
Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald Crushes IRONMAN, MusiCares Fundraising Goal & 20 Years Of Sobriety
On Sat., Oct. 12, music management veteran Michael McDonald did something he would've never imagined possible in his earlier years as tour manager: complete the IRONMAN race on the 20th anniversary of his sobriety.
And the accomplishment was much bigger than McDonald himself; he raised over $394,000 for MusiCares, where he is Chair Emeritus, and the IRONMAN Foundation. His original fundraising goal was $150,000.
"I vividly remember watching the Kona IRONMAN World Championships on television and crying because I was too hungover to fathom the level of dedication, perseverance, and athleticism," McDonald explained.
"Somewhere deep inside, a seed was planted that finally came to bloom," he added in a press release.
In his training for the big race, McDonald clocked in an impressive feat of athleticism, biking over 3,000 miles, running over 800 and swimming 69. This year not only marks McDonald's impressive first IRONMAN and 20 years of sobriety, but also his 50th birthday, as well as the 30th anniversary of MusiCares, whose addiction services helped him get clean.
"Crossing the finish line in Kona was one of the greatest honors of my life. I am overflowing with gratitude towards all my donors and the IRONMAN Foundation for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity," he recently said.
Read More: Meet The Real Ironman: Michael McDonald To Race On Behalf Of MusiCares
Donations came from Mick Management, the Brooklyn-based music management company McDonald founded, VEGA, ROKA, Brooks Running, Cervélo Cycles, Live Nation, Music That Moves and other orgs and individuals. GRAMMY-winning musician Leon Bridges, who is represented by Mick Management, also generously donated $75,000.
In his fundraising efforts, McDonald joined TEAM IMF, IRONMAN Foundation's fundraising team. The remaining funds are donated to the Foundation, which works with change-making organizations in race communities, including the Kailua-Kona region, where the World Championship is held.
To learn more and support about the work MusiCares does to assist and empower the music community in-need, please visit grammy.com/musicares.
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