Disaster and conflict have devastated many countries throughout the world.  Today, there are roughly 67 million people in need of international protection and assistance. Approximately 16 million are refugees and 51 million are internally displaced people (meaning they have not crossed an international border). People displaced inside their countries face the same hardships as refugees, but lack protection under international law. My father is a refugee from Nicaragua so I instantly connected with the organization, American Refugee Committee.

The American Refugee Committee (ARC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian humanitarian relief organization that works for the survival, health and well-being of refugees and displaced persons caught in the crossfire of warfare, civil violence, and other disasters. The American Refugee Committee works within nine countries in Africa, Asia and Europe to help these victims rebuild their lives. Through the organization’s various programs, ARC has provided health care, clean water, shelter repair, legal aid, trauma counseling, microcredit, community development services and repatriation assistance to 2.5 million refugees and displaced people last year. This number only continues to grow.

My father came to the United States when he was 18, graduated from Purdue University, and has worked his way up the career ladder to become a successful executive manager within one of the world’s largest food companies.  His story has always been inspiring to me and is a testament to what it means to rise above. I've always been fascinated with how lives can be impacted and changed simply by another's willingness to help. Had someone not given my father a chance, I may not be writing this letter for you today.

I wrote a song called “Shine” about 6 months ago and have had the privilege of performing it at various venues throughout The Cities, including the Mall of America and The Minnesota State Fair. From the moment I first performed the song, I didn't realize its impact or know how its message would speak to people. The song left people feeling empowered and uplifted. I find its message to have the power to make a difference and resonate with all who have chosen to rise up during hard times. Needless to say, I jumped back into the studio and have been at work recording a new album, titled Shine.

I believe we are given life to serve someone other than ourselves…to fulfill a purpose. I’m always looking for opportunities to give back. It is for these reasons, and because of my father’s story, that I couldn't wait to partner with the American Refugee Committee. When creating a plan for this project, I didn’t want to just record new music and say “Hey, here’s new music of mine – please buy it.” Anyone can create and sell music, but I wanted to take an opportunity to do something special. I wanted to release an album where with each sale, a portion of each purchase is given to help someone else.

Winston Churchill wrote, “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” Ten percent of the proceeds from Shine album sales will be donated to American Refugee Committee to help fund the services that refugees and displaced people need to survive and begin rebuilding lives of dignity, health, security and self-sufficiency. The four-song Shine EP is available for $5. With your purchase, you not only own new music, but you’re helping make a difference. We’re all given opportunities to help dust off the debris from another’s obstacles so they can shine again!

To pre-order your copy of Shine, please visit:
https://Smarturl.it/ShinePreOrder
https://Facebook.com/EricPaulGordon 
https://EricPaulGordon.com

For more information about this amazing organization, please visit:

https://ARCrelief.org

https://Twitter.com/ARCRelief

https://Facebook.com/ARCrelief

All my best,

Eric