Talk of Donations Continues as the Jackson Memorial Wraps Up

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Talk of Donations Continues as the Jackson Memorial Wraps Up

Tue., Jul. 7, 2009 4:30 PM PDT by Megan Masters

Michael Jackson, Memorial, Police, Staples Center

John Moore/Getty Images

Now that the Michael Jackson memorial has come and gone, people are still waiting to find out just how much the celebration cost the city of Los Angeles.

The event was projected to surpass the LAPD's "extraordinary events" budget by upward of $3.5 million, but at last Friday's press conference, acting Mayor Jan Perry reached out to the city for financial assistance in honoring Jackson.

Today Perry, stepping in for vacationing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, revealed that fans have been generously making donations to help L.A. cover memorial expenses.

"I've received emails that are really kind of touching, because they're obviously coming from fans," says Perry. "They're very sweet, saying things like, 'I can give $10, $25 and I can organize my friends.' "

While some taxpayers have been adamant about money being spent frivolously during the economic downturn, Perry alludes to a bit of positive news regarding the exact number of donations received, stating: "I think there will be a significant announcement that we'll be able to make in the next day or so."

It has also been rumored that some of the donations have come from Jackson's famous friends and wealthy corporate sponsors, but Perry declined to comment on the extra source of funds.

Perry and city officials want to make known that even though the Staples Center festivities have passed, donations are still greatly appreciated. In fact, Mayor Villaraigosa took to his Twitter, Facebook and official website with the appeal, which reads:

"Help the city of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves. If you're a Michael fan, consider giving a small donation to help us celebrate his extraordinary life and music."

And if the sympathy approach doesn't tug at your purse strings, there's always the old push that all donations are tax-deductible.