Caught Caring: Joey McIntyre and Let’s Get This Foundation
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There is no denying the devotion of the New Kids On The Block fans: with the fan base once made up primarily of screaming teenage girls when the group gained its popularity in the 90s, the groupies have returned — now as adults — to support the fivesome in their successful comeback. As for NKOTB singer Joey McIntyre, not only is he grateful to have such a dedicated following, but he is also counting on them to lend a hand to his new project — Let’s Get This Foundation.
Adding an extra splash to their 2009 Full Service Tour, Joey has launched the foundation in an effort to make a difference, one step at a time. “The Let’s Get This Foundation is about people coming together to learn how, in even the smallest ways, we can make the world a better place,” he writes.
While the goal may seem large and unspecific, the logistics are quite simple. “As we are giving back with different endeavors or ’steps,’ we can learn from each other and create a forum for all kinds of ‘good works’ — wherever the passion lies.”
 Ramey |
For now, that passion lies in Step One: The Summer Book Drive. Urging his fans to forgo the teddy bears, flowers and gifts that are often brought to the arenas, Joey instead suggests that concertgoers purchase one (or more!) new children’s book to be dropped off at a designated spot at the venue.
After the books are collected by a group of volunteers – fans handpicked by Joey himself — they will be donated to a child in need within 24 hours.
“The statistics for age-appropriate reading material in low-income families is alarming. In one study, they found that in middle-income neighborhoods, there are 13 books to every child. In low-income neighborhoods, it’s one book to every 300 kids! We can help solve that problem!”
In order to gift even more books to needy families, Let’s Get This Foundation has partnered with First Book, an online site that has pledged to sell their children’s books for $2. For people who are interested in donating a minimum of $5 — which would yield more than two books — or up to $200, the site allows everyone to get involved.
The donations don’t go unnoticed; Joey has promised each fan who donates at least one book an exclusive code to download his new song “5 Brothers and a Million Sisters,” a special “autobiographical ‘thank-you’ to the fans.”
Once the book has been dropped off at the concert, each person will receive a special coupon code for the free download. For those who choose to donate via First Book, the offer is still valid, with the code displayed on the confirmation page.
To date, the book drive has certainly proven successful — Joey shared that almost 5,000 books were collected during the first week alone. Taking to his Twitter account to reveal the good news, the singer tweeted that as of Wednesday, July 1st, over 12,000 books had been donated thus far.
“Going for 20 thousand for the tour. I bet we can get 25 K!!! Let’s collect this!!!”
Joey is dad to 19-month-old Griffin Thomas — who shares his favorite books here — with wife Barrett.
– Anya
- Posted on Jul 2, 09 at 12:30PM
- Permalink
- 9 Comments
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I love NKOTB!!! I have been to 2 shows since their comeback tour started and I happen to be going to the one tonight! yay! I will definitely go out and get some books to bring with me! This just made my day : )
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but does anyone else feel there are TOO many charties out there.
I just feel like the money is REALLY being spread out because there are so many people starting charities. If we put all the, let’s say, cancer charities together and have ALL the money go into one fund, I think we would be closer to a cure. I just don’t get why people who are sick (or famous) feel like starting a new charity to raise money. Why don’t they just endorse/help out an already established charity?
Now, I can understand starting a fund if the sick person needed money, but I think money for charities are being spread too thin.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
It’s funny how at fans are mentioned as “groupies” who “came back”. Well, think about it…these fans (who are around my age) are like 27-42 (or older) so that is actually the ages of the mommies who read this site! : )
As for the comment above, MY opinion is that people will donate to what they find is more meaningful to them. Like, I’m maybe a bit more bias toward cardic care and lymphoma or leukemia charities because I lost my dad to a heart attack and my grandmother to lymphoma. Joey and the rest of the celebs are not twisting our arms to donate–they’re just letting us know if you want to give-go ahead. If not, it’s ok.
Charities are so needed these times. Thank God I am healthy and grateful to be employed…one day we may need that extra support.
I do agree that these millionaire folks can give but they’re not magicians we all need to do our part.
That’s just MY opinion.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I’m sorry but I absolutely do not see your point about charity being “spread too thin”…
if you really want to engage people in giving you need to personalize it, contributing is not and never should be about just throwing money (or whatever else) at a problem!
the awesome thing about Joey’s charity is that it actually redirects the gifts that fans want to give him (and he doesn’t need) to a better cause! I was at a recent show and it was so endearing to see the crowd of fans not only cheering and screaming but toting children’s books! just because he asked them to! that’s pretty powerful and he’s using his influence for good, I have so much respect for that!
LET’S GET THIS JOEY JOE!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I never expected for there to be negative comments, on such a great thing he is doing. Props to Joey & all his fans for trying to spread the word of the importance of early childhood reading. Not everyone has the money to go out and buy books for there children, despite how much they want to. Books are important in a young childs life, it’s great that there are people out there who care enough to give to those less fortunate.
I guess until you have to experience it yourself, and can not afford something so simple for your child, it’s sort of hard for some peole to understand.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
I think that Joey’s Let’s Get This Foundation is a wonderful thing and I applaud him for his efforts. I think it’s great that he is picking something that is meaningful to him and giving back to his community. Early literacy is key to the success of a child, and his book drive will help a lot of kids.
Thanks Joey for making a difference.
Your supporter.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I think that the “Let’s Get This Foundation” is a fabulous idea!!!
Since Joe has a young son, early literacy is something that is important to him, and this foundation can help many young children in need. I was at the Toronto show and we collected 1200 books in one evening! Kids in my community thank you, Joey! 
This is an awesome idea and you should be very proud of your accomplishments with this foundation! 
)
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 am
What Joey is doing is a WONDERFUL thing. I proudly donated 10 books between 2 shows in June and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all the guys of NKOTB several times and let me tell you they are the BEST! So caring to each and every single fan they meet. All the guys loved my kids too. Oh, and just to let ya know….NKOTB contributes to another charity….the fight against breast cancer! Danny Wood’s Mom lost the battle several years ago so they sell tank tops and ALL proceeds go to Susan Koman for the cure!
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 am
As both a Blockhead and a frequent visitor to this website I want to say thank you for posting the info about the “Let’s Get This Foundation.” I think it is fantastic that Joey is putting his time, effort, and heart into such a great charitable cause!! I just dropped off several toddler books at the Indy show and felt so great be able to contribute!
Let’s Get This!!