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24 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ AND JOANNE COLELLA
A fantastic fall fundraiser will shine the spotlight on the Zzak G. Applaud
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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 and musical performance. Judges include
evening concludes with a sing-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 started
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
melissa@applaudourkids.org or visit ApplaudOurKids.org.
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