Stars Shine at Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition

An explosion of talent lit up Zoom screens across the country on October 22, 2020, as the non-profit Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids (AOK) Foundation hosted its annual Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition! With stellar acts performing for a panel of celebrity judges from Broadway, television, music, film, and more, it was an unprecedented live celebration held in a virtual setting. By the end of the extravaganza, Denzel Rodriguez emerged as the first place Zzak G. Spotlight Award winner, along with Noah Wang in second place and Danielle Brindisi earning the Audience Choice Award. To see videos of the award-winning performances, go to the links at https://applaudourkids.org/.

Dedication to Supporting Creative Expression

The 3 ½-hour event was also an important fundraiser for the Zzak G. AOK Foundation, which is dedicated to providing 100% funding to give children in need, ages 7-18, the opportunity to attend ongoing vocal, instrumental, acting, or dance lessons close to their homes. The organization also funds or supplies items such as dance shoes, dancewear, musical instruments, and other resources to help the children succeed, affirming its belief that financial barriers should not limit creative expression. For many youngsters, these lessons represent an extended family and a constant in their lives that may be missing, while also helping to increase motor and cognitive skills, build self-esteem, and teach leadership, teamwork, responsibility, independence, and creativity.   

Judges, Contestants, and Guests Enjoy Pre-Show Q&A

For one hour prior to the main event on October 22, audience members who purchased VIP access tickets had the opportunity to speak with the judges and contestants in a special Zoom room. The lively question-and-answer format was engaging and entertaining, with an animated exchange of amusing anecdotes, helpful advice, and heartfelt encouragement. The celebrity judges, each of whom are standouts in their professions with countless loyal followers, included 2020 Mrs. New Jersey American Kristina Henderson; Garden State Film Festival co-founder Diane Raver; actress, stunt person, and entrepreneur Anna Mastroianni; actor and Entertainment Tonight kid correspondent Devin Trey Campbell; actor Ja’Siah Young; singer, actor, and entertainment host Tony Nation; actress, singer, and director Fredi Walker-Browne; actor, singer, comedian, and entertainment host Ryan Knowles; and Broadway and social media sensation The Sharpe Family Singers. The evening was hosted by podcast host, actress, cable news personality, and 2013 Miss New York USA Joanne Nosuchinsky.

Talented Performers Earn Applause from Nationwide Audience

After the pre-show Q&A, nearly 150 ticketholders – from New Jersey and New York to California – gathered online and settled into their front-row seats to enjoy a diverse lineup of amazing talent, with performances by pianist and actor Blake Bergman, actor and musician Jack Davis Griffo, dancer Noah Wang, singer and actress Danielle Brindisi, actress and singer Briana Aponte, singer/songwriter Amanda Conti, dancer Jahliely Salcedo, singer Divinity Montijo, musician Daniel Lipata, singer Julia Scott, vocal group Rudy’s Jukebox, rapper and actor Denzel “Zel” Rodriguez, and composer/singer-songwriter Joanna Burns. Each of the contestants earned cheers, applause, and enthusiastic feedback after their moments in the spotlight, and the judges’ task of choosing the winning performers was certainly not easy.

Thanks to Sponsors and Supporters

Awards were also presented to honor key supporters of the foundation, including Design 446, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, News12 New Jersey, Adam and Michelle Repole, Gianna Minardi of the Zzak G. AOK Performance Group, and Tara Frye of Emotion in Motion Dance & Performing Arts. The evening began and ended with songs by young members of the AOK Performance Group.

The event received generous support from Presenting Sponsor the Grunin Foundation, plus additional sponsors and donors who purchased ads for the digital ad journal. At last count, the successful evening had raised approximately $28,000 for the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, including $5,700 that was generated by votes for the Audience Choice Award winner. It also raised greater awareness of the organization and its efforts. In the days that followed, sisters Jodi and Melissa Grinwald, who created and head up the foundation in memory of their father, were thrilled to be contacted by a number of individuals and organizations who heard about their mission and would like to collaborate with them.

Upcoming Events and Ways to Get Involved

Would you like to learn more about the foundation’s mission and how they’re providing children with an ongoing creative connection? The organization is expanding its collaborative efforts to have an even greater impact. All are invited to attend a special, one-time virtual Think Tank Meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 8:30 to 9:30 am. There is no cost to attend and you may register online through the website.

Would you like to share the foundation’s message of Creativity-Kindness-Connection in a colorful way? Check out the design for their mask fundraiser. Children and adult masks are available for $14 each and may be ordered by emailing melissa@applaudourkids.org.

You may also opt to sponsor a child’s lessons in the performing arts, find a wonderful new purpose for your unused musical instruments or dance shoes by donating them to the foundation for students who cannot otherwise afford them, or act as a community partner with the foundation.

The coming months include plans for the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Annual Scholarship Showcase and an exciting new initiative: a nationwide songwriting contest. Stay tuned for details!

To learn more about the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, including ways to help and how to apply for a performing arts scholarship, visit www.applaudourkids.org and follow the foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/applaudourkids, on Instagram @applaudourkids, and on YouTube at Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Inc.