Editorial; A velvet voice gives voice to the homeless
January 10, 2011 at 1:09 PM
The improbable story of Ted Williams (no, not the Boston Red Sox's iconic slugger) is the feel-good story of the new year. Williams is the homeless man from Ohio who became an overnight sensation last Monday when The Columbus Dispatch posted a web video of him demonstrating the sound of his velvet announcing voice.
A reporter requested the audition in response to a hand-written cardboard sign Williams was carrying while panhandling on a highway median.
Williams life has changed dramatically since the video went viral. In quick succession, he appeared on morning and evening TV talk shows - he did the introduction to the Today Show. He's also received an offer to be the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers and to lend his voice to an array of products including Kraft.
What Williams does with his new-found fame will determine whether he'll be able to capitalize on the chances he's being given.
Williams' made-for-TV-story thrust the plight of the nation's 600,000 homeless to front and center stage. The story of his slip from grace is a familiar one in shelters across the country. The former radio announcer blamed drugs and alcohol for contributing to his downfall. His story also highlights the work that is going on in homeless shelters around the nation
Here in Springfield, the good work goes on. Kathy Tobin, director of development for Friends of the Homeless, says the community at large and the private sector have been kind in its support for services to help people work themselves out of homelessness.
But the need is great and stories like Ted Williams' are the rarity.
Kathy Tobin
After almost thirty years covering the news for television affiliates in Western Massachusetts, Kathy joined Friends of the Homeless in the fall of 2009 to help raise money and the profile of the organization to fulfill its mission. As Director of Development, Kathy is available to help you understand the work we are doing and how you might contribute to end homelessness in our community.