Aaliyah Memorial Fund Established


At her family's request, the Aaliyah Memorial Fund has been established, with donations going to breast cancer research and patient support.

Half of the funds will benefit the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program, a Virgin Records spokesperson said. The other half will go to the beneficiaries of the October 27 Breathe concert, which will raise money to help underprivileged women suffering from breast cancer. Aaliyah was scheduled to perform at the all-star event (see "Third Eye Blind Frontman Plans All-Star Breast Cancer Benefit").

Gladys Knight — who was Aaliyah's aunt by her former marriage to the singer's uncle Barry Hankerson — issued a statement Tuesday that read, in part: "She brought joy to my heart, and I felt blessed to encourage and support her professionally and personally as she strove for each new goal. Her star had just begun to shine so brightly. Though she was ours for only a short time, what a time it was. I love Aaliyah, and I will miss her for the rest of my life."

As a child, Aaliyah had performed with Knight in Las Vegas.

A public memorial service for Aaliyah will be held Friday, according to a Blackground Records spokesperson, who said details will be announced Thursday. Funeral services for the singer are being kept private.

Donations to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund can be sent to:
Aaliyah Memorial Fund
c/o Entertainment Industry Foundation
Attention: Merrily Newton
11132 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 401
Studio City, CA 91604

Cards will be sent to the family notifying them of all donations.

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