Help make a dream come true for the boy who made Teamsters cry

Watch to the end.

Christopher Duffley, the 10-year-old blind boy who made Teamsters cry at the 2011 convention, is now 12 years old and hoping to cut two albums.

Christopher was born blind with cocaine in his system, weighed just 28 ounces and was diagnosed with autism. But he makes up for his problems with his voice and his spirit. For the past few years he has inspired audiences with his singing in churches, sporting events, conventions, concerts, military functions, and conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada. (You can view a short video about his life here.)

Our brothers and sisters at Teamsters Local 25 in Boston have worked with Christopher for several years in promoting autism awareness. That's how he came to the union's convention, where he delivered an inspiring version of "Lean On Me." He has raised thousands of dollars for autism causes by singing at Local 25's annual gala.

Now Local 25 is helping him in his quest to cut two albums through the Kickstarter crowd funding program. He wants to record two kinds of albums: 

#1  ·Inspirational Christian Music: including “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, “Amazing Grace,” and “I Can Only Imagine.” 

# 2  ·Inspirational & Patriotic Music:, including “Lean on Me”, “God Bless the USA" and "God Bless America". 

AND.... at least one video of his life story to be included with each recording....

He needs $70,000 to pay for royalties, studio musicians, travel, marketing and technical help. He already has 40 backers but he needs more.

His Kickstarter post assures potential backers he can get the job done:

Anyone familiar with Christopher’s story knows that challenges have never stopped him from succeeding. Since Christopher has completed some recording in the Nashville area, he is quite able to produce what we have promised and more! The money raised in this campaign will make this project possible, to record in Nashville, Tennessee with world-class musicians, producers, studios and engineers. We can't extend our hearts enough in thanking you for entrusting us with your investment!

Click here to help Christopher out.

Quick! Vote for our honorary Teamster for Person of the Year!

There's no time to lose to vote for Christopher Duffley as Person of the Year for Manchester, N.H. Please click here and vote for Christopher. The WLMW-FM contest ends at midnight tonight.

Teamsters will remember Christopher's emotional performance of "Lean on Me" if they attended the 28th International Brotherhood of Teamsters Convention in Las Vegas in July 2011.

Though born blind and autistic, 11-year-old Christopher inspires thousands of people by singing at sports events and other public gatherings.

Teamsters from Local 25 in Boston met Christopher through their work with autism charities and brought him to Las Vegas.  General President Hoffa nominated Christopher as an Honorary Teamster and he was accepted unanimously.

So please, vote now. Just click on this link here.

10 yr old moves Teamsters to tears

Teamsters who attended the 28th convention in Las Vegas last week are clamoring for this youtube video of 10-year-old Christopher Duffley. Well, here it is.

The New Hampshire boy sang "Lean on Me" after General Secretary-Treasurer Tom Keegel, who's retiring, said an emotional farewell to 6,000 Teamsters at the Paris Hotel. Teamsters generally pride themselves on not crying, but Christopher managed to move many to tears.

Brother Sean Murphy, president of Local 25 in Boston, first introduced Christopher earlier that day:

You know, as union leaders, we’re always looking to find inspiration, we’re always looking to find ways to get that fire burning back in our bellies, to make certain that we do what we do best for our members; that’s to protect, preserve and improve working conditions. Recently on May 7th, I found that inspiration.

And that inspiration is a young man who has brought me to another level to think about what’s really important in life. This person, this young man, wasn’t born with the best cards in life. He was born autistic and blind. He’s a ten-year-old warrior in my eyes. Teamsters Local 25 —

(Applause)

Teamsters Local 25, along with Brother Terry Hancock, tirelessly work to make certain that we improve the lives not only of children with autism, but also the families that are affected by autism. You know, it gives me great honor to introduce a young man that has courage, conviction, determination and, most importantly, inspiration.

You can see Christopher tonight sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park. And you can see highlights from the Teamsters convention -- including a performance by Tom Morello and some rock 'em, sock 'em speeches by Vice President Joe Biden and Newark Mayor Cory Booker, here.

VIDEO: Christopher Duffley sings for the Teamsters, Red Sox

Christopher Duffley is a 10-year-old New Hampshire boy who was born blind and autistic. Tonight he sings the National Anthem for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Last week, he sang the National Anthem for the Teamsters convention. He also brought thousands of Teamsters to tears with his a cappella version of "Lean on Me." (We'll post that shortly.)

He is an extraordinary boy. Take inspiration.

VIDEO: Teamster Convention

Watch five days of the 28th International Brotherhood of Teamsters Convention in 11 minutes. For many, the highlight was the singing of Christopher Duffley, a 10-year-old boy who was born blind and autistic but with an amazing voice. Danny DeVito was a huge hit as well, suggesting we outsource the CEOs and bring the jobs back to the USA.

There are plenty of other highlights as well -- you'll just have to watch the whole thing.

(UPDATE: Forgot to mention, just about anything you want to know about the Convention is at www.teamster.org/convention. We still have a few things to update, but most of it is there.)

Solidarity.