Over 100 golfers once again came together in song for Leukemia patient Victor Galfo. Victor is a Yankee fan! Click above to hear his "Song of Love," written and performed by Danny Obadia.
Last years recipient, Riley Goodwin, showed up in person with her mom, Helen and sister, Samantha. It was a treat for all the golfers to meet one of the song recipients in person!
John stands proudly and filled with gratitude in front of a terrific bunch of people who all participated in the successful event. Pictured on John's right is board member Jeff Baltimore, and board member Scott Curran stands in the right forefront in front of microphone stand.
Golf committee and Songs of Love Advisory Board members (starting from Scott's right shoulder) Richard Louis, Sam Schiffer, Jeff Dun
John(big guy in back) with Committee Members (l to r) Richard Louis, Sam Schiffer, Jeff Duncan, Joe Scalice, Scott Curran and Bruce Rothbard.
Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer lead a crowd of dignitaries, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, in the live recording of a "Song of Love" for 5-year-old leukemia patient David Sookhoo. David was all smiles as he witnessed so many singing his name! Over 1,000 people participated in the sing-along at the Queens College Colden Auditorium. Helen Marshall personally invited John to speak on behalf of the Queens, New York based Songs of Love Foundation. The crew of 60 Minutes II was there to tape the event as part of a segment to be anchored by Dan Rather. Former Ray Charles Raellette Angela Workman sang the lead vocal.
1,000 people, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (circled), sing for David!
John leads the massive chorus as Queens Borough President Helen Marshall holds David
John with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall after recording her spoken introduction on David's "Song of Love."
John shares a moment with David and Mom Shyna (standing behind him), as Songs of Love songwriter Danny Obadia and his father Simon looks on. Danny composed the "Song of Love" for David.
On August 7th, 2003, over 800 campers of the Blue Rill Day Camp in Monsey, New York, raised their voices for 5-year-old leukemia patient Katie Smercak. 8-year-old Nicole Krinsky sang the lead on Katie's "Song of Love." Nicole's mom and dad, Joyce and Alan, serve on the Songs of Love Foundation advisory board. Nicole's sister, Dana, helped with the event as well. Songs of Love is grateful to the whole Krinsky family!
The Blue Rill Day Camp and its owners, Howie & Susan Gulker, have been generous supporters of our mission of music for the past three years. We are grateful to them! Click here to hear Katie's "Song of Love," written by Danny Obadia.
On Sunday, June 29th, The Songs of Love Foundation commemorated its 4,000th "Song of Love" by holding a huge outdoor recording session specifically set up to bring a smile to the face of 8-year-old cancer patient Danielle Dugan. Danielle is a patient at the Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, NY.
Over 250 people raised their voices as they all sang on the chorus of Danielle Dugan's "Song of Love." The song's refrain, "Danielle Dugan, you're really cool and you sure deserve your very own song, you're so pretty that New York City has decided to sing along", was quickly learned by a very caring crowd wanting to give all their love for Danielle. The special song was written by Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" lyricist Tony Asher and produced by #1 artist Alan O'Day (Undercover Angel). The lead vocal was performed by Donna McDaniel. Donna Grosso and Runner along with former Tower of Power vocalist Tom Bowes, provided the pre-session entertainment. The event was a complete success and Danielle was all smiles as she sat up on the stage witnessing what so many were doing just for her!
Click here above to see photos of the day's event.
Click to see a video clip of the event.
Click .mp3 icon above to hear the complete Danielle Dugan "Song of Love" along with the caring voices of New York City!
Click here newspaper icon to see the Clyde Haberman New York Times article.
Friends of the new Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, in Valhalla, NY, scheduled for completion in 2004, performed a "Song of Love" for Westchester Medical Center kidney transplant patient Brett Bollerman. Songs of Love was invited to the special donor event to demonstrate the new hospital's intention of incorporating unique programs for the children.
Songs of Love Founder John Beltzer directed the hardhat donning guests in the unfinished lobby as they all raised their voices in song. The Benson-Scott Big Band, a sixteen piece orchestra, also played along on Brett's "Song of Love". This collaboration with the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital will mark the first time that Songs of Love will be on the menu of special programs offered to the children from the very first day a new hospital opens its doors.
Click .mp3 icon to hear Brett's "Song of Love" (written and performed by Danny Obadia)
Click video button to see a WNBC news clip of the event.
Friends of the new Maria Fareri Children's Hospital take part in the recording of Brett's "Song of Love"
Brett Bollerman and Mom Bethany with Brett's finished "Song of Love" (photo by Peter Escobedo)
Songs of Love Board Member Geri Fessler(second from left) lends her voice. Her "Heather on Earth" Foundation will fund a music therapy program for the new hospital. (photo by Peter Escobedo)
The Benson-Scott Big Band enhance Brett's "Song of Love." (photo by Peter Escobedo)
Songs of Love Founder, John Beltzer, directing the friends of the new Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. (photo by Peter Escobedo)
Recently, the Songs of Love Foundation received an email request from Seoul, South Korea, by a caring dad named Jaihyuk Song. He asked if we would create a "Song of Love" for each of his children, 9-year-old Wooseok Song and 5-year-old Seunghyun Song. Both of them have battled end stage renal disease and have each received a kidney transplant and are doing well!
The Songs of Love Foundation was delighted to grant the request. The music for Wooseok's and Seunhyun's "Songs of Love" was composed by Ruth Antrich and the words were written by JJ Ko. Younmee Shin, a well known Korean singer, sang lead on Wooseok's song, and the chorus was performed by the The Korean Channel Boys and Girls Choir under the direction of Jae Won Yang. Sisters Sarah and Elizabeth Yi sang the lead on Seunghyun's "Song of Love."
Wooseok & Seunghyun holding their "Songs of Love"!
Ruth Antrich, Jae Won Yang and The TKC Boys & Girls Choir
(left to right) John Beltzer, Ruth Antrich, JJ Ko and Younmee Shin
During a business networking event at Mickey Mantle's restaurant in New York City, Songs of Love was the chosen charity for the evening. All the attendees, including Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Roy White, Chris Chambliss and Mike Torres from the '78 New York Yankees championship team, sang a "Song of Love" for 14 year-old leukemia patient Daniel Healy. Daniel is an avid Yankee fan! Goose Gossage added a special spoken introduction to Daniel's "Song of Love." Words & Music by Alex Forbes and David Wolfert.
John Beltzer leads crowd as they sing the chorus to Daniel's "Song of Love"
Goose Gossage adds spoken introduction.
Sparky Lyle raises his voice for Daniel Healy.
Chris Chambliss and Paul Blair sing their hearts out.
