Bette Midler Searching for Partners in STAGES FOR SUCCESS INITIATIVE

Bette Midler recently launched a program called the Stages for Success Initiative in association with The Jeckyl Foundation in hopes to raise money for schools with inadequate auditorium and rehearsal space. In 2012, the foundation completed renovation on a middle school in the South Bronx.

Read below for a message from Bette herself!

"A few years ago I launched the Stages for Success Initiative to modernize public school auditoriums in New York City, bringing much needed improvements to outdated and dysfunctional spaces. We've completed 3 schools so far, and we are hard at work on our next project in Far Rockaway, Queens, a community that was hit badly by Super Storm Sandy. But because there are so many more schools in need, I'm looking for generous partners to join my fundraising effort on CrowdRise. I will be matching every penny raised!

"We are working with the best theater designers and construction companies who are graciously donating much of their time and expertise. Please take a look at the Stages for Success Initiative to see what the team has accomplished so far.

"I've seen young lives transformed when they are given the opportunity for creative expression in a stimulating environment, and the benefits are profound: teamwork and sense of community, improved academic achievement and discipline, reading and language skills, confidence and self-esteem. Look what it's done for me!"

Click here to visit the charity's website and to donate!

Bette Midler began her legendary career as an entertainer in 1965, in New York, where she developed the trademark act that would make her one of the most renowned talents of her generation. Her debut album, 1972's The Divine Miss M set her on the path that has led her to earn Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes and Academy Award nominations in a career that has spanned over 40 years.

She has toured the world, sold millions of albums, published two books and appeared in over two dozen films, including The Rose, Beaches, Ruthless People, Hocus Pocus, First Wives Club and For The Boys. In addition to her work on stage and in films, Bette has made her mark in television, with the Emmy Award-winning CBS special of Ol Red Hair Is Back, and several HBO concerts, Live at Last and Art or Bust, and the Emmy Award-winning Diva Las Vegas. In 1992 she starred in the CBS television adaptation of the musical Gypsy, for which she won both a Golden Globe and the national board of review award for her performance. In January 2009 she concluded her sold-out Vegas spectacular The Showgirl Must Go On, at Caesar's Palace, with over 200 performances.