Tom Petty’s fans are learning just how far the late rocker’s generosity continues to reach.
On December 10, Petty’s daughter Adria Pettyshared a deeply personal holiday letter on Instagram, offering a rare look at the charitable impact the Petty estate, store, and fan community have made over the past eight years since Petty sadly died just weeks before his 67th birthday. Fans quickly expressed shock and gratitude as they discovered the scale of the work being done quietly in Petty’s name.
“Happy holidays to you all. It's Christmas all over again!” Adria began, before reflecting on the “thoughtful and soulful” Tom Petty Nation community that has grown around her father’s music.
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One revelation stunned thousands of fans: Petty donated all of his revenue from his 1992 single “Christmas All Over Again” to Special Olympics in perpetuity.
“This season, every time you play ‘Christmas All Over Again,’ remember it is generating funds for Special Olympics. Dad donated all of his revenue from the track when he recorded it, in perpetuity, so it has been supporting their mission for decades.”
Adria noted, “He did a lot of stuff like that. So we try to continue his spirit of generosity in the world.”
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Where the Money Goes: Food Banks, Disaster Relief, Autism Speaks and More
In the letter, Adria detailed the staggering breadth of support fans have helped make possible simply by purchasing items from the Tom Petty store.
According to her, proceeds have funded sizable cash donations to:
Food banksAnimal rescuesAutism SpeaksVictims of wildfiresVictims and their families from the Uvalde, Texas shootingClimate disaster victims in Asheville and ArkansasReproductive healthcare resourcesThe NYC Pride March and broadcast“You may not realize this, but almost everything you buy in the Tom Petty store also helps us support charities that would have resonated with our father.”
She added that for years, 100% of proceeds from University of Florida/Gators purchases have supported Title-1 schools and unhoused families in Petty’s hometown of Gainesville.
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Adria revealed that the family has also created the Tom Petty Endowment for Guitars and Innovation at the School of Music, which teaches guitar-based curriculum led by Grammy-winning musicians.
“After 8 very eventful years, you've helped us give back over a million dollars worth of support to Americans in need, which blows our minds. I wish my dad could see it.”
She thanked Erin, who runs the store and fan gatherings, along with the entire Petty Legacy team for keeping charity efforts a top priority—even when it means taking on more work to help each organization.
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Adria closed her message with a reflection on her father’s values, writing, "Our dad taught us there is so much good in the world to amplify. Joy takes up space and becomes contagious. Just like listening to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.”
She added, “Thank you for helping us give back while remembering our wonderful dad. We are honored to be in this community with you.”
Fans Are Emotional After the Reveal
Fans flooded the comments with heartfelt messages:
“Keep up the good work…fight the good fight! ☮️?,” wrote one fan.
Another added, “What a wonderful thing you're doing in Tom's name. He is definitely very proud of you. God bless ?.”
One longtime listener shared, “Your dad was an honorary member of our family from the moment I was able to hold memories… so from the bottom of my heart, thank you @adriapetty for sharing his legacy with the world. Sending love to you and yours this holiday season ❤️.”
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Another fan wrote, “The only Christmas song that makes me sad when it ends… thank you—especially for the support of Autism Speaks.??☮️❤️”
And one commenter added, “I always wondered why y’all socials are constantly promoting merch… so I appreciate you posting this. He’s a legend who always fought for fairness.?”
As the holidays approach, fans now know that Tom Petty’s music isn’t the only thing still making a difference. His legacy of generosity continues—quietly, powerfully, and through the people who loved him most.
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