My name is Maria Manetti Shrem and I am proud to be an Andrea Bocelli Foundation Ambassadress. I live in San Francisco, California and Florence, Italy. I am a patron of the arts and music, and a benefactor for causes related to education and health, internationally and in my local community.
I strongly believe that that there are three stages in life. The first is learning as much as you can and educating yourself. The second one is working as hard as you can and doing the best job. I am now in the third stage of life where I am fortunate enough to be giving back what I have been able to earn, after a lifetime of sacrifices and hard work.
When I first heard Andrea Bocelli sing, I was astounded by his beautiful voice. And when I got to know him more, I was even more astounded by his big, big heart. In addition to concentrating on his talent of being a musician and bringing all of us so much joy, Andrea, together with his amazing wife, Veronica, started the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to give back to the world around him.
Of course, when I was approached to be an Ambassadress of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation backstage after his concert in New York’s Madison Square Garden in December 2017, I immediately accepted and was overjoyed. I share the same vision of the ABF Foundation that we are all part of this living laboratory that must unite together and help those in underservedcommunities to have a better future so that they can reach their full potential.
When strong earthquakes hit central Italy back in 2016, I was heartbroken for those affected and displaced from their homes and schools. ABF set out to help immediately. When they approached me, I quickly donated and worked to garner donations from others. We all wanted to help this area rebuild and get back on its feet. My primary gift, along with the support from other generous donors, went towards rebuilding the nursery and primary school in Muccia. I was so moved by this cause that I made a second gift, and I am proud that there will be classroom at the Academy of Music of Camerino, currently under construction, named the Maria Manetti Shrem Classroom.
I truly believe that we are all in this together. When others are affected by tragedy, it is up us as human citizens to take care of one another. We must put up a united front and always do what we can to help those around us. With this in mind, I hope that those reading my story will also be inspired and motivated to do everything they can to help the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and the world around them.