Some of the biggest holiday hits of the last few decades were produced as part of the A Very Special Christmas (AVSC) compilation albums. The albums included artists such as Stevie Nicks singing “Silent Night;” Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band singing “Merry Christmas Baby”and Carrie Underwood singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Over the years, other artists, like the Jonas Brothers , lent their support for the album series. See the full list of all the artists that have made A Very Special Christmas the best-selling benefit recording of all time.
Conceived by music producer Jimmy Iovine to honor his late father, proceeds from AVSC raise money to support Special Olympics Programs in countries that need assistance funding year-round activities. This year, 104 athletes from 22 countries competed in the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi because of grants made possible by AVSC.
For a list of the recipient countries and some highlights from the Games, check out the gallery below.
PROGRAM | NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS FUNDED THROUGH CRT |
Afghanistan | 5 |
Armenia | 4 |
Bhutan | 2 |
Bosnia | 4 |
Dominica | 2 |
Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR) | 5 |
Gambia | 4 |
Haiti | 2 |
Kyrgystan | 6 |
Laos | 5 |
Mali | 4 |
Mongolia | 11 |
Montenegro | 2 |
Namibia | 2 |
SO Bolivia | 4 |
SO Nicaragua | 4 |
Tajikistan | 5 |
Tanzania | 19 |
Togo | 4 |
Tonga Revised | 2 |
Ukraine | 4 |
Vanuatu | 4 |
Total Solidarity Support | 104 |