Bob McGrath and Country Singer Ayla Brown Raise Voices for Songs of Love!

'Sesame Street's' Bob McGrath and Country Singer Ayla Brown Raise Voices for Songs of Love!


Bob McGrath and Ayla Brown teach the audience the "song of love" for Riley(being held by Ayla)-(Photo by K4T photography)

On Sunday, August 26, 2012, a benefit for Songs of Love called ""An Evening of Music and More with Songs of Love," was held at The Shoppes of Blackstone Valley - Showcase Cinema de Lux in Millbury, featuring performances by Ayla Brown and Bob McGrath. The highlight of the evening was when the audience got to record on the chorus of a "song of love" for 3-year-old cancer patient Riley Borowy. The lead vocals of Riley's "song of love" had been recorded earlier in the morning by Bob McGrath and Ayla Brown at the Fontanez recording studio in Worcester, MA. Senator Scott Brown and His wife Gail Huff were special guests at the event. The event was the culmination of a year long effort that raised nearly $25,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation. Special thanks to Ayla Brown for introducing Songs of Love to the fine people at the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley. They include Ellyn Fleshner, Allison Yee and Katherine Waller. We are grateful to them all!


Listen to Riley's song below



From left to right: Riley's Mom Kristie Borowy, Riley Borowy, Ayla Brown, Riley's brother Anthony Borowy, Bob McGrath-(photo by Donna Kotoff)


Left to right: Senator Scott Brown, John Beltzer, Ayla Brown, Bob McGrath-(photo by Donna Kotoff)


Gail Huff and Ayla Brown look on as Bob McGrath engages in some playtime with Riley and her brother Anthony!-(photo by Donna Kotoff)


Bob McGrath get us all misty-eyed with his touching performance of memorable songs.(photo by Donna Kotoff)


The audience sings on the chorus of Riley's "song of love"!-(Photo by K4T photography)


Ayla Brown performs flawlessly with her band-(Photo by K4T photography)


Ellyn Fleshner of the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley being thanked by John Beltzer

Ayla Brown Becomes Songs of Love Spokesperson!

After covering a story on Songs of Love for the CBS Early Show as their part-time correspondent, 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. Ayla Brown at a glance may seem to be an average young adult. Hold that glance for more than a moment, and meet a young, diligent, and aspiring woman. Her achievements in the short span of the last six years include; Being an American Idol Semifinalist, recording artist of three albums, national and local performances, and involvement in numerous charitable causes. All while being a NCAA Division 1 Student-Athlete and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Boston College. Ayla currently lives in Nashville, TN.

For more click here

An Irish Bar on Long Island, NY, Becomes a Songs of Love Recording Studio!

An Irish Bar on Long Island, NY, Becomes a

Songs of Love Recording Studio!

On Thursday, March 15, a Fundraiser was held at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale, NY, for Songs of Love featuring the Classic Rock band 6 Degrees North. It was organized by its lead singer and keyboard player Eric Diton who also wrote and sang the "song of love" for an amazing young man by the name of Steven Wexler. Steven is one of 350 people in the world who has Familial Dysautonomia and Songs of Love teamed up with the FD Foundation for this event. The audience all sang on the chorus of Steven's "song of love" which made the evening that much more magical. Songs of love would like to thank Eric Diton for his generosity and dedication to our mission of music.

A special thanks to Dean Cirella of Cirella's of Melville for providing the amazing food and Shelly Goldman of Eyeking for providing sunglasses for everyone who bought a raffle!

Steven is surrounded by his family and friends as they all sing his "song of love".

Steven Wexler proudly holding his "song of love" with the song's creator Eric Diton (right) and John Beltzer.

John Beltzer standing with the best classic rock band ever, 6 Degrees North.

John and Songs of Love music coordinator Anis modeling sunglasses generously donated by Eyeking!

Volunteers of love.

More volunteers of love.

13th Annual Songs of Love 'Swing and Sing' Golf Outing Makes a Little Girl Smile!

(Pictured right to left) Jack Mulcahy, Ken Dashow,
Gary Rosen, Bruce Rothbard and John Beltzer.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, Songs of Love held it's 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 America and the world. Special thanks to Gary Rosen and Bruce Rothbard for organizing an outstanding event.
Watch video below.



Jada proudly holding up her "song of love" next to her Daddy.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

Songs of Love" Plays in Puerto Rico!

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!

Featured Child – Carolina Laboy Torres

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

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

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!

Mickey James Raises Money and Voices for Songs of Love!

(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

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!”

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

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

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

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

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!

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