In an age where celebrities are often noted more for their mishaps, failed relationships, wardrobe malfunctions, crazy behavior, and drug and alcohol abuse, Jay Leno is doing something that shows not all celebrities are quite as nutty as we may think.
Last week on the Tonight Show, Jay Leno announced a special engagement for the people of Detroit. As a car enthusiast, Leno has many ties to Detroit and the automaking industry. Unfortunately, the economic downturn has struck Detroit severely. In January, the city had an unemployment rate of 11.6%, one of the highest in the country.
In order to boost spirits, even if for only one night, Leno has decided to give a free show to unemployed individuals in Detroit on April 7. Leno has rented out the Palace in Detroit and has partnered with Pepsi to bring a night of relief to people who are out of work.
The show costs no money. In fact, tickets, refreshments, and parking are all free. In order to get tickets, people only have to say they’re unemployed. Leno is even putting the event on the “honor system,” taking the word of people who ask for tickets.
I am not trying to endorse Jay Leno, the Tonight Show, or even his standup comedy with this post. However, no matter if you like Leno or not, you have to agree this is a very nice gesture coming from someone who doesn’t have to do it. Yes, he has the money to do it, but he doesn’t have to.
It’s nice to see someone in Hollywood is looking out for the common man in America. Now if our politicians could take a hint from Jay Leno, maybe we’d be back in business…literally.
By the way, if everything goes well, Leno said he’d like to do this in more towns.