Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation

Please join us in welcoming a new member to the Applaud Our Kids Foundation's Advisory Committee - Chris Maltese. Chris Maltese is currently the Vice President of Label & Artist Relations at Vydia, one of the top music distribution and label services companies in the world. His career started at MTV where he spent over 8 years and was a Senior Producer & Writer. His duties involved interviewing the celebrity talent that appeared on the network's hit television show, TRL, for their nationally syndicated radio show which Chris produced. Conversations with the likes of Beyonce, Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Halle Berry and Ryan Reynolds were part of his day. While at MTV, Maltese began managing artists on the side, when one of his first ever clients named Secondhand Serenade would take off and wind up with a top 5 pop hit at US radio. It was then that he left the network to start his own company, Maltese Management, working with artists on major labels, indie labels and independent artists. He would eventually partner with the management and publishing company Primary Wave where clients included CeeLo Green, Melissa Etheridge, the Whitney Houston & Bob Marley estates, and more. He would personally manage the careers of Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Richard Marx, 2-time International DJ of the Year, Erick Morillo and Pharrell Williams protege Cris Cab, among others. Chris would also work on the publishing side of the company as well as start an in-house record label releasing songs from artists like Krewella, CeeLo Green and Parachute. In 2019, Maltese decided to take on a new role as the Head of Artist Services, US for the largest independent music company in the world, Paris-based Believe. Now in his current role at Vydia, Chris oversees the company's A&R division, whose clients, along with parent company gamma., include Usher, French Montana, Ciara, Charlotte Sands and more. We are thrilled to have someone with Chris' background help us as we help more children with financial barriers connect with an ongoing creative outlet. Thank you, Chris for believing in our mission!

The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation is honored to recognize Tom Hayes and New Jersey Natural Gas for their unwavering support and dedication to our mission. It is because of organizations like New Jersey Natural Gas and individuals like Tom that we can continue empowering young performers through the arts. Join us on February 19 at the Step into the Spotlight: A Talent Competition, where we will proudly present them with the Community Service Award. This inspiring evening will feature incredible talent, moving performances, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Celebrate with us, show your support, and be part of this special night! Get your tickets, place a congratulatory ad, or become a sponsor today at www.applaudourkids.org. #aoksoiree #soiree #performingarts #performingartseducation #music #impact #makingadifference

We are so excited about our upcoming Step into the Spotlight Soiree and Talent Competition on February 19. Join us as we honor Carol Stillwell with the AOK Award - Acts of Kindness, Tom Hayes and New Jersey Resources with the Community Service Award. The night will be filled with music and inspiration as talented adults perform in front of celebrity judges from TV, film, Broadway, and the music industry. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and incredible entertainment all to help us raise the necessary funds to continue our mission. The foundation ensures that children with all abilities have access to life-changing arts education, providing funding for dance, acting, instrumental music, and vocal lessons that build confidence and unlock potential. To learn more about the event and our mission go to www.applaudourkids.org.

This is an opportunity for adults to share their talent and help us raise funds for children who want the opportunity to share theirs. Please share this audition notice with everyone you know who has a talent. Looking for soloists, duets, bands, and groups of any size. Whether you dance, sing, act, or play an instrument send us an audition video to [email protected]. The children we fund need your help to stay connected to something that gives them a chance to express themselves when there is no other outlet. Over 38% of the kids we fund are neurodivergent. Help them share their voice in a way that they can. Here is what it means to one of our students, his teacher, and his mom: https://lnkd.in/ghz2uFrY #music #audition #Neurodivergent #fortheloveofmusic #performingarts #performingartseducation #artseducation #fundraiser #performance

Why attend our Let Them Dream Big Concert on Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch. Thank you to Nick Ditri for sharing this important message. Nick will be receiving the Rockin' & Rollin' Cultivator of Creativity Award at the event. Go to www.applaudourkids.org for tickets.

Thank you to our Let Them Dream Big Presenting Sponsor, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. We are grateful to Carol Stillwell for her ongoing support of our mission. Carol will take the stage in the finale performance with our funded students, AOK Performance Group, Shore Players, studio partners, and many other leaders in the community. To see this show-stopping performance purchase tickets at www.applaudourkids.org.

Thank you to our Let Them Dream Big Presenting Sponsor, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. We are grateful to Carol Stillwell for her ongoing support of our mission. Carol will take the stage in the finale performance with our funded students, AOK Performance Group, Shore Players, studio partners, and many other leaders in the community. To see this show-stopping performance purchase tickets at www.applaudourkids.org.

We are so excited to have leaders in our community performing in the finale of our Let Them Dream Big Concert. Join us. Learn not just about us, but other organizations that are helping children in our community. Go to www.applaudourkids.org for tickets and more information.