Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
In the News

The Washington Post Chronicles “A Very Special Christmas”

A Very Special Christmas Volume 3 cover art

The following is an excerpt from The Washington Post article titled shared via MSN.com titled How a 1987 Christmas album changed the way the holiday sounds:

A Very Special Christmas” came out 35 years ago, on Oct. 12, 1987. Some of the biggest names of the MTV era accepted Iovine’s invitation, all for a deserving charity. Madonna, Sting, Stevie Nicks, the Pretenders, Whitney Houston, U2, Bob Seger, the Pointer Sisters and Run-DMC are among those who contributed, as did Springsteen and his E Street Band.

While the album endures as a cultural phenom, it continues to serve a greater cause: helping fund Special Olympics programs, particularly those most in need around the world. The first album spawned 10 more, plus a 30th anniversary rerelease, and, collectively, the program has raised $145 million and helped more than 110 local Special Olympics programs, primarily in Africa and Asia.

Andrii Pidvarko, president of Special Olympics Ukraine, says the program has been a reliable source of funding for more than two decades. With the Russian invasion of the country in February, it’s never been more important.

“Almost all charitable organizations and foundations, private companies focused all their help on supporting the Ukrainian army now. Our organization was able to receive stable financial help only from ‘A Very Special Christmas,’” Pidvarko says. “For now, we can’t train and compete due to constant rocket fire, but our athletes work as volunteers in hospitals, weave protective masking nets for the army, pack humanitarian aid in warehouses and sing along to the albums.”

Recommended Content

A Very Special Christmas

For over 30 years, the biggest and brightest voices in the recording industry have generously lent their time and talents to Special Olympics to create the holiday album series—A Very Special Christmas—the single most successful benefit recording in musical history.
1 Min Read

Game Changer: A Very Special Christmas

For more than 30 years, the biggest names in music, artists like U2, Run-D.M.C., and Madonna have contributed to the “A Very Special Christmas” album series, the most successful benefit recording in history.

A Very Special Christmas

'A Very Special Christmas' broke records as the most successful benefit recording series ever. Take a look behind the scenes.