Friends of IDF event spurned by Stevie Wonder raises more than $14 million

The singer had come under intense social media pressure to pull out of the event. An online petition calling on him to cancel his performance had garnered more than 3,600 signatures

The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces fundraiser that singer Stevie Wonder pulled out of raised more than $14 million.

More than 1,400 people attended the event in Los Angeles to aid Israeli soldiers. Entertainment mogul Haim Saban and his wife, Cheryl chaired the gala. Saban is a national board member of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Actor Jason Alexander emceed the event, which featured a performance by David Foster and Friends. Surprise musical performances were presented by by "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan.


http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/friends-of-idf-event-spurned-by-stevie-wonder-raises-more-than-14-million-1.483688