Michael Jackson honored at Austrian awards gala for humanitarian efforts

Michael Jackson honored in Austria

ZWENTENDORF, Austria — Michael Jackson was honored in Austria on Friday, a month after his death devastated fans across the world.

His brother Jermaine Jackson accepted the “2009 Save the World Award” for the King of Pop’s efforts to reach out to the less fortunate and give a voice to the vulnerable.

“I’m very proud that Michael enriched the lives of so many people, not only with his music but with his immense generosity,” Jackson said as he accepted the posthumous prize at a gala west of Vienna.

“Michael’s message has always been ‘heal the world’ but he alone could never have accomplished that so it is left up to every one of us to ensure that we do.”

With his two sons on stage behind him, Jackson sang “Smile” in honor of his late sibling, ending with a soft: “I love you, Michael.”

The outdoor event was held at a nuclear power plant that was mothballed decades ago due to public resistance before it was ever put into operation.

Others honored during the roughly two-hour show included sprinter Carl Lewis, whose foundation supports underprivileged children, and Thomas Henningsen, climate policy coordinator at Greenpeace.

“Michael Jackson inspired all of us through his music and through his message — and that’s what’s going to last for years and years to come,” Lewis said when he accepted his award. “We all know the wonderful things he did for so many people and it’s just great that we can continue to honor that.”

The gala, which took place despite driving rain, featured live performances of a slew of Jackson songs, such as “Man in the Mirror,” and “Heal the World.” It ended with an emotional rendition of “We Are The World.”

At a news conference in the Austrian capital earlier Friday, Jermaine Jackson called his brother a “wonderful humanitarian” who considered it important to help others.

Jackson said his brother’s “whole existence” was to find the good in everyone and described his passing on June 25 at age 50 as a “tragic loss.”

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On the Net:

Save the World Awards: www.savetheworldawards.org/main.asp