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“Seva has given so much help to so many thousands of people for so many years — such a wonderful example of love in action.”
Bonnie Raitt
Singer / Songwriter
"Seva has made an extraordinary contribution to the world — not only through their
international programs, but here in some of the most impoverished communities in North America, on Native American reservations. Thank you Seva."
Jackson Browne
Singer / Songwriter
"Seva takes the impulse towards generosity and turns it into compassionate action that helps people in real need. I honor my friends and relations by giving to Seva in their name — the entire world benefits. I hope you'll join me."
Peter Coyote
Actor / Writer
"Compassion and caring for people in need - that's simply a moral necessity. But it's not
always easy to do. Seva makes it easy. They know how to put your donations to work in ways that truly benefit people."
Joan Baez
Singer / Humanitarian Activist
"When we met the folks at Seva, we knew we were among kindred spirits, joining to bring people together in service to others. Whether preventing blindness in Nepal, assisting native peoples in Guatemala and Mexico, or helping our own Native Americans, Seva has been there to help alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Long may they rock!"
Phil Lesh
The Grateful Dead
"Seva's efforts create hope and happiness worldwide for so many people in difficult conditions. I've always been amazed and cheered by their good works and I've been very happy to help them in their fundraising efforts."
Bruce Hornsby
Singer / Songwriter
“I admire Seva's spirit of innovation. Seva is constantly looking for new ideas that can benefit the world, especially the poor, and they aren't afraid to try something that no one has ever tried before."
Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Prize Winner / Seva Partner / Founding Chairman of Grameen Health Services
“I congratulate Seva Foundation for the magnificent work they continue to do."
Odetta
Legendary Folk Singer
“Seva has done an incredible job all over the world helping people who really need it. I am proud to be one of the many who followed Wavy and his friends down this particular yellow brick road.”
David Crosby
Singer / Songwriter
“Such dedication to others — how could you not love Seva and what they accomplish? Well done!”
Graham Nash
Singer / Songwriter
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Seva Concert a Huge Success!
Elvis Costello joins superstar line-up at benefit show
What an amazing night! Elvis Costello topped the list of surprise guests joining David Crosby, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Los Lobos for a once in a lifetime show at Seva's 30th Anniversary Concert held on September 27 at Oakland Paramount Theatre.
Thanks to an amazing community of musicians, crew, volunteers, donors and a full house of 3,000 concertgoers, the show raised $290,000 in net proceeds to support our programs, setting a new record for a Seva event. On behalf of the people we serve around the world, we thank you one and all!
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The review in the San Francisco Chronicle called Elvis Costello's performance "...nothing short of amazing." Elvis told the audience, "It's a real pleasure to be here. I've been trying to get on one of these bills for about 30 years, and I'm very proud to be anywhere on this bill tonight." |
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Other surprise guests included Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady of Hot Tuna, blues champion Roy Rogers, and CSN&Y’s new favorite songwriter, Joel Rafael. One highlight of the evening was the electrifying opening set by Ruthie Foster, with local favorite Nina Gerber on guitar. Throughout the four-hour show, the audience was treated to unique combinations of all the artists joining each other for unexpected musical delights.
The inimitable Wavy Gravy shared hosting duty with his long-time friend and Seva co-founder, Larry Brilliant, now Executive Director of Google.org. Also taking a turn as MC was actor, activist and Seva-friend, Peter Coyote.
Singing and Speaking Out for Seva
While the evening was primarily focused on the music, the artists also had a lot to say about Seva. Bonnie Raitt said, “In this weary world, it is so nice to wake up and know there is a group like Seva who’s been doing such great work all these years — one of the great success stories where the money actually gets to where it’s supposed to go. I’m honored to be part of their family.”
Jackson Browne said, “We’ve been doing these shows for a long time — and it’s always incredible to know that we could put together a room full of people here on one side of the world, and then on the other side of the world people can see again.”
Graham Nash told the crowd, “David and I would like to congratulate Wavy and all the rest of the gang for 30 years of really great work.” Crosby continued, “Yeah, there you are, you’re living in a place that is so poor that you can’t get anything to eat and you’ve got cataracts and you’re going blind — and nobody can do anything about it because there isn’t anything to be done about it. There is no doctor, there is no money, and there is no way to get any. And then these people show up from Seva!” Nash concluded by saying, “It’s a miracle, really.”
It does sometimes seem like a miracle, but as Wavy often says, “It’s all done with people!”
