Songs of Love

2012-01-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

13th Annual Songs of Love 'Swing and Sing' Golf Outing Makes a Little Girl Smile!
On tuesday October 11, 2011, Songs of Love held its 13th Annual 'Swing and Sing' golf outing at the Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, NJ. Special guests included iconic Rock and Roll DJ Ken Dashow of NY's Q104.3 and actor Jack Mulcahy featured in The Brothers McMullen and Sex in the City. Over 100 golfers sang on a "song of love" for 7-year-old Jada Carter who is battling a brain tumor. This was one of over 22,000 "songs of love" delivered for as many children across American and the world. Special thanks to Gary Rosen and Bruce Rothbard for organizing an outstanding event. Click here to see the golf outing video with Jada's "song of love".
(Pictured from left to right) - Jack Mulcahy, Ken Dashow, Gary Rosen, Bruce Rothbard, John Beltzer.

Featured Child - Jada Carter
Jada is as brave as any little girl can be. She is 7-years-old who is battling a brain tumor. We were able to present her Song of Love at our 13th Annual 'Swing and Sing' Golf Outing. Here she is as happy as can be with her "song of love" and proud dad.

Featured Songwriter - Ayla Brown
After covering a story on Songs of Love for the CBS Early Show as their part-time corespondent, Ayla Brown agreed to be a spokesperson for the Songs of Love Foundation to help bring more awareness and funding. During the segment, Ayla also recorded a "song of love" for 6 year old Hannah Lowe. She recently recorded another "song of love" for Collin Lecey. As our spokesperson, Ayla Brown has joined forces with WS Development and The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley in Millbury, MA to help raise funds and voices for The Songs of Love Foundation through the shopping center's Teen Correspondent program, an online silent auction slated for Feb 2012, and a very special event to celebrate Songs of Love on April 29,2012 at The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley's Cinema de Lux Theatre. The silent auction will offer rare autographed memorabilia interesting items and unique experiences and will be accessible to all across the country. The April event will be hosted by Ayla Brown and feature an opportunity to record a Song of Love with both Ayla Brown and Bob McGrath of Sesame Street, live music and so much more!

Featured New Songwriter - Eric Diton
Eric is our newest Songs of Love songwriter who wrote and recorded a "song of love" for 6-year-old Wilms tumor patient Cannon McKee. Eric was born on September 30, 1963 in Huntington, NY. Played keyboards and sang in a band in High School. Also played in a band called Six Degrees North who were creating classic rock. Eric is famous for his rendition of Disco Inferno. He has sang this at many Bar Mitzvahs and Weddings. He is married to Lori Diton for 23 years. He refers to her as "The most beautiful woman I ever met". Eric has two children Alyssa and Adam. Eric has a BS in Economics from The Wharton School of Business and an MBA from Columbia University. Currently Eric is Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Melville, NY. His credo in life is "It's All Good." as he hangs this on top of his front door. Combining his love for music and his love for children in Songs of Love he feels " is a phenomenal opportunity. I believe in the healing power of music". Songs of Love welcomes Eric to our symphony of love! Click here to hear his song!

Car Donation - Have an old car you don't need?
Donate it to Songs of Love and receive a tax deduction for your donation! The proceeds from the donated car will help us to continue bringing smiles to the faces of sick children by providing them with their own "song of love". You can donate online at www.songsoflove.org/cardonation or call 888-909-SONG. Do it before the year is up! Donate now!

Fundraiser Featuring Ken Dashow of Q104.3 Raises $1,000 for Songs of Love!

2011-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ken Dashow was guest bartender at Antarctica serving up a McCartney Slider cocktail, created by Herb Westphalen, to celebrate Paul McCartney's concert at Yankee Stadium. Part of the night's proceeds went to Songs of Love. Songs of Love thanks Ken Dashow and Sammy Steinlight for putting all together. Special guest for the evening was May Pang.

The Employees of Joseph's Classic Market Sing the 22,000th "Song of Love" for Mariah!

2011-07-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

Mariah is all smiles as she holds her very own "song of love".

The employees of Joseph's Classic Market in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, took a moment to lend their voices on a "song of love" written for Mariah Walton who is battling leukemia. It was the 22,000th "song of love" written by the Songs of Love Foundation. Mariah was all smiles when she heard her song and then received her copy. (Listen to the song below.) Joseph's Classic Market is holding an in-store fundraising drive and was presented with the initial check for $1,000. Songs of Love is grateful to Joseph Acierno, the proprietor of Joseph's Classic market and to Songs of Love songwriter/chiropractor Mitch Siegal for helping to coordinate the event.

"Mariah Walton"

Some of the employees of Joseph's Classic Market who sang on Mariah's "song of love".

(Pictured left to right): Proprietor Joseph Acierno, Mitch Siegal, John Beltzer and Joseph's Classic Market store manager Dominick Cassenelli.

Letter of the Day

2011-07-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!
We received yet another amazing letter from a song recipient. This absolutely illustrates the positive and palpable impact of the songs we do on these children's lives. Your car donation and cash contributions have really made the difference. We're so pleased to be able to share this with you today. Enjoy!

Hello,

I am writing for two reasons. First, to express my appreciation for your organization. I have promoted you on Brianna's caringbridge site, my Facebook page, my personal blog, and personally to every one of my friends, family members, and co-workers. What you guys are doing is absolutely phenomenal!

During the first week of July 2009, my granddaughter Brianna received her song from Songs Of Love. We love, love, love it! And, Brianna - who is now 4 years old - loves it too. Brianna is severely disabled (can't sit, stand, crawl, walk, talk, etc). She has multiple diagnoses including brain cancer, severe CP, seizure disorder, hydrocephalus, blindness, gastronomy, and tracheomalacia. However, despite Brianna's disabilities, we've always known that she DOES understand some things.

Brianna was hospitalized for one month in December 09 and January 10 when she got her trachestomy. There were several complications and a lot of pain for Brianna. During this extremely stressful time, when we often felt completely helpless, we played or sang Brianna's Song to our sweet little girl. The nurses were amazed that almost every time we'd sing the song, if Brianna was distressed, agitated, or in pain, half-way through the song, her heart rate would regulate and she would visibly calm down.

More proof that Brianna loves her song (and somehow knows it's HER song):

Several months ago, Brianna's vision therapist introduced her to using a switch device. The hope is that one day she will be able to graduate from this to other communicative devices. As of now, she has learned to operate the switch on command to turn on a fan, a little music toy, and - most recently - an MP3 player that has her song on it along with other songs as well. She will switch through many of the songs but will always stop at Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, at BINGO the Dog, and at Brianna's Song. Brianna's Song from Songs of Love is most definitely her favorite!

My second reason for writing is to ask how I can obtain another copy of the CD. We have the song downloaded on my computer and in Brianna's MP3 player, but the original CD was damaged (broken) by a very clumsy - but apologetic - therapist. I would be more than happy to pay for a second CD.

The information I have is that the song was for my granddaughter Brianna Moore-Harriman. Her "record number" is 19305.

Thank you again,
Julie Engel - Brianna's custodial Grandma and her biggest fan

"Thank You" Letters - March 30th, 2011

2011-03-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today's thank you letter is a brand new one! We just received this letter this morning, along with an amazing video with the child's song of love, which you can see by visiting out Facebook page. As you know, these moments of joy and positivity are possible only through your continued generosity, by way of car donations and cash donations. Please take some time to read the letter (if you can read Spanish!) and to visit our site for a direct look at the children who are most affected by your donations. You can see pictures and videos, along with comments from families!

And so, on to today's thank you letter!

Hola
Soy mama de Jonathan Espinoza y quisiera disculparme primeramente por no mandar la carta de agradecimiento antes, ya que estos últimos meses han sido muy duros y no hemos tenido dinero ni para la estampilla, pero quisiera dar muchicimas gracias a Ernie Gold por su bellicima voz, gracias de todo corazón, el CD llego en un momento muy oportuno de la vida de mi hijo Jony ya que en ese momento su terapia estaba siendo muy intensa y difícil para el, en el momento que El escucho su cancio le brillaron sus ojitos de alegría ya que repetía varias veces su nombre, y eso lo hacia sentirse importante y también el saber que tenia los nombres de sus hermanos y amigos , gracias de todo corazón por esta alegría que brindan a estos niños, ruego a mi Padre Celestial que los Bendiga siempre con todo lo que ustedes necesiten y que siempre puedan tener ese animo y esa disposición para dar felicidad a otros menos afortunados, gracias por su labor y su gran esfuerzo que depositan dia con dia que el Señor los colme de bendiciones , una vez mas MUCHICIMAS GRACIAS …
DE PARTE DE LA FAMILIA ESPINOZA DESDE UTAH…

Remember, something as simple as a car donation can make such an absolute difference in the life of a young person!

Steve Smith of the New York Giants Joins Songs of Love!

2011-03-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Songs of Love has just scored a New Year's touchdown by having New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith join our symphony of love! A special Songs of Love tab has been placed on his Facebook page of over
154,000 fans!

Steve has really shown his love for Songs of Love
by asking all of his fans to make a donation. He will also be providing
special items to be auctioned off so we can keep providing our
Medicine of Music™ to many more children. Thank You Steve!
Click here to watch a video of Steve Smith asking for donations.

"Thank You" Letters - March 24th, 2011

2011-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

How many times do you get the opportunity to hear directly from the people you help with your donations from charity? We bring you these direct letters from the recipients of our songs of love, made possible only through your generous donations, whether they be car donations or cash donations. In prior years, we've received close to 12 car donations a day, allowing us to provide songs for several thousand kids in those years alone. This year, we are down to receiving only 2-3 car donations a day and we are, as a result, down to cutting our song output drastically. This year, we will only reach a projected 1,000 sick children. Read today's letter and please help us continue our mission and provide songs for many, many more children. Thank you!

Thank you so much for all you do. We received a cd for my son Shane, who is 3 years old (and now bald) and has Leukemia. He has not had to face many of the complications of sickness as we have seen other kids go through and we are very thankful for that. The first time he heard his song, we were in the car and I put the cd in the player. The song came on and when he heard his name, his eyes got big, his jaw dropped, and he smiled as he covered his hand with his mouth in astonishment. He couldn't beleive they were singing about him...and his toys, and his nurses and doctors, and his favorite foods and games. He still loves to listen and we've had the cd since summer. Thank you for all you do for these kids. The level of joy you put in a sick child's life is probably more than you imagine.
Thank you,
Kindra McFarland

A cash donation, car donation...whatever you can do to help makes all the difference in the world to these kids.

"Thank You" Letters - March 22nd, 2011

2011-03-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially arrived! The year is already moving so quickly and we don't want to be left in the dust financially as we continue to work hard and struggle through this economy. As always, we need your help, via car donations and cash donations, to get us through these tough times and help us continue to bring music to sick children. It is through your help alone at this moment that will help us go on. As a gift to you for your support, we bring you these enlightening letters from the families of the children we aim to help everyday. In our song, we hope to bring them a bright light, and their bright light to us is in their letters. We hope these letters motivate you as much as they motivate us.

MY NAME ANTHONY TARANTINO MY GRANDSON IS PETER LISA YOU JUST MADE A SONG FOR HIM HE GOT IT TODAY.TO SAY THANK YOU IT IS NOT EVEN A DROP OF WHAT I FEEL .I CAN NOT PUT INTO WORDS WHAT ALL OF YOU GREAT PEOPLE DO FOR THE KIDS .I CAN SAY GOD BLESS ARE OF YOU.BUT I KNOW GOD DID THAT ALREADY.PETER CAN NOT TALK,CAN NOT SEE VERY GOOD.HE JUST STARTED TO WALK 2 MONTHS AGO HE IS 8 YEARS OLD.HE LOVES THE SONG HE JUST STANDS BY THE STERO AND LISTENS TO THE WHOLE SONG AND SMILES .AND I CRY TO SEE THAT.I LOVE PETER MORE THEN ANYTHING HE IS MY HEART.HOW CAN I JUST SAY THANK YOU .I LET YOU KNOW ONLY THIS THANK YOU COMES FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.I WILL WRITE A LETTER TO THE GREAT PEOPLE ON THE DISC.BUT I JUST HAD TO WRITE SOMETHING NOW.I AM ON S.S.DISABLITY A SHOULDER REPLACEMENT.HAVE TO RETIRER.BUT I WILL SEND SOMETHING TO YOU.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. I HOPE I DID OK ON THE SPELLING I AM BAD AT THIS WRITING ON A COMPUTER.I JUST HAD TO WRITE MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU ANTHONY TARANTINO OH THERE ARE ONLY 350 KIDS IN THE WORLD THAT HAVE MMA CLBC.THAT IS HOW RARE IT IS WHAT PETER HAS HE GETS B12 SHOTS EVERY DAY AND IT BREAKS MY HEART LOVE TO YOU ALL

Donate a car. Donate online. Please help us give back to the children who bring us so much joy.

"Thank You" Letters - March 11th, 2011

2011-03-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

We hope we've inspired you in some way with these letters from our Songs of Love recipient families. These letters are, after all, meant to inspire all of us with the amazing tales of a child's courage and strength in a time of such adversity. To make moments like this possible for thousands more children for years to come, please consider making a donation, such as a car donation, to help us fund this dream. Just as these children inspire us, we want to use these songs to inspire these children. And now, we bring you today's bit of inspiration!

We just received our Songs of Love CD for my daughter, Rebecca Daniel. We
have played it over and over again. What a fun, uplifting and positive
song!! This will definitely be something that Rebecca will have for those
days that she doesn't feel like all the other "normal" kids. She asked me
this morning to make sure all her other Spina Bifida pen pals know about
"Songs of Love" and to make sure that their parents go to the website to
fill out an application. I have forwarded your website to all the people
that I know that have children that would benefit from a Songs of Love CD.

Thanks, again!

Holly Daniel

A car donation, cash donation...anything at all to keep inspiring these young brave kids!

"Thank You" Letters - March 10th, 2011

2011-03-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

A car donation can make a world of difference - just ask one of the thousands of children and families we've helped over the past 15 years! Something as simple as a car donation has great benefit and utility for non-profits who have such programs. The revenue brought to organizations like us through programs like this is the lifeblood, necessary for our survival. Donating a car has such a great benefit for our children, as each song costs $250 to complete, from hiring songwriters to producing, packaging and shipping the finished CD. The value of each song, however, is priceless, as you can see from these letters from the families of the children we help. Here's today's letter!

Hellooooo! OH, MY..... God bless Timmer and Kristin for the songs they wrote to for my son and daughter.

Raquelle can communicate and function (her special needs and disability is not obvious) when we put her song in her eyes lit up! She kept saying "oh, your killing me mom" as she was laughing. I wished I had been prepared with the digital camera! We will certainly play again and send in some pictures. She loves the song and how you included so creatively and fun the most favorite things she likes and people close to her. Bubbled giggles and laughter came with each new name and verse. Then the tight hugs and declarations of "mommy I love you". Something she does only during time when she is so happy about something...like a new pet...a special song! You've made her feel so special today.

As for Dallas he can communicate only through physical gestures or facial expressions. He was sleeping soundly when we put in his song and when he heard his name his eyes popped right open, he stretched, and little creases came between his brows (like he was trying to figure it out). Well, when Timmer said he was driving a monster truck with Mommy and Rick by his side the sly smiles came out. We helped him clap his hands to the beat (Mommy & Rick) and he was bright eyed and turning his head to the speakers.

The timing is perfect. This song of love for Dallas will comfort and keep him feeling special while his family is going on vacation for a week. Due to his complex medical needs and round the clock nursing care we have yet to be able to take him on vacation with us for extended periods of time. So BRAVO and hear the applause coming from our sunny home in Fort Myers Florida to your hearts.

Raquelle will be taking her CD with her to keep her company during the 4 hour drive. As her mommy, she thought it was me that was singing to her. It took some convincing and sharing the letter to get her to believe I wasn't singing on the tape. Too funny! That is so heartwarming! How cool is that?! Thanks, Kristin.

It isn't an easy road we live with 24 hour nursing in our home seasoned with weekly IV treatments for my son and then going to hospital trips (6 hour visits) at a time for my daugther to access her port (which is is so afraid of). I am hoping that this amazing song of love will help with "distracting" her through the small time to access and get the IV going and for that....I send my deepest gratitude as her mommy.

Nothing is better than seeing the smiles and joy on my kids' faces. You put that in our home today, Timmer and Kristin.

Your car donation makes moments like these possible. Please consider donating today!

"Thank You" Letters - March 9th, 2011

2011-03-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Another day, another awesome thank you letter from an awesome family! It's all in a day's work here at Songs of Love, but as you all know, we can't possibly do it without you. In order to bring smiles and joy to these amazing, brave children, we need your car donations and cash donations. Through these donations, we can continue to fund these musical projects and bring the healing spirit of a song to these ailing children. With that in mind, we bring you another inspiring thank you letter!

SONGS OF LOVE STAFF, my wife and i would like to take a moment to express a giant heartfelt thanks to all of you wonderful people for the fantastic work you do! We absolutely love Trapper's song,our family members are ecstatic over it and baby trapper dances and dances when we play it. I don't know where you find men like Mr.William Sherry, but we would like for him to know that he has brought no small amount of happiness to a very troubled family. My wife says you sir are very deserving of a huge hug-neck. Trapper has discovered that this song is saying his name, so he goes over and beats the face of our speakers and does his little trapper dance when we play it. I am e-mailing you this note and a picture of trapper, currently we are back in the hospital and he's not doing well, but as soon as he is we'll video trapper dancing to his song and rush it to you right away. You may use this material any way you see fit and to benefit songs of love would make us very happy. You deserve this and so much more! Again thank you and if we could help you in anyway please contact us. We'do any thing for you. Warmest regards and well wishes Preston Hayes and Family

Again, we can't do it alone - donate a car, start a FirstGiving page - every bit of help matters!

"Thank You" Letters - February 25th, 2011

2011-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we mentioned out Facebook page - feel free to visit that page at any time! We offer videos and other news items with the latest developments from the Songs of Love family, including videos of the children we help reacting to the songs they have received. We are always adding new videos and links, so check it out today! This is, of course, only possible because of your unending support, with cash donations and car donations. Take a look at what your donations are doing!

Hello, my name is Ashley Scobee and my daughter is Cryslyn Hannah. We just received Cryslyn's CD today and she absolutely loves it we have listened to it over and over and over again!!! She now believes she is someone special and is so excited that she has a song of her own! Cryslyn would also like me to tell you that she thinks you are the sweetest people ever cause you sent her this CD! I have also attached a couple of pictures of Cryslyn with her new CD, hope ya'll enjoy them and once again thank you very, very much Steve Scheffert for making my little girl feel so special!!
Sincerely,
Ashley Scobee &
Cryslyn Hannah

Donate a car! Donate cash! Whatever you can give, we greatly appreciate it.

"Thank You" Letters - February 24th, 2011

2011-02-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

If you have a chance, check out our Facebook page! Our latest post is from Anna, our oldest spokesperson at 100-years-old! Her plea is for more donations so we can have the durability and vigor to keep going for many, many years - just like Anna! One way to make this possible is through a car donation. Another way is through cash donations or credit card donations on our website! Please check it out for more information or contact us directly. And now for today's letter!

My name is Jillian M. Cheek. My daughter, Sarah-Elizabeth, recently received the song that was written for her. I just wanted to express my most sincere gratitude for the smile that this wonderful gift has given her. She and her brother, Peyton, love to sing along to this special treasure. God has given the people in this organization a remarkable talent and ability to use this talent to bring joy in the lives of the most innocent. I am so impressed by what you all do so unselfishly. Thank you again so much on behalf of my daughter and our family.

Whatever you can contribute - a car donation, a cash donation - makes a difference!

"Thank You" Letters - February 23rd, 2011

2011-02-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for ways to give back to the community? Do you have an old car that you can't sell? Why not look into the Songs of Love car donation program?! By donating your car, you'll be funding many more personalized songs for children who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses and chronic, debilitating diseases throughout America! Doesn't it feel great to give back? And now, today's thank you letter!

Donna,

We received your beautiful song today. I didn't tell Melorah that the song was about her, I just told her to listen. When she heard her name, she got a confused look on her face, then once I told her that you wrote a song just for her, she beamed from ear to ear. Of course thru all this, I am bawling my eyes out! I cannot begin to tell you how humbling it is that someone is willing to take the time to sit down and write a song for your child. I don't know how to begin to thank you enough for this act of kindness.

We are working so hard to help her remember her trip to Disney (she forgets quite a bit). This will help considerably. I am also grateful that use used both the cats name because we had to put Cory asleep right after we got home (he was over 17 years old). He only loved Melorah and myself, already Melorah is having trouble remembering him. I am doing such an inadequate job of expressing our thanks.

You are awesome!!!

Jennifer and Melorah

Donate your car today!

"Thank You" Letters - February 22nd, 2011

2011-02-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

As the days are getting brighter, so is our outlook for the economy and for the future of Songs of Love. Staying positive during such difficult times is key, but it's only one of many tools we have to use to get through and survive. As we've pleaded before, we need your help. A car donation or a monetary donation is potentially a tax deduction for you and a life-saver for us. Ultimately, it is a gift, a personalized song for a child in need, so they can have their very own positive outlook and be better equipped to deal with their own illnesses and obstacles. With this in mind, we bring you today's thank you letter!

Dear John,

This is Rena Rudisill, Ashley Abernathy's mom. Your foundation wrote a song
for her in 1999 and David Lee Roth sang it. I just wanted to let you know
how she is doing.

She is a two time cancer survivor and is doing great. She was nine years
old when you met her. She is now 15 1/2 and is a freshman at Forestview
High School here at home in Gastonia NC. She now has a thick head full of
frosted blond hair. Beautiful brown eyes and has the little boys chasing
her like crazy. But she will soon turn sweet 16 in August have her drivers
license so she can get away from them a little faster. But seriously, I
did want to update you on her status. I still check in on your website and
see what you have going on. I have been interviewed about Ashley's cancer
by the local news and for a demo tape for Oprah Winfrey to promote the
treasure boxes. I have mentioned your organization in each. You are doing
a wonderful thing for these children. I thank you from the bottom of my
heart. If I can ever do anything to help, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Rena Rudisill

Something as simple as a donation - a car donation, cash donation, etc. - can make such a big difference.

"Thank You" Letters - February 18th, 2011

2011-02-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by and we are thankful to be able to do the work we do, providing joy and comfort to thousands of children through the original, personalized songs we write. It is only through your donations, your contributions (car donations, cash donations, worth of mouth) that we are able to keep on going and keep on writing these healing songs. We are asking for your increased support today due to continued hardship due to the economy's impact on non-profits, especially arts non-profits. In our plea for your support, we bring you yet another letter from a family who has been helped through these songs.

I know it has been a while since we received this awesome CD, but like most families who have received one, life gets pretty hectic with hospital visits, etc. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful gift of music. Carl Allocco, you did an awesome job on the words, music and vocals.....you've certainly made Songs of Love proud!

As soon as the CD arrived in the mail, I couldn't wait to listen it. I put it in the player and as soon as the music started, I knew you captured my son perfectly with the type of music you chose for him. I cried the whole way through it! Once Seth came home from preschool, I told him that there was a surprise for him and I showed him the CD and played it for him. He couldn't believe the song was about him! He danced and jumped around the whole time. After we played the song, I said to him "Wow, Seth. How does it feel to know someone took the time to write a song just for you?" He turned to me, and with a look of enormous gratitude, he started crying! For a 4 year old, he may not have known how to say it, but he definitely knew in his heart how to show how he was feeling. Your talent and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

We've had to make a copy of this CD just so that we don't wear out the original! We took it to the Children's Hospital so that everyone could hear it. It was great. You should have seen the tears rolling down all those nurses' faces! It's amazing how much one song can touch so many people. Seth continues to listen to the song daily. We take it with us when he has to be admitted so that he can be reminded of the special people in his life who cared enough to get him this song.

Thank you, again, for your wonderful work. I am attaching a couple of pictures of Seth with his new CD. Although words can't describe how thankful we are, I'm sure his smiling face can say it all!

With lots of hugs,

The Guffey Family
Maurice, Kristi, Tabetha and Seth

Again, our sincerest thanks for your car donations and other charitable contributions. Have a lovely weekend!

"Thank You" Letters - February 17th, 2011

2011-02-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

If you've ever considered donating your car, consider doing so through Songs of Love! A car donation can do so much to help underwrite the cost of operating an arts non-profit like ours. We need all of the help and assistance we can get from supporters like you each and every day. Our costs to operate right now are going beyond the donations we are receiving. The cost of creating each unique song for these children who are suffering with chronic and life-threatening illnesses is $250 per song. You can help underwrite that cost with a car donation if you happen to be in the mode to donate a car at this point. We remind you of the work we are doing and the positive impact of your donations with these letters. Please take a moment to read today's letter.

Dear Mr. Danny Obadia,

Thank you so much for writing and singing Alyssa's song. She smiled and laughed when hearing it. These days she does not do much smiling or laughing, so we treasure the times that she does. We all love hearing it because it really describes who Alyssa is and it is so upbeat. You have made a very significant difference in our lives.

The letter that we received with the song indicated that a picture of Alyssa would be appreciated. We already sent three pictures of Alyssa with the information about Alyssa. One picture of when she was baby and two recent pictures. Would you please check to see if these pictures could be found? Songs of Love is welcomed to use them in promotional materials.

Much appreciation,
Abel and Margaret Saldana--Alyssa's parents

Again, your car donation means so much to this organization, especially in these times. Thank you.

"Thank You" Letters - February 16th, 2011

2011-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the folks at Songs of Love! February is almost over, which means winter is almost over. As we start to thaw out, we are reminded of the quick pace at which the year marches on. As we "march on" to March, we need your continued financial support to keep going and to keep operations open at this critical time. We need your donations, car donation and cash donations as well. This is the only way we can make it to another year of bringing hope, joy and comfort to thousands of sick children and their families. Please hear our plea. With that plea, please take a moment to read a thank you letter from another family who was touched by the work we do here at Songs of Love.

Thank you so much for all you do. We received a cd for my son Shane, who is 3 years old (and now bald) and has Leukemia. He has not had to face many of the complications of sickness as we have seen other kids go through and we are very thankful for that. The first time he heard his song, we were in the car and I put the cd in the player. The song came on and when he heard his name, his eyes got big, his jaw dropped, and he smiled as he covered his hand with his mouth in astonishment. He couldn't beleive they were singing about him...and his toys, and his nurses and doctors, and his favorite foods and games. He still loves to listen and we've had the cd since summer. Thank you for all you do for these kids. The level of joy you put in a sick child's life is probably more than you imagine.
Thank you,
Kindra McFarland

A car donation, a cash anything - anything you can afford can make all the difference in the world!

"Thank You" Letters - February 9th, 2011

2011-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we're already almost halfway through February? It seems like New Year's was just yesterday! We have kicked into full gear and are taking on another year of creating beautiful moments with our personalized songs for terminally and chronically ill children throughout the United States. We can't do this, however, without you. Car donation, cash donation - any way you can help brings us closer to our goal of bringing joy and keeping operations open into the future. Please help. Check out today's letter to see the impact your donation has. Thank you!

I am Jennifer Kinsey, Mother of LaKesha Brewer whom you made a song for, sung by Alex Forbes, and also one of your newest music messengers. I am not sure whether I have written or not, we stay busy with many out of town doctor visits for LaKesha who is actually doing very well at this time.
I can not express to you what this song has meant to LaKesha and to me. I have requested that her song be played at our local radio station, and I still need to re-visit them and ask about this again. I talk about how wonderful LaKesha's song is, and how wonderful this organization is for children like LaKesha and many others that I know. I have filled out forms for two children since i became a music messenger. I cried the first 20 times i listened to it, and now I can sing her song word for word, it is truly a blessing to us. I will send a picture of LaKesha with her CD as soon as I can, and send it along with a copy of this letter once I have the picture downloaded and ready to email.

Thanks again and may God bless you richly!
Jennifer Kinsey
Mother of LaKesha Brewer, song recipient.

Again, a donation - donate a car, donate cash - only you can make a difference!

"Thank You" Letters - February 7th, 2011

2011-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here in the northeast, we're finally getting some much-needed relief from the extreme cold and snow of the past month, but we're not out of the woods yet. Much like the weather, we've "weathered" the current economic climate, but we're not out of the storm's path quite yet! That's where you come in! If you can, please donate any amount you can afford - $5, $25, maybe sponsor a song at the $250 level, or even make a car donation! We need all the support we can get to make sure 2011 is a successful year and that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of sick children. As you know, these thank you letters are as much addressed to you as they are to us, as the smiles and joy created would not have been possible without support from people like you. Please take a moment to read these letters on this site to get a sense of the real difference we are making in these kids' lives.

My name is Kathy, and my four year old son was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor last November. He has had his kidney removed, and he currently is going through chemotherapy that will last until July.
We recently received a Song of Love for Simon done by Danny Obadia.

I want to take this moment to let you know how important your work is... and how much it means to the kids and their families. I cannot express enough what an "uplift" this song was for little Simon. We listen to is ALL the time. It is absolutely the best. Listening to it brings tears to my eyes.... my mother to.... it is so moving and touching.
Your work is so appreciated and I don't have a doubt that the good Lord smiles down on you.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful kindness and love, especially during this tough time.
May you be blessed with all that you do.

I also wanted to let you know that I would be more than happy to display brochures or displays in my community. If you could let me know how I go about doing so, I would appreciate it. Its the least I can do.... I would love to give a donation, but right now, we are struggling, so I am unable to do so.
Thank you so very much...
Sincerely,
Kathy Tobar

Any amount you can give - a few dollars, a song sponsorship, a car donation - makes all the difference in the world!

"Thank You" Letters - February 2nd, 2011

2011-02-03T13:49:00.001-08:00

Today's thank you letter is especially timely and really pulled at our heart strings here at the Songs of Love office. We are absolutely thrilled to have the privilege to share this letter with you from a family who received their song a few short weeks ago. They tell their story about their young son, and we had the exciting opportunity to tell his story to him and be part of a sweet, heart-warming family moment. As we've said before, moments like these are really possible because of people like you! Your car donation and cash donations have supported us over the years. Please consider spreading the word about our charity!

Dear Becky, Nathan, and the entire "Songs of Love" team,

Over the weekend we received the song you wrote for our son, Collin. I am at a complete loss of words to adequately describe how touched, moved with emotion, and delighted we were by the beautiful song you wrote. I never imagined the song would be so perfect - from the lovely flow of lyrics, to the beautiful instrumentation and melody, to Becky's gorgeous voice - it is truely a masterpiece! We already have the song on constant repeat and every time we listen to it, it fills us all with such happiness. Although Collin is still too young to understand what a special gift this is, I can promise you that he recongizes the joy the song has brought to his parents. Collin's life has been plagued with hardships that no infant should ever have to cope with and it has been particularly difficult on my husband and me. This song will always provide us with solace and comfort as we continue to endure future medical challenges with our sweet baby boy. Becky, please know how grateful we are that you so generously shared such a special talent and gift with us.

Many thanks and we will always remember and cherish this special gift,

Kathy, Tony, and Collin Broughton

Remember, a car donation or a cash donation goes a long way in sustaining our work to bring joy and comfort to the sick kids out there!

Car Donation

2011-02-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

Vehicle donation programs are how a huge number of charities and non-profits organizations survive in this day and age. Several of these charitable organizations and non-profits are depending on car donation programs now more than ever before. If you are interested in assisting a charity financially, you can do so for the non-profit of your choice through a car donation and have a true impact if you have a car to donate. You can do your homework ahead of time and see if your a charity that is close to your heart has a car donation program operating - ask the right questions to make sure this is the right decision for you, and discover whether or not this is how you will contribute to the non-profit sector. One of the many benefits to donating a vehicle is that you will be eligible to write off your donation as a tax deduction. If you're going to donate a vehicle, you can find further information on the web or by clicking one of our page links to see more details about our car donation program. The proceeds of your donation always go toward funding our charitable operations, including creation of the songs, while keeping administrative costs low. See what a difference we are making!

Hello,

This is Katherine Roseberry and recently your
organization sent my daughter (Lady Alejandra Victoria
Roseberry or as we call her Ladybug) a song of love.
I want to first thank this organization for what it
does. I was in total awe and shock when I received
this CD. It moved me and bought tears to my eyes. I
have played it for everyone and have been emailing and
calling all of the radio stations here in Indiana to
see if I can get someone to play this song on the air.
Everytime she hears her name in the song she just
puts on a big smile. I took some pictures of me
playing it for her and would like you to see her
smile. I also want to especially thank the gentleman
who wrote and sung the song for her. I love it.
Thank you so much Mr. Phil Badalamenti. My family
love it and we were all so happy with our special
gift. I will spread the word about this organization
and will be happy to be your Music Messenger. Please
send your displays and brochures.

I'm really very pleased and proud of our Ladybug's
theme song and will proudly play it anywhere.

Thank you so much. People like you make it easier for
people like me that have to take care of a special
needs child.

Katherine Roseberry and Family

Car Donation

2011-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Car donation is the means of survival for so many charities and non-profits. Many charities and charitable organizations depend of such programs for their very survival. You can help a non-profit of your choice and make a real difference if you have a car or other vehicle to donate. Just do your research and find out if your favorite charities have car donation programs running - ask questions and get specifics, so you will know if this is how you would like to contribute. A great benefit to doing this is that you'll be able to write off your donation as a tax write-off, otherwise known as a deduction. If you are interested in donating a car, you can find information online or check out one of the links on this page to find out more about our program. Every penny goes towards underwriting out outreach and charitable operations, with low administrative costs. Our car donation goes towards moments like this:

I would like to thank everyone at Songs of Love for the outstanding gift you give to children. Thank-you doesn't say enough for the dedication of all who take their time to participate in the making of these very unique Cd's. As my daughter battles a brain tumor she finds much joy in listening to her song.Through Kiyanna's excitement she has played her song for her many doctors, therapists, family and friends. It has brought tears to most,even the men and woman in uniform from the Air National Guard who presented Kiyanna with a Young Hero's Medal for displaying courage and strength while battling this illness.During Kiyanna's hospitalization she also met Dora The Explorer a loved character to Kiyanna but her most cherishable event to her is receiving and listening to what she calls her "Kiyanna Song."This music is definitely a form of medicine and Kiyanna will be the first one to tell you it makes her feel better and helps to keep her dancing.Thank-You for bringing my daughter joy and encouragement in a most difficult time.If possible could you send 3 copies of the CD?
Sincerely,
Tara & Rich Stockwell

"Thank You" Letters - February 1st, 2011

2011-02-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Some of you are dealing with yet another snowstorm today. To help you pass the time, we are bringing you a new thank you letter! Nothing helps warm the heart and soul in this cold, wintry weather better than knowing your support is bringing smiles to the thousands of children we have helped and whom we will reach in upcoming years. With that in mind, we need your support to continue to write these songs for many more years. This year, we'll celebrate our 15th anniversary, and we would never have reached this milestone without help from our car donation program, individual giving and grants. We've also never had to deal with an economic climate as harsh as the one we are currently in. We will make it through this situation and these programs will help us through. Take a look at today's thank you letter and let us know what you think. If you can offer any feedback or suggestions, we're all ears! Help us continue to make moments like this possible. We are bringing not just songs, but the Medicine of Music to these kids everyday!

I want to cry. We received our song this past Saturday and listened to it on the way to church. Laura looked very tickled sitting in the backseat as she listened to it. Her sister was proud to hear here name mentioned in it too.
Of course we played it several times on the way.

We were scheduled for treatment yesterday so of course I popped it in and we listened to it several times again.

The voice is beautiful; the lyrics are beautiful, it’s just wonderful. I can only begin to imagine the amount of work that must go into these songs. We will be listening to it frequently and I know there will be times down the road
That it will be the pick me up she’ll need.

She’s starting kindergarten in the fall. I anticipate some hard times and it’s nice to know I have artillery to combat those hard feelings she may come upon and make her feel especially loved.

Thank you so much.

Carmen Watkins

"Thank You" Letters - January 31st, 2011

2011-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

As we close out the first month of the year, we are reminded once again just how quickly time goes by. We are starting the new year a bit slower than anticipated, so we really need your help to keep going and to keep bringing beautiful music to children suffering from life-threatening illness. A car donation, a cash donation, a donation by credit card through our secure website - whatever you can do and whatever you can afford will all go toward keeping the hope alive! We may work in a small office, but our organization is huge, because it includes people like you and all of the children we serve every day! Just read the thank you letter below and others on this blog and you'll see evidence of the joy and relief these songs bring to the young victims of illnesses such as cancer, cerebral palsy, autism, etc. We hope you are as touched by these letters as we are. To think, something as simple as a car donation can make a world of difference! To our supporters, we say, "Thank you!"

Dear Songs of Love~

We received Skylar's CD on her birthday. What a wonderful birthday present! We were able to share her song with our friends and family who were there to celebrate Skylar's birthday. As we played her song, everyone was smiling and crying tears of joy, and amazed at how Skylar's song captured her spirit.

We wanted to thank you so much for doing this for our family. We listen to the song all the time and Skylar just lights up and dances. You have brought a happiness into our lives at a time when we need all the happiness we can get.

I've attached pictures of our precious Skylar. You can see how happy her CD makes her feel.

A special thanks to Danny Obadia, who wrote the words, music and sang the vocals of this awesome song. We really enjoy the reggae rhythm and beats! It makes it fun for everyone to dance to. You are definitely blessed by a talent and we thank you for sharing your gift with our family.

We appreciate every ounce of your support!

Love,

Julie, Dann, Skylar and Owen Hansen

"Thank You" Letters - January 28th, 2011

2011-01-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

We would like to end the week the way we began it - on a bright note! We'd like to thank all of you who have made a cash or car donation or who have supported us by spreading the word about our mission of music. Our gratitude is profound. Today, we share yet another thank you letter from a family who received a song for their child. It shows how much comfort and peace the song brings into their child's life. We do what we do for this reason and with each letter, we have further conformation that we're having this positive affect on so many sick children. Donating a car does so much to help make these hopes and goals a reality - the more support we have and the more cars donated to our program, the more children we are able to provide personalized songs.

Please take time to read today's letter and let us know what you think about any of these letters. We hope they warm your heart during this cold and snowy winter. Enjoy!

Hi everyone at Songs of Love--
Our family just received our daughter, Isa's, song of love today in the mail and I must say there were lots of tears all around! We were so completely touched by the song! Please tell Eugene Ruffalo how very much we enjoyed his amazing song! We especially liked the way he correctly pronounced all of the kids names correctly, especially our last name, Mireles! Our daughter, Isa is two and a half, so she doesn't really know what's going on all around her, but receiving such a lovely gift as we did today makes our journey that much easier. Isa has leukemia (ALL) and her prognosis is really good (she is a rapid responder, low risk patient) so we know she will enjoy this song for many, many years to come. Thank you to all of you at Songs of Love. What a wonderful organization. Again, please tell Mr. Ruffalo how touched and honored that he wrote such a beautiful song (and we love that Latin flavor!) Sincerely, The Mireles Family, Rene, Jessica Nora, Leah, Nino and our little angel, Isa

"Thank You" Letters - January 27th, 2011

2011-01-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

It's another snow day here in New York! If you feel like driving is a drag in this weather, maybe it's time to donate your car and head to public transportation. Or maybe you're old car just isn't up to the task of dealing with the the piles of snow and it's time for an upgrade? If that's the case, you can donate your old car when your ready. As you know, your car donation goes such a long way in helping us make a difference in the lives of the many children we reach with our songs. Every song takes about $250 to write, produce, package and send out. Please consider Songs of Love if you are considering getting rid of your automobile. If you have questions about how to go about donating your car, please contact us and we'll be absolutely happy to give you all of the information you need. Take a look at today's thank you letter and you'll see what your donation goes toward. The smiles are priceless and we still need your help, now more than ever, to make those smiles possible.

Today's letter comes from a family who saw the immediate positive impact the music had on their child, AJ. We hope this letter touches your heart the way it touched ours! Your car donation and continued support have made moments like this possible!

Songs of Love,
Thank You so much for the perfect song for AJ!!!!
When we recieved AJ's song in the mail, he was not wanting to do his typical activities and would not respond to us in his usual way. So when we asked if he wanted to listen to hid cd he had no response. In other words, "leave me alone right now, I don't want to do anything". Well, we played his song anyway (we were excited to hear it), and he started dancing and responding with a non-verbal "yes" when asked if he wanted to listen to his cd again (and again, and again....)!!!!
Stacy & Rick DeLima you are amazing!! I hope you continue to share your talents with others. Great Job!!
Know each of you are treasures!!!!!
God Bless You!

Have an amazing day!
Mike, Loree, AJ, Elisabeth & Katharine Patnode

Car Donation!

2011-01-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here at Songs of Love, we want to let you know that if you have a car donation, we can accept it from anywhere in the nation. That's right - anywhere! We want to make it easier for you to donate your car, as we're so happy and grateful to be able to receive such a gift from generous donors. If you have a car to donate, please contact us and we'll help you. Your donation goes a long way in helping us keep operating and continue getting healing music to children who are dealing with disease and chronic illness. If you would like more information on how your donation helps in so many ways, please take a look at our main website for further details or reach us at our offices.

Our car donation program was started as a way to support and underwrite the songs we create everyday to aide in the healing process for sick children. Since 1996, we have been able to reach almost 22,000 children and Songs of Love hopes to reach 22,000 more in the upcoming years. A car donation is more than simple giving a car - it's giving several songs to children who are coping with cancer, autism, etc. Please consider donating your car today!

Car Donation

2011-01-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

We would like to give a shout out to the car donation program and other programs like it that legitimate non-profits around the nation are utilizing to keep making a difference in the lives of people in need. Nationwide, our program goes to underwrite costs. A car donation goes a long way, not only for the charity or non-profit, but also for you, as you can be eligible for a tax-deduction, so be sure to do your homework when deciding to donate a car so you make the most out of your donation.

In this space, we bring you news of the work being done and change being made thanks to your donation dollars. It doesn't matter where in the United States you are located - we can accept donations from anywhere and we can work with you to make it not only a charitable donation, but also a convenient one. We understand that your schedule and your location shouldn't be an impediment to making contributions to those in need nor to your tax-deductions. Contact us and we'll do what we can to make the process simple.

We also typically bring you thank you notes from the kids and families who have received songs from us. Donating a car is donating to the children. Please consider helping.

A big 'Thank You' from Songs of Love!!!

"Thank You" Letters - January 25th, 2011

2011-01-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today, we'll take a look at a thank you letter that reminds us of why we do what we do every day!. Everyday, we're working hard to keep getting donations, whether they be car donation or donations of time or money, so we can continue to bring joy and smiles to these children who are bravely battling chronic or terminal illness. Together, we can make big changes in the lives of these kids. We hope these letters really illustrate why what we're doing is important and how much of a difference it truly makes. If you have the ability and opportunity to donate, please do. This is the only way we survive as an organization. Something as simple as donating a car - it can make a positive change in the life of a small patient!

To Whom It May Concern;

My name is Keri Messina I am the mother of Nicholas Messina whom you wrote such a beautiful song for. Nicholas was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia when he had just turned 2 and now is three almost four. Nick will complete his treatment in August of '07.

The way that CD makes my son feel when it is played for him cannot be expressed in words. It has put a smile on his face when he has felt miserable. I must also say it makes my two girls feel great also as they are included in the song. The siblings of a sick child are affected so much that it is so important that they feel a part of everything.

You put a smile on all of our faces and music in hearts and our minds at ease for minutes when we listen and dance to his song. You are amazing and that isn't saying enough. You have given a gift to us that I could never repay but I hope you feel the warmth in my heart and know you have made a difference in our lives.

Thank you ever so much.

Keri A. Messina

"Thank You" Letters - January 21st, 2011

2011-01-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

We'd like to end the week with something special from the thank you letter vault! 2011 marks 15 years for Songs of Love - 15 years of bringing the Medicine of Music to so many children with the help of your car donations, cash donations and word of mouth. In just a few weeks, we'll also be reaching and celebrating our 22,000th song! Help us keep bringing joy and comfort into the lives of the many children out there who are dealing with chronic or terminal illness. If you can't make a donation today, but know someone else who might be able to (a car donation, cash donation, anything), please spread the word and let them know about our mission. As we've said countless times, we can't do it without you. People like you can make such a difference in these children's lives.

You recently fulfilled a request for a song for my son, Hunter Johnson. He has received such a list of discouraging news lately (having to leave school which he loves, going for a bone marrow transplant soon, having surgery, etc). When we received his song and put it on for him to listen to, he smiled for this first time in a long time. He just couldn't help but smile. He had me re-play it 4-5 times in that first sitting. He has learned to love music and to hear his life in song was truely a gift. I am attaching the photo I took of his uncontainable smile the first time he heard his song. I think it says it all...pure joy. Thank you again to everyone involved in producing this smile on his face. We will take it to the hospital for his transplant and use it to cheer him up during the tough times.
Sincerely,
Heather Johnson, mom to Hunter (9)
Colorado Springs, CO

"Thank You" Letters - January 20th, 2011

2011-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ready for another snowstorm? Here at the Songs of Love offices, we're preparing for yet another snow extravaganza! In the meantime, we have more letters for more children who have received their very own song from us. What we would like more than anything else in the new year is to receive more thank you letters, and there's really only way to do that - that is, we need to get more songs out to more sick children! You can help us in our mission in a few ways - you can participate in our car donation program and spread the word about our program to anyone you know who is looking to donate a car. You can also donate by cash or credit at our secure website. You can also start your own FirstGiving fundraising website by using the link on our page! As we've said before in this space, a car donation can go such a long way in getting songs to even more children out there who are dealing with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Please take some time today to help us help them.

And on to today's letter of the day!

Hi John

Sophie will be sending a big thank you card and note for her wonderful song that you sent her a few weeks ago hopefully very soon. Please see attached photo. At the time she received this we were in and out of hospital and this really picked up her spirits she was over the moon with it and it was great to see such a huge smile on her face. She has entertained many a friends and family with her song and shows. She is a remarkable little girl never complaining whatever life throws at her and enjoys life to the full and being her mum (I know I am biased) she deserves this song it is so special to her and she loves it!!!!! She even took it into school to do her show and tell with!!!!

A HUGE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

This is something that Sophie will always treasure.

Thanks

Debbie Ryan SHOW PRESENTATION SERVICES

"Thank You" Letters - January 18th, 2011

2011-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know that today is deemed "the most depressing day of the year" according to some studies? We hope that's not true, but if today is bringing you down, we might have a solution. Some studies also suggest that doing something good for someone else and brightening another person's day brings joy and a sense of well-being into your life. Why not donate a car or make a cash donation today so that we may continue to write personalized songs for sick children all over the world? Any amount will do - every bit goes towards the $250 cost per song. If you need evidence of the impact of the songs, you need look no further than the thank you letter below! We want to continue bringing smiles to these young, brave children. So get rid of the winter blahs and make a car donation or a monetary donation today!

Dear Will-
Just wanted to let you know that we received Evan's "Song of Love" today. We LOVED it!!! We played it several times and Evan cracked a little smile every time it got to the part about nitrous and turbo boost. "Play it again, mom". We even copied it to his little MP3 player for him. He really did love it! You nailed it with those lyrics. It's almost as if you knew Evan personally.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do such a wonderful and meaningful thing for Evan. You are so generous to have shared your time and talent with us. It truly was a thoughtful thing you did and we will cherish it forever!

If your band is ever in Ocean City again, I hope to look you up, see you play, and thank you personally.

Thanks again,
Kim Nickle (Evan's Mom)

"Thank You" Letters - January 13th, 2011

2011-01-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

As our regular readers know, every week, we get thank you letters in the mail and via email from families and the children who have been recipients of their very own song of love. As we are only able to continue doing this, bringing songs to kids through our car donation program and other donations, we continue to share with all of you some of the letters we have received as a note of gratitude to our donors and cheerleaders out there. You can get more information regarding donating your car or vehicle and assisting us in our mission to make a difference in the life of a sick young person by going to our website and clicking on the car donation link!

And now for today's letter!

Hi everyone at Songs of Love--
Our family just received our daughter, Isa's, song of love today in the mail and I must say there were lots of tears all around! We were so completely touched by the song! Please tell Eugene Ruffalo how very much we enjoyed his amazing song! We especially liked the way he correctly pronounced all of the kids names correctly, especially our last name, Mireles! Our daughter, Isa is two and a half, so she doesn't really know what's going on all around her, but receiving such a lovely gift as we did today makes our journey that much easier. Isa has leukemia (ALL) and her prognosis is really good (she is a rapid responder, low risk patient) so we know she will enjoy this song for many, many years to come. Thank you to all of you at Songs of Love. What a wonderful organization. Again, please tell Mr. Ruffalo how touched and honored that he wrote such a beautiful song (and we love that Latin flavor!) Sincerely, The Mireles Family, Rene, Jessica Nora, Leah, Nino and our little angel, Isa

"Thank You" Letters - January 12th, 2011

2011-01-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

If you're in the United States, then there's a huge probability this week that your town is covered with snow! Are you tired of the hassle of digging your car out of piles of snow several times each year? Or do you perhaps have an older car and it's time to get something with more power to handle the yearly snow headache? Consider donating your car to Songs of Love! By doing so, you'll reap the tax rewards through a deduction when tax time comes around. By using our car donation program, you'll have a hand in helping us keep writing songs and bringing music to chronically and terminally ill children throughout the United States and throughout the world. Whether you live in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit or anywhere else, you can donate! Take a look at what your donation makes possible with the thank you letter of the day!

Dear William Sherry and the Songs of Love Foundation,
My name is Dianna Minikus, the mother of six year old Jared. Jared has AML Leukemia and has received a song of love from you. I want to make sure that you realize what a wonderful job you did on it. For only going by an information sheet you were able to target Jared's personality perfect. Jared LOVES his song. He has been so proud to share it with everyone that will listen. His teachers, doctors, nurses, and his family. The first time that his two grandpas heard it, it brought tears to both their eyes. They were very proud that you included them in his song. Jared's favorite part is about his dog Charlie. I can not express enough how wonderful it is.

Jared is currently in the hospital again with fever and illness. He just finished his final round of treatment last week. We are praying for remission at this time. He doesn't feel the best so he just finished listening to his song again. It brings a smile to his face even now. I would like to get a picture of Jared to you in the future. ( I am not very good on the computer yet ) I would be willing to send one if I could get the correct address. We would also like to do some type of fundraising for your foundation in the future as well. So, please don't think that we have forgotten what you have done for us and our son. It is amazing! Thank you so much for the time, effort, and sincerity that you put into it. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Dianna :0)

"Thank You" Letters - January 10th, 2011

2011-01-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

The new year is in full swing and we're excited about the prospects in the new year. We're still climbing back after taking a hit from the economy in 2009 and 2010, so we're asking for your donations, as well as your suggestions for new ways to raise funds. As you know from our site, we have a car donation program, as well as our "Raising Funds, Raising Voices" program. Our ultimate goal is to keep doing what we're doing - bringing the healing power of music to sick kids all over the world - for many years to come. We bring these thank you letters to you each week to remind you of the recipients of our songs and of your generous donations. It's really astounding that something as simple as donating a car could have such an impact on the lives of one or many sick children. Please take some time to read all of the letters we've posted to really see how much of a difference you are helping us make. And now, our letter of the day!

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Hi my name is Yolanda Chenier, back in 2006-7 not sure my daughter YELEA BUENO received a song. things in my life were, well, let's just say i never got to taking her picture with her CD and her thank you letter and, well, through the yrs somehow i can't find the mail that came when u first sent her the CD and well she has had a very hard life besides her illness or the fact that she beat the odds and is now a survivor 7 yrs in remissinon of a a vary rare and fatal disease (HLH) Hemophagocytic Lympho Histiocytosis. She is 10 now and when she got her CD she was 6-7 i believe probably heard it non-stop for the first yr and slowly it got put away to keep it safe and well i just reacently i found it and well this yr has been really hard on her emotionally lets just say her biological dad not there and only father she had from 3-9 is no longer in her life not as active and well i put her CD on and words cannot put enough appreaction gratitude or express how amazing it was to see how happyshe looked and so loved when she listened to her song as she sang the words its like all the hurt she feels was not there as she sang along even though it mentions both dads in it and other things that she use to like but its like it just brought her so much joy and well as a mother i ofcourse thougght my poor baby but like her song sa Y-E-L-E-A BUENO BRIGHTNESS UP OUR DAY WITH A TWINKLE IN HER EYE AND THAT SMILE ON HER FACE SHE MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE! and it is so true so thank you to all at song of love her song is very very special to her and im so glad that this song will help know that she is just as special if i could still send the pic and a lette from her im sure sh can writte a great thank at 10 to what her song means to her then writtting it at 7 THANK YOU ALL AGAIN AT SONGS OF LOVE THANK YOU!!!!!
GREATFUL MOTHER

"Thank You" Letters - January 5th, 2011

2011-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

New year, new goals! Here at Songs of Love, we're hitting the ground running with new endeavors to keep our organization afloat and to keep achieving our constant, ultimate goal - getting songs to children who are chronically or terminally ill throughout the United States and the world. With projects like our car donation program, our "Raising Funds, Raising Voices" program and our regular fundraising efforts, we have been able to keep operating and funding the $250 cost of producing each song. Every song is personalized and unique to each child, bringing joy and comfort at one of the most difficult and trying times in their lives. The song also brings joy to the families of these brave young children. Who knew doing something as simple as donating a car or a few dollars could have such an impact? In order to make it through this year, we need your continued support. Please consider donating today. If you are still debating it, take a look at today's thank you letter to see the impact of these songs in the words of a family who have had their child receive a song.

WOW! Andrew's song did arrive and it is wonderful. Andrew lives with type 1 diabetes and has done so since he was 18 months old (he is now 10). Regardless of our attempts to help him get through life as a typical child ~ it is always hanging over his head. Through the course of this, even at his tender age, he is dealing with depression and some other mental health issues. When he heard his song, he had the biggest smile that I've seen him have in a while.

It is obvious that Drew does not live with the same devastating illnesses that so many of the children that you sing for do, but as his mom, I really must express my heartfelt gratitude for the time that you took to do this.

I can't thank you enough for all you do for these children! Your group of talented artists are amazing people.

Sincerely,
Heather Hancock

Songs of Love" Plays in Puerto Rico!

2011-01-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

Songs of Love founder John Beltzer leads some of the residents of St. Germain, Puerto Rico, as they sing on the "song of love" for Carolina Torres.

Britney Vargas, a "songs of love" recipient herself, was so moved after she received her "song of love" back in 2008, that she decided to bring Songs of Love into her home town of Puerto Rico. For the past year she got busy organizing an online fundraiser through the Firstgiving program and raised over $4,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation! Britney then proceeded to organize an event in her home town of St. Germain and raised an additional $3,000! Songs of Love founder, John Beltzer, was invited to join the event at the St. Germain convention center and engaged the guests in the live recording of a "song of love" for 5-year-old cerebral palsy patient Carolina Torres.
(Listen to the song below.)

"Carolina Torres"

Pictured left to right: Fundraiser organizer Britney Vargas, Carolina Torres and John Beltzer.

This is the first official "song of love" in Puerto Rico and will be the first of many as Britney and family will be instrumental in helping the Song of Love Foundation deliver many more "songs of Love" to the children of Puerto Rico. The Songs of Love Foundation thanks Britney and the entire Vargas family for their support and wonderful hospitality!

The stage at the St. Germain, Puerto Rico, convention center is set with signs welcoming Song of Love and Britney Vargas as the Sponsor of the first "song of love" in Puerto Rico!

"Thank You" Letters - January 4th, 2011

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2011? Here at Songs of Love, our resolution is to bring the Medicine of Music to even more children and to make it to 2012! Yes, times are still hard and we need your support, from your car donation to your volunteer time to keep doing what we're doing. As with any resolution, you have to make plans and take steps to reach your ultimate goal. What are your goals for 2011 and how will you get there? Ultimately, our goal is to keep the smiles on the many children we reach and to create more songs and wonderful moments for families. Who knew something as simple as donating a car could bring such happy memories and moments as the ones mentioned in the thank you letter we receive?! Take a look at the one below - let's keep bringing this kind of magic this year and in the years to come!

Hi John

Sophie will be sending a big thank you card and note for her wonderful song that you sent her a few weeks ago hopefully very soon. Please see attached photo. At the time she received this we were in and out of hospital and this really picked up her spirits she was over the moon with it and it was great to see such a huge smile on her face. She has entertained many a friends and family with her song and shows. She is a remarkable little girl never complaining whatever life throws at her and enjoys life to the full and being her mum (I know I am biased) she deserves this song it is so special to her and she loves it!!!!! She even took it into school to do her show and tell with!!!!

A HUGE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

This is something that Sophie will always treasure.

Thanks

Debbie Ryan

"Thank You" Letters - January 3rd, 2011

2011-01-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! The Songs of Love family hopes 2011 is off to an auspicious start for everyone. We want to continue to make life a little brighter for sick children, but we need your help to make their year a great one! If you are interested in car donation, please contact us at our website. You can also give back by making a cash or credit donation at our website. Even a small donation helps us to continue doing positive work for children all over the world. A donated car, a few dollars or even starting a FirstGiving fundraising page goes such a long way in funding more songs. The proof of the impact is in the letters we receive every day saying thank you. As we've said before in this space, the thank you's belong as much to you as to us, because what we do would not be possible without your support.

Dear Steve Schuffert and the everyone at Songs of Love :

When we received Josephs Song he was sitting in his chair and had been quiet most of the day. when I put on his Special Song I have rarely seen Joes face light up in such a way. He started to clap his hands and continually laugh through the entire song. When it ended his face became sad until I played it again and he was so happy
Joe is non verbal and cannot walk independently but this song has brought so much Joy and Happiness to Joe and all of us in his family .
thank you for your love
Chris , Diane and Joseph Pierce

"Thank You" Letters - December 29th, 2010

2010-12-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Did you know that by donating your car to Songs of Love, not only are you helping us to underwrite the cost of bringing more personalized, original songs to sick and disabled children, but you are reaping benefits as well! First, donating your car is much easier than trying to sell or trade in your car. Additionally, you could be eligible for a 2010 Fair Market Value tax deduction on your car donation. Basically, come tax time, you'll enjoy the benefits of a tax deduction. Of course, the best benefit is clear in our thank you letters from children and families who have received songs from Songs of Love. One such letter comes to us today from the family of Olivia Jimenez. As we step into the new year, it's great to be reminded of the purpose of the work we do. Enjoy!

My daughter Olivia received her song. It was just beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes from the emotions. Her school will be holding a benefit fundraiser and this song will defintiley be shared with everyone that day. We are originally from Flushing Queens, NY. We moved here 5 yrs ago and I see you guys are in Forest Hills. That area is great happening spot with neat stores and great food!
Thank you so much, these song creations are a wonderful way to bring encouragement to these kids. It really brightened up Olivia's day and ours! The tune is catchy and on point.

-Ginger

"Thank You" Letters - December 28th, 2010

2010-12-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Songs of Love family! We hope everyone is having a wonderful time with friends and family as we say goodbye to 2010. Remember, you can donate your car or make a cash donation at any time to help us bring more music to more sick children around the world. You can read more about the work we're doing and how it's impacting the kids by looking at the thank you letter below and many other thank you letters on this blog. It's a simple as a phone call or a visit to our website - you too can make a car donation or even donate your time to helping the cause. And now, today's thank you letter!

You are absolutely amazing! Every parent looks forward to seeing their kids craw, or say their first words. We were those parents too, but soon after Caleb was born we found out our enjoyment was going to be a little different. We got excited when we were discharged from Children's Hospital after two months. We get excited when Caleb is seizure free for a day, week, or month and when he holds his head up on his own we jump with joy. That's when we get the biggest smile! Caleb has taught us a lot about being parents and how to be his. We are so thankful we have him!
The song you wrote for Caleb captures all of the positive aspects of his life. It's wonderful because we have a lot of negatives. We have listened to the song a lot, okay like fifteen times. We love it and Caleb is starting to make the connections. He looks for Brewster and Duke and smiles when he hears Aunt Kay, Kay's name. You did a great job, and I can't wait for everyone to hear the song. Thank you so much for this great gift we will cherish forever!

The Isenbarg Family

"Thank You" Letters - December 22nd, 2010

2010-12-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

A "thank you" letter to Songs of Love is really a "thank you" letter to you and our selfless supporters. If you know anyone who is looking to donate a car or seeking out a charity to donate to, please let them know about Songs of Love. The more support we have, the better our chances of reaching many more children next year and for many years to come. Letters like the one below truly tell the story from the perspective of those most affected by the songs - the children themselves. Our programs, like our events and our car donation program, all go to benefit the creation and production of songs for children who really need them. With that in mind, we share with you the following letter.

Hi,

Thank you so much for the best song ever, we didn't give you much to work with, but it's the best song ever, we just cried with joy even the boys cried, but then later started singing along. The song never gets old, and never will. I made a Slide Show to go with the song, please check it out on the blog www.thefullmerboyz.blogspot.com I have ask people to leave feedback about songs of love and how the song made them feel.It's awsome Primary Children's Hospital never heard of Songs of Love, but because of Lucas they do and have already told other families about the foundation.

I would love to send you a DVD of the Slide Show if you would like, just let me know what your address is.

Once again Thank You so much.
Love Lucas and Fullmer Family.

"Thank You" Letters - December 16th, 2010

2010-12-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today, we take a look at another letter from a child who benefited from a car donation, cash donation or time donation from people like you. Without your help, this wouldn't have been possible. Without your help, we wouldn't be in operation. Your donations keep our organization alive.
A few dollars can help fund a song. A car donation can help fund many songs. Please consider being a donor!

Hello John,

My name is Kim Davis, and my son Andrew is autistic. He just graduated from Rock Creek School in Frederick MD this past Friday.
I wanted to say thank you for the song that you wrote especially for him, and also thanks to the singer on the song, Ernie Gold. This is a wonderful thing you are doing. I will tell you that this was a very emotional day and there were many tears in that room that night. The kids in my son's graduating class (all six of them) struggle on a daily basis, each with their own set of issues. And yet they are happy and willing to put forth the effort it takes just to get through a single day. Speaking for myself and my family, we have learned more from my son, then we ever could have hoped to learn, had he not blessed us all with his presence. We all tend to take things for granted and something like this makes us realize how lucky each and every one of us are. Our complaints about traffic, getting up for work, having to wait in line etc etc are just so minimal and really not so important. Yet most of us find ourselves doing just that. This can certainly be a wake up call for that.
The song you wrote for my son was exactly the kind of music he likes to listen to. I was impressed that you took not only the information you were given about his interests and his family members etc, but also the style of music he likes. WoW you are amazing. You deserve so much more than this silly email, but it's all I have to give you right now. I want you to know how deeply appreciated you are. I know that many of the children you write these songs for are in hospitals and some are dying. That you give of yourself like this to these kids has made you a very special human being. Do not know what your religious convictions are, am not always sure of my own, but I do know that you are a very special person and are blessed by God. We are all blessed by God to have someone like you out there. And yes this also goes to all those wonderful amazing people who work with you on this project of love. Thank you so much to all of you. And yes I do Thank God for people like you, out there in this sometimes ugly world we live in. It's so comforting and reassuring to know that you are out there. It gives us back our sometimes failing faith in human kind.

Keep up the amazing work.

Kim Davis
Frederick, MD

"Thank You" Letters - December 13th, 2010

2010-12-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your continued support, even in these difficult financial times. Whether you made a car donation, donated time or donated money, you made a major difference, not only for our organization, but for the many children to whom we reach out every day. This brings us to the heart of the "Thank You Letter" segment on the blog. We want you to see the difference in the words of the children and families themselves. It really strengthens our faith that everyone is working with us to help. These thank you letters are as much to you as they are to our songwriters and the team that works every day to get the songs out to them. In essence - we thank you. If you would like more information on donating your car or funds or volunteering your time, please let us know. And now, today's thank you letter!

Hello John,

My name is Kim Davis, and my son Andrew is autistic. He just graduated from Rock Creek School in Frederick MD this past Friday.
I wanted to say thank you for the song that you wrote especially for him, and also thanks to the singer on the song, Ernie Gold. This is a wonderful thing you are doing. I will tell you that this was a very emotional day and there were many tears in that room that night. The kids in my son's graduating class (all six of them) struggle on a daily basis, each with their own set of issues. And yet they are happy and willing to put forth the effort it takes just to get through a single day. Speaking for myself and my family, we have learned more from my son, then we ever could have hoped to learn, had he not blessed us all with his presence. We all tend to take things for granted and something like this makes us realize how lucky each and every one of us are. Our complaints about traffic, getting up for work, having to wait in line etc etc are just so minimal and really not so important. Yet most of us find ourselves doing just that. This can certainly be a wake up call for that.
The song you wrote for my son was exactly the kind of music he likes to listen to. I was impressed that you took not only the information you were given about his interests and his family members etc, but also the style of music he likes. WoW you are amazing. You deserve so much more than this silly email, but it's all I have to give you right now. I want you to know how deeply appreciated you are. I know that many of the children you write these songs for are in hospitals and some are dying. That you give of yourself like this to these kids has made you a very special human being. Do not know what your religious convictions are, am not always sure of my own, but I do know that you are a very special person and are blessed by God. We are all blessed by God to have someone like you out there. And yes this also goes to all those wonderful amazing people who work with you on this project of love. Thank you so much to all of you. And yes I do Thank God for people like you, out there in this sometimes ugly world we live in. It's so comforting and reassuring to know that you are out there. It gives us back our sometimes failing faith in human kind.

Keep up the amazing work.

Kim Davis
Frederick, MD

"Thank You" Letters - December 10th, 2010

2010-12-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

We're ending the week on a high note here at Songs of Love with our latest letter! We are also ending the year on a high note, despite what ended up being a trying year financially. Through our car donation program and the support of people like you, we will make it to another year of making healing music for children dealing with terminal illnesses. We are, however, not out of the woods quite yet. We still need as much support as we can gather. If you are considering donating a car, please contact us for more information. This will ensure that 2011 is a successful, fruitful year - hopefully, we can bring the number of children we reach per year back up to our usual and increase outreach once again! Please remember - we can't do it alone.

Subject: Song for Kellen Walden

Good afternoon. I wanted to share with you how absolutely delighted we are to have received your gift of song for my son, Kellen Walden.    The vocals, by Carl Allocco are incredible. (We find ourselves humming to the tune long after the song is over). What an incredible gift this is!
We have sent out an email introduction to our friends and family and hopefully they will be downloading and enjoying Kellen's tune very soon. We certainly did.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this special service.    Your Team is really utilizing their talents to make a difference! Not only does this lift the spirits of the child, but surely puts a smile on the face of the mom's, dad's, big brothers etc.
Our son, Kellen, was ten years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor on December 10, 2009.   On December 11, 2009 after a 9 hour emergency operation, a very talented surgeon and his Team removed 100% of the tumor. Unfortunately, after the path reports came back, it was determined that it was malignant and a very very rare type. Kellen underwent 4 rounds of chemo, and 30 cycles of proton radiation at the University of Florida in Jacksonville . In late May, he finished his treatments; and just today, he received the "all clear" sign from the doctor that his MRI is perfect!   It has been quite a journey but we have encountered a lot of love and compassion along the way.   Songs of Love was a huge "bright spot" for us.
We know Kellen will be well, and live a long and wonderful life. Thanks for being a part of his recovery and making a difference.

Featured Child – Carolina Laboy Torres

2010-12-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

10-year-old Carolina Laboy Torres is a cerebral palsy patient from Puerto Rico. She received her Song of Love in person on September 10th when John Beltzer came out to Puerto Rico to record the song with everyone at a fundraiser organized by Britney Vargas! Carolina loves to go shopping with her mom and dad and loves listening to music with her sister, Krystal, especially the music of Luis Fonsi. She also loves hanging out with her cousin Rafaelito and spending time with her dog, Violeta! We are so excited that we were able to give Carolina her very own song of love in person!

Featured Songwriter – Thomas Jones

2010-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thomas Jones has been bringing his special brand of upbeat, lively music to Songs of Love for over 10 years! Writing music since he was 8 years old, Thomas is a graduate of Ithaca College and was part of the graduate music programs at the University of Southern California and Rutgers University. He currently records and performs with various artists, as well as producing for other artists, as well as for radio and television commercials. Thomas also has a website, kiddytunes.com, where you can hear his music and find out more about this personalized songs. Since he began working with Songs of Love, he has written almost 2,000 songs! We are thrilled to have Thomas as part of our team and thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful work he does for children every day!

Events & Other News

2010-12-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that Steve Smith, wide receiver for the New York Giants, has joined our symphony! Steve will be posting about Songs of Love on his Facebook page, where he has 140,000 fans, as well as auctioning signed items for our charity. Steve will also be doing a video asking people to support Songs of Love. Steve, welcome to the Songs of Love family!

Another exciting addition to the Songs of Love family – this month, we are excited to announce that celebrity chef Marcel Cocit has joined us in our mission as a spokesperson and as a member of our advisory board. Recently, Marcel hosted cooking segments for CBS during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Check out video of the segment here! Welcome aboard, Marcel!

We are extremely excited and grateful for the $5,000 grant Songs of Love received this month from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area(RMHC) and the Child Welfare Foundation. Through their generous grant, we will be able to create personalized songs for many more children!

Songs of Love is excited to be included in the Second Edition of “Music As A Natural Resource Compendium: Solutions for Social and Economic Issues”, launched by the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) on September 30th, 2010. The compendium, which features 55 music projects from 33 countries, was presented at the National Arts Club to a large group that included people from the United Nations, government and the general public. The event was held to support the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and UN HABITAT’s “Better City-Better Life” World Habitat Day Celebrations. The compendium is viewable on the United Nations website UNPAN (the United Nations Public Administration Network) - you can access it the UNPAN website.

On September 10th, Songs of Love founder John Beltzer and songwriter of love Carl Allocco made a trip to Puerto Rico for a fundraiser organized by Song of Love recipient Britney Vargas! Britney Vargas, a "songs of love" recipient herself, was so moved after she received her "song of love" back in 2008, that she decided to bring Songs of Love into her home town of Puerto Rico. For the past year she got busy organizing an online fundraiser through the Firstgiving program and raised over $4,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation! Britney then proceeded to organize an event in her home town of St. Germain and raised an additional $3,000! Songs of Love founder, John Beltzer, was invited to join the event at the St. Germain convention center and engaged the guests in the live recording of a "song of love" for 5-year-old cerebral palsy patient Carolina Torres.This is the first official "song of love" in Puerto Rico and will be the first of many as Britney and family will be instrumental in helping the Song of Love Foundation deliver many more "songs of Love" to the children of Puerto Rico.
The Songs of Love Foundation thanks Britney and the entire Vargas family for their support and wonderful hospitality!

On September 27th, we held our Annual Swing & Sing Golf Outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, NJ! Despite the rain, the golfers had a great time, teeing off to raise money for Songs of Love. Afterward, they gathered to record a song for a NJ child! Thank you to everyone who made it out for the exciting event!

On September 11th, Susanne Hodge of Orange Park, FL hosted a fundraiser and performance in Jacksonville, FL! Special thanks to Susanne for her enthusiasm and commitment to Songs of Love!

In November, SUNY Medical Center held a fundraiser for Songs of Love. Through their efforts, they raised $2000 for our organization, helping us to keep operating and bring songs to 8 more children! Our deepest thanks to SUNY Medical for this wonderful effort!

In November, Songs of Love had a special visit from Tito Ibarra, a recipient of a song of love! Tito first appeared on a local New York TV show in 1999 and received his song during the broadcast. 11 years later, he is doing great and has completely recovered from his leukemia! Tito was totally inspired by his "song of love" and, as a result, has gone on to become a recording engineer! During his visit, he teamed up with Songs of Love founder John Beltzer to write and record a song for 6-year-old Bodhi Moore of Emmett, ID.

In August, Scott Hunt, CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza in Nashville, TN (http://www.huntbrotherspizza.com/), helped Songs of Love reach out to more people! At a NASCAR race at Watkins Glen, Scott and crew placed Songs of Love on the bumper of driver Elliott Sadler's car! Enormous thanks to Scott and Hunt Brothers Pizza for getting the word out on Songs of Love and, ultimately, helping us get songs out to many more children in need!

Christmas is just a couple of weeks away – be sure to download our Christmas ringtone to your phone! This cheerful tune is available thanks to our very own songwriter of love Donna Britton! You can download the song here!

Also, be sure to check out the Songs of Love Customized Jingles for Facebook! Visit our Facebook page and choose from 14 different jingles for different occasions to send to a Facebook friend!

"Thank You" Letters - December 8th, 2010

2010-12-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

Before we head to our letter of the day, we just want to give you a few tips on how to donate your car to charity if you are considering making this generous donation. You might be donating your car, vehicle or boat to charity to keep from the annoyance of selling your car, while also getting a bonus by being able to get a tax deduction as well. You can avoid some common pitfalls by avoiding middlemen, i.e. for-profit organizations advertise helping you with your car donation, as they tend to keep 50-90% of the car's value. In the end, the charity that gets the donation doesn't get very much of that donation. You should contact your favorite charities (such as Songs of Love's car donation program) directly.

Also, finding a charity that represent a cause you support is important. A great source for researching charities is online, with sites such as Charity Navigator.

We'll be giving more advice on making the most of your car donation in future posts, so stay tuned! It all goes towards our charitable goal of bring customized, personalized songs for healing to sick children, like the child mentioned below.

John and Songs of Love Team

Thanks again for the great personalized CD, written by Thomas Jones, for our daughter Amelia Jane Mazour. She loves to dance every night to the song and it makes us all smile. Thanks for all you do in helping these kids still be kids, even though they are faced with life’s toughest challenges. We finally got a decent photo of Amelia hugging her CD and thought we would share.

Thanks again for your generosity.

Mark and Lottie Mazour

"Thank You" Letters - December 6th, 2010

2010-12-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

The new year is just weeks away! If you're in the market for a new car, consider donating your old car to Songs of Love! By donating your car, you are helping us fund many songs for sick children all over the world. A car donation goes a long way, as it costs us $250 to write, record and produce an original, personalized songs for a child dealing with a life-threatening or chronic illness. If you're still not sure if you should donate your car, please read the letter below from the family of one of the thousands of children we have helped over the past 14 years. Best of all, your car donation is tax-deductible!

I just wanted to thank everyone there for making the song of love song for Jacob Covil. He loves it and so does his little sisters of course since they are named in it. They all dance around like crazy. It is such a beautiful song everytime I listen to it I tear up. Thank you for making our rough times special with this CD. I can't not tell you how thankful I am.

Thank you!

The Covil Family

"Thank You" Letters - December 3rd, 2010

2010-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

As the weekend approaches, we are reminded of how many young lives we affect in the work we do with the letter we bring to you today. The holiday season, and thus the end of the year, is upon us. As we work to bring Songs of Love into a new year, we are still facing financial difficulties. Please consider donating your car, your time or making a monetary donation if you can to help make music for another year and for years to come. The letters from the kids and families who have received songs are a testament to the impact of music on their young lives. A $250 goes to fund one song, while a car donation helps fund several songs for several children! Make a difference today!

Dear Thomas,

My son Justin has attended Sibshops in Seattle for six years now and he has come home with many terrific craft items and stories of his time with other kids whose sib has special needs. Nothing quite compares to the DVD he came home with this month! I knew they had worked on some writing about their sibs and that a DVD was going to be made but I thought it was a collective about the kids. On the way home when we listened to your song, echoing Justin’s words and feelings about his sis, Carrie, I got all teary. Grateful that Justin has a safe, caring place to share his feelings, proud that he has such love and pride in her – despite – no because of - her many challenges, and curious about the wonderful people behind the songs!

Bless you for bringing to life a brother’s love for his sister. He knows her well! Purple and string and water and Barney and mac and cheese and Missy Me and that everyone loves her. I’m going to attempt to send you a pic so you see the girl that inspired him.

Again, thank you so very much.

Lynn Vigo

"Thank You" Letters - December 1st, 2010

2010-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

A car donation or a cash donation can make a world of difference to one (or many!) sick children! The cost to underwrite a "song of love" is $250 - make a donation today to help a child receive a song. If you would like to donate a car instead, you'll be helping out several children! Plus, with a car donation or a monetary donation, you could qualify for a tax-deduction!

Today's letter is another illustration of the power of music and the real healing you are giving every time you donate.

Thank you so much for making my son, Will, a songs of love song. He really enjoyed listening to it and we played it at his birthday party and our family and friends thought it was just so great. My son passed away November 11, 2008 due to liver failure from complications from Leukemia. We played Will’s song at his services and put it to pictures of him. I still listen to it and think about him and remember how he looked when he heard it for the first time. He was proud. I will cherish this song always. Below is a link to the song to his pics.

"Thank You" Letters - November 29th, 2010

2010-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the holiday season is finally in full-swing! If you're shopping this cyber-Monday, why not stop by the Songs of Love page and donate as much as you can afford? Remember - no donation is too small or to big. Every penny goes to underwrite the cost of making an original 'song of love' for a sick child. Another way you can help out is by donating your car. A car donation goes a long way in helping us help more sick children! To find out more about car donation, check out our web page as well!

Today, we have a heartwarming letter from a mother who wanted to share with us the joy her daughter's song brought to her daughter and the rest of the family. Please help us make more moments like this possible!

I just wanted you to know how happy our daughter Ava Helmick was to get her song of love this week. We have been playing it non stop for her. She smiles and although she is just 2 and a half she knows that this song is ALL about her. She has two sisters and they loved it as well. Ava is back in the hospital due to complications with her birth defect Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia but she is lovin' her own tune. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you with tears in our eyes. It is something that will live with us forever. Reminding us each day how precious life really is and a gift from God.

Please thank Thomas Jones for all his hard work. We absolutely LOVE it

"Thank You" Letters - November 19th, 2010

2010-11-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! The holidays are coming up and we're continuing to bring beautiful, personalized songs to children in need. Help us to keep bringing music to the children with a car donation. By donating your car, you are funding a song for a child, as well as receiving a tax benefit as well! Everyone wins! Today's letter shows how much your donation means to countless kids who are suffering from chronic or life-threatening illness - the power of music in a child's life is possible through your car donation!

Subject: Our Song of Love

Thank you so very much for Brooke's BEAUTIFUL lullaby! Lindsey Jones did an amazing job with the lyrics and vocals. When we heard the song for the first time it was so amazing that it brought tears to our eyes. We played it over and over again. We will cherish this song forever.
Brooke was born with a congenital heart condition called Pulmonary Stenosis that was discovered during the first week of her life. We had hoped that is was a minor condition that wouldn't require medical intervention, however, at about 8 weeks of age Brooke's condition had worsened and we were told that her heart would need to be repaired. She went in for a balloon angioplasty procedure, which was unsuccessful. Just a week later, Brooke had open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old to remove her pulmonary valve. The surgery was a success, however, the complications that proceeded surgery were one after another. Brooke was in the hospital for nearly a month after surgery. It was a very trying time for Brooke and our family, but with a lot of love and prayers, Brooke was able to come home. She is now a happy, thriving baby. The day will come that Brooke will have to go back in to have her valve replaced, but until then she will be able to live a happy, normal life, and for that we are truly blessed! Thank you Songs of Love for all that you do, bringing smiles to children across the world one song at a time!

Lovingly,

The Bruggenwirth Family

"Thank You" Letters - November 17th, 2010

2010-11-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

In supporting Songs of Love, you are supporting the mission to bring the Medicine of Music to children everywhere! Here's a bit on why Songs of Love is an excellent choice if you are considering donating you car.

If you're considering donating your car, there are a several factors to think about. The most important factor is knowing where the funds from the car donation are going.

Also, what part of your car donation is going to the charity's cause? Choose a charity that keeps costs at a minimum so that you can be sure that your donation is being utilized in the best and most effective way possible.

The results of your contribution are evident in the smiles of the children who receive songs and in letters like the one below.

Our family would like to thank the Songs of Love foundation and Tom Jones for the wonderful uplifting song written for our son AJ. We all love the song, and how it fits AJ's little personality so accurately. Presently, AJ is on dialysis 12 hours each evening, and is awaiting a kidney transplant, and during this very difficult time we want you to know how uplifting this song has been for our entire family. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible work, This song will forever be a treasure we will cherish. Please find attached some photos of AJ with his CD.
Sincerely:
The Stannard Family

"Thank You" Letters - November 15th, 2010

2010-11-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

Every little effort counts towards making a huge difference in a child's life! As the holiday season approaches, please consider donating a car to our car donation program. With the proceeds from your donation, you help make a child's wish for music come true. Just such a child's family wrote a letter to say thank you below. The gift of music lasts a lifetime!

I wanted to thank everyone involved in making my sons song of love, it was the nicest thing anyone has done for him, He is a very sick little boy, and music seems to sooth the pain he endures daily, this song, being so special to him, makes him smile a smile we have never seen. It comforts him that the love used in making this song was pure and real, Andrew was born with a rare heart disease and has been fighting it for almost 5 years, he has had numerous surgeries on the heart, but also has endured numerous other problems since then, he is a lung patient as well, he has to take vest treatments, breathing treatments, and last years alone was in the hospital 149 days, he has celiac disease, he was just diagnosed in November with having a pulmanary shunt, and pulmanary stenosis, he was diagnose just this last month with a form of cancer that i is very rare and hasnt been seen in years, it is a form that is from having a bad immune system and diabetis, which he also has, it affects the feet and hands, we thought that it was a ring worm, and well after medicine was used to treat it for over a month, they realized that it wasnt that, he started out a little over 3 months ago with one, and as of today he has three, on the same foot, so he has alot of problems walking at times and shoe wearing is very hard, but we always go to the music to make it better, the music is what gets him through the pain and agony he goes through daily,,,,i just wanted to thank you songs of love for all you do for sick lil people, it takes alot to do what you all do, and it is greatly appreciated, much love and Blessings to you and yours,,,Ray and Linda SMith and lil ANDREW<,

"Thank You" Letters - November 11th, 2010

2010-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

When you donate funds, donate a car or volunteer your time for Songs of Love, you are helping fund the Gift of Song - a gift that keeps on giving! Our letter today is from a parent whose daughter received a song years ago, but the song is still important in their lives and their recovery. Car donation programs exist throughout the country, but a small percentage, like Songs of Love, use the funds to continue doing charitable works for the community and for sick children all over the world. Help us reach out to those children by donating your car!

It was such strange timing to get the frineds invite for your org and then your message yesterday. My daughter and i were just going through her room and cleaning out old cds when we came across the one she had gotten from your group after first being diagnosed with cancer. she was only 3 then. she is now almost 12 and in Jr High. We both cried and hugged when listening to your cd...some of the thigns mentioned in her song are still the same while other facts changed but it was nice to remember them. She decided to keep it in her current cd collection so if she ever feels like she is having a bad day or is in an ungrateful mood she can reflect on how far her life has already come. Once she was out of treatment my family donated a car to your group. I cannot tell you how much all your love and support ment to us and still does.
God bless you and all who work with you.......

"Thank You" Letters - November 8th, 2010

2010-11-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Did you know that choosing a charity to donate your car to is just as important as the decision to make a car donation? A good charity will have make sure all of the proceeds from your donated car go straight to the charity's cause - for us, that means all of the proceeds from the donation go towards getting sick children their very own personalized songs of love.

Today, we have another heartwarming letter from a family who received a song from us this year. We have been going through a difficult time this year, due to the economy, so this thank you letter is also our "thank you" to you for supporting us through car donations and other donations!

Thank you so much for making Hailey her own songs of love cd. She was thrilled when it arrived! We have all enjoyed listening to it. It really made Hailey smile when she heard her name in the song, it brought tears to my eyes to see her so happy. We danced around the house listening to her special song. Thank you to Christi and Andrew Bissell for their great work putting the cd together. Christi has an amazing voice and left us wanting more!
Thank you to Sandra Rose for making this all possible. God bless you all,
Love ,
Hailey and family
I am having trouble adding a picture to email, you can see it on her caringbridge site, I will mail you a photo if you want one. It is her with her new songs of love cd.

"Thank You" Letters - November 5th, 2010

2010-11-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

We end the week with a heartwarming letter from a mom regarding the song we did for her daughter, Delaney. This song was made possible with funds earned through monetary, time and car donation made by supporters like you. You can find out more about how to donate your car, your time and other ways to help by contacting us.

Dear Songs of Love,

I write this letter with so much appreciation for what you have done for my 4 year old daughter Delaney. She was 3 years old when diagnosed with leukemia, and within 2 months of her diagnosis she had the most wonderful song given to her, a song that she would listen to over and over. This is her song and it will forever be cherished by Delaney and her whole family. The picture that I have attached says it all! I am so grateful for what you do for children... you make them feel so special and you put a smile on their faces... over and over again- everytime they listen to "their song"- a song like no other.

Sincerely,
Linda Farren

"Thank You" Letters - November 2nd, 2010

2010-11-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Non-profits are doing everything they can to stay afloat in this economy. One of our programs, our car donation program, has helped literally thousands of children to receive songs. To donate a car is to help us create many songs! So, if you are considering donating a car, donate a car to our charity! Today, we have a thank you letter from the family of Joseph Pierce. Again, thanks to your car donations and donations in general, you have helped us administer the "medicine of music"!

Dear Steve Schuffert and the everyone at Songs of Love :

When we received Josephs Song he was sitting in his chair and had been quiet most of the day. when I put on his Special Song I have rarely seen Joes face light up in such a way. He started to clap his hands and continually laugh through the entire song. When it ended his face became sad until I played it again and he was so happy
Joe is non verbal and cannot walk independently but this song has brought so much Joy and Happiness to Joe and all of us in his family .
thank you for your love
Chris , Diane and Joseph Pierce

"Thank You" Letters - October 28th, 2010

2010-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to programs like FirstGiving and our car donation program, Songs of Love is reaching children worldwide! Today's letter is from Romania. We're so happy to continue to being music to children all over the United States and all over the world and we need your support to keep writing song, so donate your car (http://www.songsoflove.org/cardonation/), start your own fundraising page here, or donate at our site (https://songsoflove.org/store/donation/)!

Dear John,

I thought you might like to have some feedback from the family we worked with in Romania! They loved the Song! Great Job!

Please share this with Sarah – she is always so wonderful to me when I submit requests for our families!

Thank you again!

Jada Wilson
Child Life Specialist
Cook Children's Medical Center
NICU
682-885-6243

Hi Jada,
I got your email off of your facebook page - wanted to send you some pictures of Alexandra receiving her Songs of Love CD but didn't want to post it on facebook. Her mom was okay with you putting them on the blog if you wanted to.

We went with Lidia (the pediatric nurse) today to deliver her CD. Alexandra was so excited and wanted to hear it before Lidia put in her I.V. line for some medication she needed. I asked her if she wanted to open her package of if her mom should do it or Lidia and she said she wanted her mom to open it. They (her mom and Lidia) loved the packaging with Alexandra's name on it. Her mom described everything to her and let her touch the outside of the cover, guiding her hand to trace the heart with her name in it. It was such a gift for all of them, not just Alexandra. The words were typed on the inside of the jacket cover and as the song played her mother read them with tears in her eyes. The beautiful part was that it was all in Romanian for Alexandra to understand. The song caught the essence of Alexandra - it truly is HER song. The chorus was based around Alexandra's smile (which she is well known for), mentioning her love of pears, her brother Silviu, and her much loved hospice nurse, Lidia. There was not a dry eye in the house. I know that even when Alexandra passes away, this song will be a great comfort and memory for her family. Alexandra's mom, Rodica, was really touched by this gesture and mere words cannot describe how she felt. Her father (Rodica, so it is Alexandra's grandfather - only 50+ years old) was recently diagnosed with cancer. His was caught too late and the doctors have told him he does not have long to live. Rodica said he is in his final stages of life now too. She will not only lose her daughter soon from cancer, but her father as well. He does not live in or near Oradea so he does not have any hospice care. Rodica has been so thankful for Emanuel Hospice, especially Lidia's (the pediatric nurse) friendship, guidance, and care for Alexandra. On behalf of her family and everyone at Emanuel Hospice & Palliative Care, thank you for bringing this special gift in Alexandra's life. You are a wonderful Child Life specialist and person! Thanks Jada for making a difference!
Blessings,
Raelene

"Thank You" Letters - October 25th, 2010

2010-10-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

This week, we begin a new feature on our blog - the Songs of Love Letter of the Week! Every week, we receive thank you letters from children and families who have received their very own song of love. Since we are able to continue bringing excellent songs to children through our car donation program and other donations, we wanted to share some of the letters we receive as our very own thank you to our supporters. You can find out more about donating your car and making a difference in a sick child's life by checking out our car donation website here!

Here's a thank you letter from Stephanie Hartman for the song we did for both of her children, Caleb and Autumn Hartman!

Thank you so much for the time that you and your songwriters put into creating two unique songs just for my children. They love having a song that is about them and has their name in it. My daughter's face just lit up the moment she heard her name on the cd. She is only 3, but she can read her name and she saw it on the CD case and it is something that is personal and dear to her. I am so thankful for Songs of Love. It truly will make a difference in the lives of many children, as it has already to 20,000 children. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Every child does matter, even the sick ones.

Thanks,
Stephanie Hartman

Mickey James Raises Money and Voices for Songs of Love!

2010-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

(Pictured left to right): Geoff Smith, Sarah Givens, Mickey James
The Big Bang Bar Corporation collectively raised $10,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation, and celebrated the culmination of three months of fundraising on July 1st, 2010. World Champion Wrestling Star and Country Artist Mickie James, Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer, and Big Bang performer, Geoff Smith led the crowds of all four clubs to sing along to the song that Geoff wrote for 11 year-old cancer patient Sarah Givens.

Mickey James, Geoff Smith and John Beltzer hold up
the Big Bang check presented to the Songs of Love Foundation.

Each club had their own creative ways of raising money and it became a friendly competition to see which Big Bang location would earn the most money for Songs of Love. A special music video of the song with footage from the event is now available here.

Featured Child - Kylie Becker

2010-08-11T13:44:00.001-07:00

Ten-year-old cancer patient Kylie Becker received a Song of Love from country artist Nathan Osmond. Kylie’s song was recorded in Santa Monica, CA on May 22nd and delivered to her home in Moreno Valley, CA. You can hear part of Kylie’s song here. Kylie loves country music, scary movies, WWE Wrestling and most of all, her stuffed penguin, Waddles. She has an older brother, Corey, and an older sister, Sarah. She also loves her 2 cats and 2 dogs. She is, as her Mom call her “tiny, but tough!”

2010-08-11T13:43:00.001-07:00

Moshe Beltzer, the father of Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer, has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. He is 84 years old and doing the best he can under the circumstances.

In 1997, Moshe recorded 8 songs in the basement of his house where John had a studio set up. Most of the songs were made famous by Frank Sinatra and a handful by Nat King Cole. Moshe performed the songs in his inimitable style, identified by his charming Romanian accent. Moshe was born in Bucharest, Romania, on November 1, 1925. John and Songs of Love writer Carl Allocco worked out a deal to release the songs on Big Blue Sky Records, Carl's record label. The CD is called "Moshe Beltzer Sings!" and is now available on iTunes - all proceeds will go to the Songs of Love Foundation.

Carl, of course, has waived any royalties that he would normally receive so 100% of the sale of the CD will go to Songs of Love. Moshe loves music and helping children and this collection of songs will be his lasting gift to the world. To purchase the CD please visit www.moshebeltzer.com
Nancy Sinatra says . . . . "Nothing like a belting Beltzer to keep these great songs going. Moshe swings!"

2010 'Swing & Sing' Golf Outing

2010-08-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Join us on September 27th, 2010 for our Annual "Swing and Sing" Charity Golf Outing at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, NJ. The event begins at noon. As always, after the golfers come off the tee, they are invited to become recording artists for a day and sing along on a Song of Love for a sick child! Click here for the registration form.

Featured Songwriter - Will Williams

2010-08-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Since 2007, Will Williams has been using his musical versatility and eclectic style to write fun, uplifting songs for ailing children. Based in Maryland, Will creates music with the principal of keeping the “peace of the earth with the magic of integration that music brings.”

In Will’s words, “It's the only language I feel I can pour my whole heart out with. I appreciate all genres of music and consider that to be an essential recipe for depth in any one genre. With this concept, I share my life's interpretation of all good things in the form of music for my heart that translates into my gift for others.” Indeed, Will has shared that gift with over 150 children and continues to do so in many different genres. We’d like to thank Will for bringing the musical magic to Songs of Love!

Featured Music Messenger - Cheril Alexander

2010-08-06T13:07:00.001-07:00

We are proud to have Cheril Alexander on our team as a Music Messenger™. Cheril, a single mother to a 17-year-old high school senior, is based in Kew Gardens, NY and is dedicated to serving her community, specifically as a teacher for the past 13 years. For the past 4 years, she has been working one-on-one with students dealing with serious medical conditions that prevent them from going to school. She has made it her goal to reach out to each of her students with music, sending referrals to Songs of Love so that each of them receives their own personalized song.

Cheril also spent many years working with the deaf community, including working as a teacher for deaf and hard-of-hearing students for 9 years. She is committed to the preservation of her community and firmly believes that “the best investment for the future is our children.” We couldn’t agree more, Cheril! Thank you for spreading the message and The Medicine of Music™!

Events and Other News

2010-08-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

On May 22nd, 2010, in Santa Monica, CA, we were honored to have country artist Nathan Osmond sing the 21,000th Song of Love for Kylie Becker of Moreno Valley, CA. Check out the song here!

On July 1st, 2010, we had our Big Bang/Songs of Love Gala Night at Big Bang’s 4 locations throughout the United States. Big Bang, a dueling piano bar, hosted the event, which culminated with World Champion Wrestling Star and country music artist Mickie James, Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer and Big Bang performer Geoff Smith leading the crowds of all four clubs via simulcast in a sing-along of their Song of Love for Sara Givens, an 11-year-old from Hendersenville, TN. The Big Bang Bar Corporation collectively raised $10,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation. Check out the event and Sara’s Song of Love here!

Also on July 1st, Jessica Lawdan, a senior at Vernon Hills High School, organized a benefit concert for Songs of Love! Through the event, she managed to raise $1,000 for the foundation. The idea for the benefit began when Jessica and a friend had the idea to get some locals bands together to put on a show for a fine arts charity. Luckily for us, they came across Songs of Love in their search for a charity! We are truly touched by the amazing gesture – thank you, Jessica!

Finally, oncologist Dr. Jacob Wessler and his patient Ashton Ebert decided it was a MUST to turn Ashton's "song of love" into a music video. The entire Oncology staff at the hospital got involved in the making of the video - the filming started back in January! The song was written and performed by Songs of Love writer Greg Ellis. Check out the awesome video here!

Nathan Osmond Records the 21,000th "Song of Love" for Kylie Becker!

2010-07-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Country music singer Nathan Osmond (above left) of the famed Osmond family (son of Alan and nephew of Donny), has graciously written and recorded our 21,000th "song of love" for 10-year-old leukemia patient Kylie Becker (above right). The song was co-written by Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" songwriter Tony Asher ("God Only Knows", "Wouldn't It be Nice") and Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer. Kylie is to receive the song shortly and there will be a follow-up story on her reaction.

Click here to listen to Kylie's "song of love".

(Pictured left to right), Nathan Osmond, Tony Asher, Tom Roach (Nathan's Manager), John Beltzer

Ayla Brown Sings a "Song of Love" on the CBS Early Show!

2010-06-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ayla Brown, American Idol semi-finalist season 5, has recorded a "song of love" for Hannah Lowe, a 6-year-old cancer patient. Hannah was all
smiles when she heard a "song of love" that was all about her!

For a minimum donation of $5 you can download the entire song or video and help more children like Hannah receive their very own "song of love". Please click here to download Hannah's "song of love" below!

Songs of Love Featured Child - Hannah Lowe

2010-04-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Six-year-old cancer patient Hannah Lowe received a Song of Love from Season 5 American Idol semi-finalist Ayla Brown. Hannah's song premiered on the CBS Early Show on April 15th, where Ayla Brown is the newest correspondent. Ayla is also the daughter of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. If you missed the touching segment, you can view it here. Hannah is from Lowell, MA and loves dancing, cooking, swimming and playing with her friends and her baby brother Evan.

Featured Music Messenger – Sandra Rose

2010-04-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sandra Rose has gone above and beyond to bring the Medicine of Music™ and the light of hope to sick children as a Music Messenger™. Based in Southport, North Carolina, she became involved with Songs of Love in 2005 after her two grandchildren, Zach and Seth. received their very own ‘songs of love.’

Through her tireless efforts, Songs of Love has been able to reach thousands of children. Every month, Sandra sends profiles to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida for children with life-threatening illnesses. Sandra is responsible for 1870 children (and counting!) receiving their very own ‘song of love.’ She has also held multiple fundraisers throughout her 5 years of service, and has helped to raise more than $2,000 for Songs of Love. We thank Sandra from the bottom of our hearts for her unyielding dedication and enthusiasm!

Featured Songwriters – Christi & Andrew Bissell

2010-04-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Christi and Andrew Bissell have been bringing their unique brand of rock to sick children for Songs of Love since 2007. Based in Nashville, the couple met in 2005 while playing for the rock band “Popular Genius.” The two began dating soon after, and about a year later, they were married. Christi studied Music at Belmont University and has played with a long roster of talent. Andrew has a degree in Music from Middle Tennessee State University and has had his songs recorded by major artists and has written and produced national jingles. Since starting with Songs of Love, Christi and Andrew have written songs for 400 children. We’d like to thank them both for their outstanding work and continuing to bring musical healing to children everywhere!

Car Donation Raffle Winner - Rafael Galindo

2010-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rafael Galindo, winner of our Songs of Love Car Donation Raffle in January 2010! Chosen from 2,400 Songs of Love car donors who donated in 2009, Rafael was the recipient of a brand new 2010 Toyota Corolla (see video of the raffle here). The proceeds from his donated car helped fund more “songs of love” and reach more children!

If you would like more information on our car donation program, please click here.

Events and Other News

2010-04-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

On April 15th, 2010, we were thrilled to have American Idol season 5 semi-finalist Ayla Brown, who has agreed to be a spokesperson for the Songs of Love foundation, perform a ’song of love’ for 6-year-old Hannah Lowe on the CBS Early Show! If you missed it, you can download the song and video for a minimum donation of $5 each here.

On March 27th, 2010, we held our 3rd annual Fab Faux/Songs of Love benefit concert. Featuring the premier Beatles cover band the Fab Faux and and special guest Ken Dashow, preeminent classic rock DJ for Q104, the event was held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ. The evening also featured an auction of two Epiphone Les Paul Junior guitars autographed by Jason Mraz and the live audience recording of a “song of love” for Amelia Scheffs-Bevington of Long Island City, New York. The concert drew 1,300 fans and raised over $20,000! A Special thanks to Songs of Love Advisory Board members Richard Lewis, Gary Rosen and Bruce Rothbard for organizing the event! Songs of Love will also be honoring Ken Dashow at a future event.

On March 3rd, 2010, Songs of Love held the first Karaoke Night fundraiser at Iggy’s New York Karaoke Lounge and Grill. Songs of Love founder John Beltzer kicked off the event with a speech and a spirited performance of The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.” Thanks to the families, friends and songwriters who came out to support us! Also, a special thanks to Meghan Kelly, Amanda Hoskins and the rest of the child life staff at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore for making this event possible! And finally, a warm thanks to Iggy’s for their generous donation to Songs of Love.

On April 8th, 2010, Songs of Love was part of the the Care One at The Cupola fundraiser in Paramus, NJ, hosted by cast members of The Sopranos. Special thanks to Nick and Frank Vallelonga for inviting Songs of Love to the fundraiser. Vincent Pastore auctioned off several items for Songs of Love, including dinner with him, Tony Lip and Dan Grimaldi of The Sopranos (Pictured from left to right: Vincent Pastore, John Beltzer, Tony Lip).

Finally, we want to give a warm farewell to Jonathan Kosakow for his hard work and commitment to Songs of Love over the past 3 years. As Music Coordinator, Jonathan has been an indispensable part of the team as the final link in making sure children receive their very own “song of love”. We wish him luck in all his endeavors.

Childhood Leukemia

2010-04-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

If you are close to a child coping with leukemia, we recommend Nancy Keene’s Childhood Leukemia – A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers, 4th Edition. Ms. Keene, herself the mother of a child with leukemia, wrote the book as a resource guide based on her family’s experiences during and after treatment. Written with the input and perspective of dozens of parents, children and medical professionals, this edition is updated and medically reviewed with the most accurate and up-to-date information, as well as support for families going through all stages of the disease. The book is unique in that it is as personal as it is practical. For more information, please visit www.childhoodcancerguides.org.

Tickets on Sale for the Songs of Love 3rd Annual Benefit Concert Featuring the Fab Faux!

2010-02-04T09:42:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, March 27, the Fab Faux will be performing in the 3rd Annual Songs of Love Benefit Concert at BergenPAC in Englewood, NJ.

Tickets are on sale now!!

Go to www.songsoflove.org/fabfaux for more information, and to order your tickets today!

Jason Mraz sings a "song of love" for Christian Burns!

2010-02-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

When Christian Burns and family filled out an

application to have a "song of love" written,

they had no idea that the man who would eventually write the song would be Grammy Award winning musician Jason Mraz. Christian, who is 13 and battling Ewing's Sarcoma, never fails to bring a smile to the faces of his family members and friends with his wild imagination and unique sense of humor. Jason Mraz, who was introduced to Songs of Love by his longtime friend Michael Natter, was so inspired by Christian that he sat down with Michael and Nancy Natter to write and record a song just for Christian. Later, he would bring on the Voices of Prayze to lend some backup vocals, and Mona Tavokoli to add percussion. Last month, Songs of Love President and Founder John Beltzer flew to California to present Christian's "song of love" in person. You can watch a video of the presentation and hear Jason Mraz's "song of love" for Christian by clicking here.

Send Us Your Lead to Help More Children in Need!

2010-02-03T08:36:00.001-08:00

We know that it can be difficult to ask your friends, family or colleagues to make a donation on our behalf. Life gets hectic, and you may not have the time to do so. Sometimes you might not feel comfortable asking for money, but we have no problem at all doing it! You might even say we are professional beggars.

If you go through your mental Rolodex, you might be surprised at how many people you know who'd be interested in donating. So, if you know someone through your group of friends, religious institutions, business owners, work colleagues or even a rich uncle, but you'd rather we make the call, please send us their info. You can email John Beltzer directly at john@songsoflove.org, and tell him this person's name and phone number or email address. He'll gladly make the phone call on your behalf.

Featured Songwriters - Donna Britton and Dominick Barone

2010-02-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Donna Britton brings 25 years experience in the music industry to Songs of Love, and continues to give more. Her fun, energetic personality shines through on each of the more than 100 "songs of love" she has written since 2006. Donna is also Vice President of Shadow Mountain Music Group, a publishing and artist management company based in Nashville, TN, and through her work with them is always looking out for ways to bring attention to Songs of Love in the Nashville scene. 2009 was the second year in a row in which Donna and Shadow Mountain Music sponsored Songs of Love in Nashville's annual Hall of Trees celebration, and we thank her for her continued support.

Since 2006, Dominick Barone has written more than 60 "songs of love" for as many children, covering a spectrum of alternative, pop, rock, and metal. As a guitarist, songwriter, producer and engineer, Dom has had the fortune and pleasure of playing and working with with many incredible musicians. Dom takes pride in providing a creative, comfortable environment at his New York production company, Omega Sound. Dominick's current band project is FearCage, a unique blend of hard rock, funk, and progressive influences.

Dom and his writing partner Eric Mauriello continue to be an asset and source of inspiration for Songs of Love, bringing new talent into the studio all the time to record on the songs he writes, as well as keeping his eye out for other ways to help the foundation.

Featured Music Messenger - Eliana Tardio

2010-02-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

Eliana Tardio has been a shining star in our team of Music Messengers. She has given a great deal of time and energy to bringing the "Medicine of Music" to Spanish speaking families. She generously contributed an article about Songs of Love to the Spanish magazine "D'Latinos," as well making other parents aware of us though her website, www.elianatardio.com and Early Steps of Southwest Florida. She also helped a great deal in spreading the word about Songs of Love through her network on Facebook.

Eliana is a huge advocate for families of children with Down Syndrome and has had a 'song of love' written for both of her children, Ayelen and Emir. Because of her efforts, more than 50 Spanish speaking children have received their own song. We thank Eliana for her astounding work!

Upcoming Events and Other News

2010-02-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Tickets to our March 27 benefit concert featuring the Fab Faux are available now! Get more information and tickets here!

On September 16, 2009, we held our 11th Annual "Swing & Sing Golf Outing," where golfers came together to sing a "song of love" for 5-year-old cancer patient Grace Giannotti. You can watch a video of this event here. As always, thanks to Gary Rosen, Bruce Rothbard, Scott Curran, Rich Louis and Ron Artiges, for organizing and setting this up!

On January 9 of 2010, the Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives of the 2010 Eastern Regional Meeting got together to record a "song of love" for 6-year-old Shenay Amponsah, who is currently battling Osteogensis Imperfecta. Longtime friend Mike Rosenman was a major help in setting this up, and also writing the song, which was sung by Megan Weber, who we were happy to welcome back to our team for her second "song of love" performance.

Julian Lennon with John Beltzer, backstage on the CBS Morning Show.

Capital One is now donating $50 to Songs of Love upon your first purchase using your Capital One Songs Of Love Visa card, and they'll still donate 1% of every purchase after that! No interest until October 2010! Apply for your Capital One Songs of Love Visa card here!

We also launched our "How About You" campaign on YouTube, inviting

donors who have made a

text donation to appear on camera and encourage others to donate $5 to Songs of Love by texting "song" to 85944 or "sing" to donate $10. Look out for our film crew in your local area, or send us your own video of you texting in a donation just like on these videos!

We'd like to thank Sara Bartley for her hard work and dedication to Songs of Love over the past two years. As Hospital Outreach Coordinator, she has been instrumental in spreading the word and helping more children receive their very own "songs of love." We wish her luck in all her future endeavors.

A big thanks also goes to Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. for generously sponsoring four "songs of love."

Our need for funding is more serious than ever before. We ask you to donate what you can by clicking on the button.

Please click here for more information on how to donate your car through our CARS Program.

Julian Lennon gives a plug for Songs of Love!

2010-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer with Jullian Lennon backstage at the CBS Morning Show on December 15, 2009.

"Street Texting" Video Campaign Kicks Off!

2009-11-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

The Songs of Love Foundation will be featuring people from all over America in a series of videos that will show individuals proudly exclaiming how they just donated to Songs of Love by texting in their $5 or $10 donations! Check back in a few days to see the first of many featured videos as the campaign progresses.

Naomi Hensley

2009-10-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Eddie Kilgallon and all of the dedicated people at the Songs of Love Foundation,

I would just like to thank you on behalf of Naomi Hensley for her Song
of Love. It was so special to us. You did such a great job on the
song; it fits Naomi to a T. Everyone we have shared it with agrees.
Naomi absolutely loves it! As an almost 2 year old, she doesn't say
very many words yet, but she will shout, 'Good Girl!'' every time it is
mentioned in the song. She will point out all of the toys and special
things that are mentioned in the song, and gets excited at the 'Itsy
Bitsy Spider' part and does the hand motions for that song.

As you know from the application, Naomi was diagnosed with
Neuroblastoma, a form of Childhood Cancer. She takes shots to keep her
white blood cell counts up after her Chemotherapy. After receiving the
CD, we thought it would be a good idea to play her special song while we
gave her the shot. It did seem to calm her down. We'll keep trying
this, and make it a very special time of love and attention for her.

Enclosed is a photo we took of Naomi with her 'Song of Love'. The
Songs of Love Foundation may use it however they see fit to promote this
generous and caring organization.

Thank you again for this wonderful, heartwarming gift.

A Big Hug Is Returned,

Blake, Sonya & Naomi Hensley.

Edwin Franco

2009-10-02T14:50:00.001-07:00

Dear Kat Sherrell and Ernie Gold,

My name is Edwin Galdamez Franco. I am nine years old, and in the
fourth grade.

I want to thank you both for sending my special song.

The first time I heard my song, I loved the words because they described
myself and my family.

Your rhyming words made me feel happy and special.

Now, every time that I don't feel well, or I am feeling sad, playing the
CD makes me happy.

My family also wishes to thank you for my special song. They love the
song, and wish to thank you also, for your special gift to me.

From,
Edwin Galdamez Franco

Juliette Walker

2009-10-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Songs of Love!

Dear John Beltzer and others at Songs of Love,

Thank you all so much for my Song of Love! This foundation is an
amazing thing that spreads so much love, joy, hope, comfort, and
happiness! I loved listening to the music during my chemo, and now that
I have finished my chemo, my Song of Love is a song of celebration!
What you do for kids, young and old, is a beautiful and amazing thing.
Thank you for writing me a song and writing a song for every single
child. You bring so many smiles, to so many people!

Thank you,

Juliette Walker

Zackary McGowan

2009-09-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

In March of this year, longtime songwriter of love Carl Allocco wrote a song for Zackary McGowan, a 7-year old boy battling Neurofibromatosis. In May, we received a newspaper clipping in the mail detailing a display that Zackary put up at his local SunTrust Bank in Mebane, North Carolina. The display was dedicated to raising funds for Songs of Love! Immediately upon reading this article, we called Zackary to thank him, and quickly felt the warmth of his big heart. You can click here to read this article from the Mebane Enterprise. Listen to Zack's tune and a bunch of our other favorites on the Songs of Love Jukebox

Featured Songs of Love Child - Cole Harris (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Two-year-old Cole Harris lives in Illinois with his mother, father, and new baby brother Jack. He loves all his family, including his cousin Corin, Grandma Beth and Grandma Sally, and his Poppa Chuck, who all provide an incredible amount of love and support as he battles retinoblastoma. He is an active child who is on the go "from the moment he wakes up until the moment he goes to bed," and loves to read every night. The letter below was sent in by his parents. Click here to listen to his song, written by Frances Drost, and many other great "songs of love."

Carl Allocco - Featured Songwriter of Love (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Carl Allocco first heard about Songs of Love in a newspaper ad back in 1996. He immediately called John Beltzer and jumped on board. To date, he has written more than 2,000 "songs of love" for as many children, and continues to jump at the opportunity to write more every day. Carl's musical career began in the 80's, playing an eclectic rock style reminiscent not only of the Beatles but also of bands gaining popularity at the time. Carl has travelled the world playing his music, and has been fortunate enough to have recorded and played with legends such as The Ramones, Rick Danko (The Band), and many others. In addition to being one of the longest-standing "songwriters of love," Carl helps to maintain our website, and on a daily basis serves as an advisor to the Songs of Love team both on a logical and spiritual level. He is also the creator of the popular iPhone application iRunes, a high-tech oracle from which one seeks advice. iRunes is available on the iTunes app store, and 10% of the proceeds will go towards the Songs of Love Foundation. More information on Carl can be found at his website, www.carlallocco.com.

Carl Allocco is one of more than 100 songwriters of love, and we look forward to featuring all of them in future newsletters.

Fundraising Initiatives (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Like many other charities all over the country, Songs of Love is struggling to earn every penny, while still using each cent to its fullest potential. Though funding is down across the board, we are still dedicated to honoring each and every request for a "song of love" that comes in, and our songwriters are writing every word and playing every note with all the passion and love that you would expect. In an environment such as this one, Songs of Love needs to find new and exciting ways to raise funds so that we can continue to write songs for all the kids, and that is just what we are doing.

Text "Song" to 85944 to donate $5 to the Songs of Love Foundation and make a child smile! You can text it on your own, or add the previous sentence to your email signature. Or, if you are ever speaking in a public venue, you can take 5 minutes to tell the audience about Songs of Love, and ask them all to send the text message, making a one-time donation of $5. Even small donations like this one, when added up, make a large impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Applying for the Songs of Love Capital One Visa Card is a great way to get money for Songs of Love while you shop! On your first purchase, $25 will be donated to Songs of Love at no extra cost to you. After that, 1% of each purchase is donated to Songs of Love. On top of that, there is no interest on purchases made until May 2010! Just click here to apply for our card. Just think, if ten people use our card and make one purchase, that will sponsor a "song of love" for one very special child.

Happy Birthday John! (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Songs of Love Founder and President John Beltzer will be celebrating his 50th Birthday on September 8! In honor of this milestone birthday, we hope that you can donate $1 for every year that he has been alive. Those of you that know John are aware that he eats, sleeps and breathes Songs of Love, and a gift such as this one would mean more than anything else. You can make your donation by clicking below. Donate Now

Laura Duda and Blythe Philip - Featured Songs of Love Hospital Advisory Board Members (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Laura Duda, Child Life Specialist, and Blythe Philip, Music Therapist, of Children's Hospital of Michigan have referred over 250 children to Songs of Love since the year 2000. Their dedication has brought joy to many children and families.

Other News (Fall 2009 Newsletter)

2009-09-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

On May 29, Songs of Love held a benefit concert at B.B. King's Blues' Club in New York City featuring Matt Cusson, Javier and Billy Porter. During the concert the audience members helped finish a "song of love" for Britney Vargas who is battling a kidney ailment. This marked the 19,000th "song of love" and made a wonderful girl very happy.

On July 11, we recorded a "song of love" at the Montgomery Gentry concert in Altamont, New York, held by WGNA Country Fest. The song, for Zachery DeLoach, was written and performed by Montgomery Gentry keyboardist Eddie Kilgallon, and a greeting was added on to the song by the brothers Gentry.

Another fundraising event was held in Jacksonville, Florida, hosted by Susanne Hodge, Music Messenger, and the Orange Blossom Country Music Association Singers. They helped perform a song written by John Beltzer for 3-year-old Kinsey Tumlin, and also presented songs written by Mike & Netha Schrimpf to Shawn Shortridge (14), and to Samantha Fross (5) written by William Sherry.

By late October or early November, we are on track to reach our 20,000th Song of Love! Planning is still underway for how we will celebrate this milestone, and which special child will receive the song! Keep an eye out for any updates on this event!

This quarter, songwriters of love Tim Bongiovanni and Rick Tell both reached their 100th "songs of love." We wish to thank them for their hard work and dedication, and look forward to many, many more.

We have also welcomed Eric Vinson, Jeremi Morris and Danny Smith to our songwriting team, all from the Nashville area of Tennessee. We are honored to have them writing for us, as they will surely be bringing many smiles to children everywhere.

We are also still accepting car donations through our
Children Are Receiving Songs (CARS) Program.

Please click here for more information.

Golfers Come Together to "Swing and Sing" for Songs of Love

2009-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

On September 16, 2009, Songs of Love held its 11th annual "Swing and Sing" golf outing in Franklyn, NJ. After the golfers returned to the cluhouse from a day at the course they all added their voices on a "song of love" for 5-year-old Grace Giannotti who is battling cancer.

Watch the video of this wonderful event!.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32762331/ns/today-today_participate

Songs of Love introduces the "Raising Funds, Raising Voices!" School Program!

2009-09-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

As part of the Songs of Love Foundation's "Raising Funds, Raising Voices!" program, your school can record a one-of-a-kind uplifting personalized song for a sick child and help raise funds for Songs of Love. We invite you to join countless other groups who have become stars in their own right. A recent Songs of Love event prompted Lauren, a Piscataway H.S. Student, to state "It is not just giving money, I don't know of any other organization like it!"

Songs of Love Celebrates its 19,000th "Song of Love" at B.B. King's in New York City!

2009-06-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday, June 29, 2009, Songs of Love held a benefit concert at B.B. King's Blues' Club in New York City featuring Matt Cusson, Javier and Billy Porter. During the concert the audience members helped finish a "song of love" for Britney Vargas who is battling a kidney ailment.

This marked the 19,000th "song of love" and made a wonderful girl very happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF-l0qTqQzs

Songs of Love to provide its "Medicine of Music" to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island

2009-04-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

New Hyde Park, NY (April 2008) - John Beltzer, President and Founder of the non-profit organization called the Songs of Love Foundation recently met with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island to offer free songs specifically geared to help children with challenging illnesses or disabilities. Songs of Love writes and records personalized songs based on the personality, hobbies and life of each child. Songs of Love CD's will be available free of charge to every child whose family stays at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

"Songs of Love is a very unique and insightful organization,'' said Robert S. Weitzner, President of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. "These amazing CD's will bring joy and laughter to our children and their families who are going through some very difficult times.''

John Beltzer of Forest Hills, Queens, founded the organization in 1996. A drummer in a cover band that began in 1980, with his brother Julio on vocals, he was inspired to start a non-profit that would help children after recording a song called Songs of Love. The song, written by his
brother Julio two months before he passed away in 1984, became the namesake of Mr. Beltzer's organization. Mr. Beltzer continued recording songs and in 1995, signed a record deal on Elektra Records with an artist by the name of Alana Davis.

"My goal is to ensure that every child who has family staying at the House will walk away with a song in hand,'' said Mr. Beltzer. "We have had thousands of letters exclaiming the benefits our songs have on the children. I look forward to creating an everlasting collaboration between the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island and the Songs of Love Foundation.''

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a "home-away-from home" for families who are caring for seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment in area hospitals. Located on the campus of Schneider Children's Hospital, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Since opening in 1986, more than 12,000 families from the United States and more than 80 countries around the world have been served.

Many of the families are from Queens, Suffolk and Nassau Counties, as well as the surrounding metropolitan area.