The Third Annual Hearts of Hope Benefit Concert held on April 26th was an evening of high-energy, laughter, tears, amazing music and most of all HOPE! The Hearts of Hope Project is a partnership of the VVS Entertainment Industry Class and the KEYS Program, and was created to help bring hope and comfort to kids with cancer through the power of music. All proceeds raised through this amazing partnership goes to creating and producing special music therapy care packages that are given away to children in hospitals who are suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.
From beginning to end the evening was infused with inspirational stories and “Shout Outs” to dozens of children in hospitals across the United States. A beautiful state-of-the-art sound and light array again adorned the stage thanks to the generosity of SubCat Studios. The event was recorded and live-streamed in order for our KEYS kids to be a part of the magic from their hospital rooms. The video will be posted on our website in the coming week, so those who could not attend may watch this magical night!
VVS Entertainment Industry students along with KEYS musicians wrote songs embracing all genres of music, from rap to folk music. The featured act The Birdseed Bandits came out with one thing in mind, to get the audience on their feet. With their high-energy performance and raw acoustic sounds through the use of banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass and piano they left the audience wanting more!
As the night came to a close two very special KEYS kids were honored. Lindsie Peters received an award for her outstanding job as the 2012-13 KEYS Kids Ambassador. During Lindsie’s year, she was able to be the “face” of KEYS kids across the country. As Ambassador, she represented the KEYS Program at Zippy’s Crusade for Kids, a special event hosted by NASCAR crew chief Greg and Nan Zipadelli each year in Inlet, NY. Along with being a special guest, she and her family were able to meet NASCAR driver Tony Stewart and many of the amazing folks from the NASCAR family. Lindsie passed the Ambassador baton over to Hope Inslee, who became the new 2013-14 KEYS Kids Ambassador.
Also honored on this special night was Ernest Gerald Getman who received the Norman J. Reed Legacy Award. This award is given to a member of the Vernon, Verona, Sherrill community who exemplifies the values demonstrated by Mr. Norman J. Reed whose work ethic was based on giving rather than receiving. Norm sought out and developed avenues for students and adults to achieve personal success that included opportunities to serve and give back to the community. Ernest “Jerry” Getman is well known for his hard work and dedication to volunteerism at the local, state and national levels.
This year’s concert could not have been possible without the generosity of many local businesses and volunteers. On behalf of VVS EI Class and the KEYS Program we would like to thank the following supporters:
Apple Betty’s
Black Stallion
Boat Restaurant
Byrne Dairy
Colosseo’s
Dharma Bums String Band
Emilio’s Italian Deli
Franklin Hotel
HP Hood
Joel’s Steakhouse
John Froass & Son
KEYS volunteers
Oneida Savings Bank
Packy’s Pub
Price Chopper – Oneida
Radisson
RISEN
Sherrill Chiropractic
Sherrill Fire Department
SubCat Studios
Teddy’s
Travel Store at Captain John’s
VVS FFA
VVS Music Boosters
Wagon Wheel
Wal-Mart
Zensations
The concert will be available on our website soon, so check back so you too can enjoy all of the amazing performances!!
Thank you to WUTR for coming to our Hearts of Hope Concert this year! Here is part I of a two part segment they did that includes some great "behind the scenes" coverage of the event and some great interviews too! http://cnyhomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=178762
Stay tuned for part II...
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