Tomorrow night’s City of Hope Spirit of Life honoree, BMG N.A. President/COO Charles Goldstuck, is interviewed by RCA Music Group EVP Richard Palmese, which enabled us to save money on hiring a real writer, and prompted us to convince the latter not to give up his day job.

Palmese: Any misgivings about doing the interview, Charles?
Goldstuck: I guess my career is over because I’m going to be in HITS!

So how did you first become aware and involved with the City of Hope and its life-saving work?
When I first came to America while working for Warner/Chappell Music in Los Angeles, everyone was going to this annual City of Hope dinner, and I had to really hustle to get a ticket. It seemed to be the place where all the people in the music industry congregated at the same time, and I wanted to be a part of it. After a few years of listening to the speeches, seeing the images, hearing the stories and getting an understanding of what was being done at the City of Hope—and having some history of leukemia in my extended family—the organization really registered with me. I was always impressed with the passionate determination that I witnessed at those dinners.

I know that you were really touched when you visited the hospitals earlier this year.
When you visit the City of Hope campus and walk in the various hospital buildings, you can't help but notice how serious the mission is for everyone who works there. Within the grounds, there are slogans all over, one in particular which reads, “There Is Always Hope.” That really says it all. In speaking with the doctors, they talk not only of finding cures and helping patients, but also of the possibilities of what their current research might bring for the future. It is a grave reminder of how important it is for us all to support these doctors in their research, because what they do there has a profound effect not only on the patients who are being treated now but those that will come in the future.

This year’s campaign was record-breaking.
It looks like we are going to end up at $3.3 million—not including the proceeds from a Barry Manilow concert in Las Vegas in February—so it’s very gratifying when we
see the support that has come from so many people, not only
in our industry, but from affiliated media companies.

Are you surprised at the level of support?
In a way, I am. However, the team that worked unconditionally from day one was not only motivated but had incredibly fresh ideas—including you, Richard. Your roast brought in over $500,000. I have had a lot of fun working with you and Steve Bartels—and let’s not forget Alissa Pollack. I always say, “Everyone get out of the way—here comes Alissa.” So I am not surprised as much as I am gratified. Given just how hard everyone has worked, and in such smart ways, I must say this has been a great team effort.

You also made a special effort to reach out to include new volunteers, young executives among them.
It is very easy for us all to become set in our ways and do things the same way, year in and year out. What we sometimes forget is that the new people coming in sometimes see things differently; with a new perspective that can really bring a lot of fresh energy to the existing situation. I mentioned Alissa Pollack earlier; in one year she has become a more effective fundraiser than I was in 10 years. If each year there is one person who comes to the forefront of the City of Hope fundraising effort, then there is a huge future for the City of Hope Music and Entertainment Chapter. Also, I asked Peter Lopez to help build a stronger base within the Latino business community, which is so large in Los Angeles. We need not only find extended communities but also give them the opportunity to participate; for me that is as much of a priority as raising money. I should also mention that the new Senior Director of Development for the Music and Entertainment Chapter, Britta Bucholz, has brought some new ideas to the chapter.

In addition to this week's dinner, there are other fun events. There is a Nashville softball game, which involves the country music industry every year, and a magical night in New York that we all enjoyed a couple of weeks ago.
We had a very special evening at the Core Club with the world-famous illusionist and card player Ricky Jay, courtesy of his managers, David Simone and Winston Simone. They came up with the idea to have Ricky at the center of an intimate fundraising event, which was very successful. It is just remarkable what Ricky Jay can do with a deck of cards. Almost as remarkable as how you can drive songs up the charts, Richard! We were able to raise almost $100,000 from that night alone, and what was really great was that everybody loved the evening—it didn't just feel like another charity event. We also, courtesy of Donna Clower, brought in Giorgio Armani and Audemars Piguet as sponsors. Hopefully, they will be part of the City of Hope in the future as well. Later this year we also have David Renzer’s Songs of Hope event at the Esquire House in L.A., which is always wellattended, and this year will be no exception.

Who will be hosting and entertaining on the big night?
Craig Ferguson of the Late Late Show, the funniest Scotsman in America, will host. Velvet Revolver will perform an acoustic set, followed by Maroon 5, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban, with a surprise at the end of the evening.

What was your experience as a board member and an honoree working with all of us?
What was remarkable to me is just how seamlessly this whole campaign unfolded. Every board member did their part, and all the staff did their part—the individual parts added up to a big whole. Having you and Steve as the dinner chairs and David Renzer as the national campaign chair, along with Alissa Pollack's efforts, Zach Horowitz and the rest of the board, it really was a painless fundraising process. Then, we also had the City of Hope's staff with Britta Bucholz in charge; she did an amazing job in her first year. Rob Myers was always there to support and, of course, Mary Carlzen and Art Martinez held it together.

Are you concerned that this interview is running in HITS?
Well, I’ve been able to stay out of HITS for the last few years, and it seems I have run out of places to hide—but now you got me! And it’s not costing us anything!