Jose Feliciano in Concert at George Weston Recital Hall in Support of Israel Guide Dog Centre for the Blind, 5/22

José Feliciano, the original Latin cross-over artist, will make a special appearance in Toronto on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. José Feliciano is appearing in benefit of an organization that is dear to the musician, the Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind.

Born blind to humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, José Feliciano taught himself to play guitar by listening to records and practicing all day. Discovered at 17 and signed to RCA Records, he had earned five Grammy nominations and two Awards by the age of 23.

For more than two generations José Feliciano has bridged musical styles and influenced countless musicians. One of the greatest living guitarists, José Feliciano has recorded over 45 gold and platinum records and has received 19 Grammy nominations and nine awards, including the Latin Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award. This February, José Feliciano was presented with the Medallas de Cortez Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions as an artist and humanitarian.

In Toronto, an appearance to support the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, Jose Feliciano will perform with his long-time band of Tyger MacNeal on drums, Bob Conti on percussion, Music Director Greg Smith on piano, Tyler McHugh on keyboards, Al Payson on bass, and technical director Jim Durkin.

An active philanthropist, José Feliciano has visited the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind and is a loyal supporter of the work being done to train guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired in Israel. The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind began operations on January 1, 1991 with just one objective - to help blind citizens in Israel achieve independence and mobility through the use of guide dogs. The relationship that develops between human and guide dog, and the freedom afforded the blind person is immeasurable in terms of quality of life.

Training costs for a guide dog, from the moment of birth until it leaves the Center are approximately $25,000. The blind person receives the guide dog, instruction and regular home visits during the working life of the dog at no charge. The extensive training of the dog, and the facilitation of the dog and human partnership training, take place on the Center's campus fitted with a dormitory.

The Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind is the only accredited center in the Middle East offering these specific services, free, to any blind Israeli citizen. There are more than 27,000 visually impaired people in Israel but the Center only graduates 35 dogs annually. A New Puppy Development Campus, adjacent to the current site, is in the works and will include a state-of-the-art dog training course, additional kennels, and a new birthing centre.

The Canadian Friends of Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind has been managed for the last five years by Sara Gabriel. Born in Lima, Peru, Sara lived in Israel, Mexico, and the US before settling her family in Canada and raising three children. Now a grandmother of nine, Sara speaks to groups and teaches students about the Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind and produces annual fundraisers, "Evening of Miracles" to build profile and raise funds for the activities of the Center. The Canadian Friends of Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind has raised over $1,000,000 since she has been at the helm of the Canadian chapter.

To make a donation or for information regarding partnerships with the Canadian Friends ofIsrael Guide Dog Center For The Blind, please contact sara.israelguidedog@rogers.com.

Israel Guide Dog Center For The Blind-relying on people with "vision" to help make miracles happen.
Canadian Friends ofIsrael Guide Dog Center For The Blind presentJOSÉ FELICIANO In Concert"The 5th Annual Evening of Miracles"

Thursday, May 22, 2014 @ 7:30pmToronto Centre for the Arts, George Weston Recital Hall 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto

$180 VIP Package includes preferential seating, Meet and Greet dessert reception with José Feliciano, and tax receiptTo purchase VIP tickets call 416.577.3600 or visit www.ca.israelguidedog.org
Regular tickets can be purchased for $85/$70/$55 in person at the Theatre box office, by calling 1.855.985.2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca