Singer-songwriter Ondrasik, known by his stage name Five for Fighting, exploded onto the music scene with the release of 'Superman' in 2000
The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present John Ondrasik with the 2016 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award at the 26th annual ISPA Conference & Expo, set to take place 13-15 September at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Ondrasik, a Grammy-nominated artist, will also serve as keynote speaker on 14 September with a musical performance.
“John delivers such heartfelt music every time he performs,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “ISPA loves celebrating those who use their talents to help others. He is the perfect representation of someone that has taken the talents given to him and used them for good.”
Singer-songwriter Ondrasik, known by his stage name Five for Fighting, exploded onto the music scene with the release of "Superman" in 2000. "Superman" continued to embed itself in the nation's consciousness with the events of 9/11, as Ondrasik joined other superstar musicians for the fundraiser, "The Concert for New York," a 2001 event dedicated to first responders affected by the events of 11 September. Three years later, Ondrasik landed another number one Billboard hit with "100 Years."
“Personally, giving back through charity work has been the most selfish exercise of my life, as I meet such wonderful and inspiring people,” Ondrasik said. “Whether it’s the CD for the troops project or my work with Augie Nieto and ALS, I am continually in awe at the courage and strength of the human spirit.”
The Humanitarian Award is named in honour of the late spa pioneer Alex Szekely. It is designed to recognise an individual who acts as a respected contributor to overall wellbeing, encouraging the renewal of mind, body and spirit. The award will be presented to Ondrasik by Szekely’s mother, Deborah Szekely.
Past Humanitarian Award recipients include Alice Waters, Jewel, Blake Mycoskie, Lisa Ling and Dr. Maya Angelou.
