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 John Denver
believed we could end hunger on this planet in our lifetime. He had a
vision that there is enough food and to spare to feed every man, woman and
child around the entire globe. “If we remain committed and keep our
intention focused, if we believe that ‘we’ – you and me, can do it – we’ll
see it.” What an amazing way to celebrate John Denver’s life and legacy!
Ending hunger right here, right now.
John was and is a friend of mine. We dreamed of ending hunger together. He
was driven to end hunger and he fired my soul with lofty imaginings. I can
still see a world that works in my dreams. When John left us on his ‘Jet
Plane’, I was personally devastated. He wouldn’t live to see the
elimination of hunger and for a while I thought… perhaps, it’s at best an
“impossible possibility.” I was wrong. St. Vincent de Paul ends hunger
every day. As of March, 2004, 30 million meals have been served to people
in Arizona due to the commitment, focused intention, and compassion of
individuals in the Valley of the Sun. Somewhere a child will sleep with a
full belly tonight because of the love and generosity of people like you.
I can see John strolling in Heaven with St. Francis, smiling in gratitude
for every man, woman, and child who is filled – physically, spiritually
and emotionally this day.
Peace and Love,
Karmen T. Dopslaff
About John Denver:
 John’s music clearly reflects the conscience of a concerned citizen, a man
working for the improvement of the quality of life for all people – environmentally,
socially and politically. He was asked to serve as a member of the
Presidential Commission on World and Domestic Hunger and was one of the
five founders of The Hunger Project – an organization committed to the
sustainable end of chronic hunger. John was asked to be a member of the
fact-finding delegation, which toured African countries devastated by
drought and starvation as a representative of the Hunger project and
UNICEF. Because of his tireless effort and dedication, John was awarded
the Presidential “World Without Hunger” Award by President Jimmy Carter.
John also received recognition from many governments for his concert about
global hunger problems.
John’s birthday is December 31st 1943 and we celebrate it. John’s former band
members perform at our New Year’s Eve Concerts and proceeds
are donated to a charity that shares John's vision. Past ones have
included: St. Vincent de Paul at the Casa in Scottsdale, AZ, as well
as the Deaf Camp and John's Windstar Foundation, both outside of Aspen,
CO.
Many years ago, John wrote the song “It’s About Time”. The last verse
states:
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“There is a man who is my brother, I just
don’t know his name
But I know his home and family because I know we feel the same
And it hurts me when he’s hungry and when his children cry
I too am a Father and that little one is mine.” |
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Kathy and Tom Crum with
John
and whale
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Karmen with John at
Gammage Auditorium, Tempe, AZ, in 1988 |
Karmen and John in Grand
Junction in 1983 |
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