter Linda@michaeljacksontributeportrait MichaelJacksonTributePortrait
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:40:30 +0000