Many are familiar with the commercials for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, but chances are many don’t know the voice behind the music.

Monday, July 24, 2000

Many are familiar with the commercials for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, but chances are many don’t know the voice behind the music.

It is that of Pamela McNeill.

Born and raised in Winona, McNeill recently released a CD entitled "2 Sides to Every Sky" to benefit the United Way of America.

When a CD is purchased, $2.50 will be donated to the United Way in that county. United Way of Mower County is one office to receive benefits from McNeill’s generosity.

Amy Baskin, executive director of the United Way of Mower County, said her office hasn’t received any proceeds – yet.

"We’re just starting to get availability here," Baskin said. "We’re working out distribution with Target."

Baskin said McNeill came up with the idea to donate proceeds from each CD after speaking with the United Way of Greater Duluth.

"They were looking for someone to do a song for their video," Baskin said. "It was something she wanted to do for the community, as a gift for agencies that helped her along the way."

McNeill explained by phone how she became involved with the United Way.

"It was a special project, it just kind of happened," she said.

McNeill went on to describe the role that the Columbine shooting played in her decision to record the CD.

"I was just so shocked and felt so bad," she said. "I wanted to do something positive because I was so affected by it."

McNeill co-wrote, with a friend, the theme song for the United Way of Greater Duluth, a project she said had "perfect timing."

"I wanted to do something positive, but I wasn’t sure what," McNeill said.

She listened to those helped by the United Way of Greater Duluth, and thought of events she’d been through in life, combining the two to "make it more personal."

McNeill, while not directly involved in the United Way, was touched by their generosity.

"A few years ago, I lost everything," she said. "I went to a United Way-sponsored food shelf and they helped me out."

This generosity is what inspired "2 Sides to Every Sky." McNeill wanted to give back to an organization that she said does much.

And give back she will. McNeill has donated 100 percent of her royalties to the United Way for the next three years.

"2 Sides to Every Sky" is a CD for everyone, McNeill said. She wanted to make it available to anyone, of any age, race or religion; she set out to make it universal.

Its message, she said, is simple.

"When you’re down, don’t despair," McNeill said. "It will all work out eventually."

This CD is a first for McNeill, who said she’s always had a passion for music, especially singing.

"Ever since I was 3, it’s what I wanted to do," she said. "I spent my allowance on singles; I learned all the words so I could sing for everyone."

Now, she really is singing for everyone, while giving back to those who gave to her.

McNeill’s CD is available on her World Wide Web site, www.pamelamcneill.com; follow the link for Electric Odyssey magazine. In the Twin Cities area, CDs may be purchased at Best Buy, CD Warehouse and Electric Fetus. The cost is $14.95 at all locations.

If you’re looking for the chance to see McNeill live, she will be performing at the Waseca County Fair on July 21 and in Owatonna on Sept. 7.