Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation
Presents Star-Studded Event
12 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ AND JOANNE COLELLA
A fantastic fall fundraiser will shine the spotlight
on the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids (AOK) Foun-
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sion, increased self-esteem, improved academic focus,
vital sense of belonging, and positive reinforcement
through the performing arts. This October, the AOK
Foundation will present its biggest event of the
year, the Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent
Competition, a fundraiser to assist more children
who would not otherwise have the chance to walk
through the doors of a vocal, instrumental, acting,
or dance studio for personal instruction.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 pm, the Zzak G.
Applaud Our Kids Foundation will present the gala
fundraiser virtually, but it will be every bit as entertaining
and inspirational as before.
The event will be hosted on Zoom and will begin with
children performers, moving toward the adult competition.
Contestants will perform before a panel of celebrity judges, each
of whom are professionals in their talent area like dance, theater, voice
along, and dancing in your living room is highly recommended.
Thanks to the extensive reach allowed by this year’s interactive virtual
format, the inspiring fundraiser will be a bi-coastal celebration, with select
talent from New Jersey, New York, and California appearing. A range of
accomplished adult contestants auditioned for a spot on the virtual stage,
where they will vie for the Zzak G. Spotlight Award, the second place award,
and the Audience Choice
Award. In addition to the talent
competition, the evening
will also include entertainment
by members of the Zzak
G. AOK Performance Group,
appearances by AOK fund
recipient families who will
share their personal experiences
with the organization,
and other surprises.
The Zzak G. Applaud Our
Kids Foundation was started
by sisters Jodi and Melissa
Grinwald in honor of their
father, Zzak. Zzak G. was a
singer/songwriter with a lifelong
passion for music that
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also when he tragically was diagnosed with ALS. The disease moved
quickly, claiming his life in just six months. He told his daughters
that his greatest regret was that he was not able to connect with performing
arts throughout his childhood.
These determined daughters literally took the last $100 bill
from their father’s wallet to start the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation
which raises funds to pay for performing arts lessons for stu-
voice and music, directly paying the teachers, studios or schools so
that those who love the arts have a chance to learn and perform. They
also provide the articles performers need, including dance shoes,
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cial needs requirements can be funded for up to 11 years.
The need is greater than ever before. Schools and arts organizations
have faced severe budgetary limitations. Additionally, many of
the arts and theater programs in schools are not being held due to
the current COVID-19 restrictions.
To purchase tickets for the Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent
Competition, visit aoksoiree2020.eventbrite.com. To see the celebrities
on the panel and cast your audience choice vote for a contestant
please go to bit.ly/aoksoiree.
To donate to the performing arts education of a student, email
Zzak G. melissa@applaudourkids.org or visit ApplaudOurKids.org.
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