originally published: 04/14/2022

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Over the course of just five years, the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation has placed hundreds of children and young adults in performing arts studios and connected them with arts instructors, directly funding their lessons so they could pursue their ambitions in vocal or instrumental music, dance, and acting. On Sunday, May 22, 2022 at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Performing Arts, 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ, the non-profit organization will present an afternoon of inspiration and entertainment at the “Let Them Dream Big Concert” to celebrate five years of creativity, kindness, and connection through the performing arts. Join us as the children funded through the foundation take the stage and share their talent, along with the acclaimed AOK Performance Group and some very special guests.

Among the special guests will be Layonne Holmes, a popular vocalist who spans multiple genres, has extensive stage and studio experience, and continues to broaden her horizons by working with a variety of talent. She currently leads The Motor City Revue, a 12-piece Motown soul tribute band, and sings backup for Jon Bon Jovi’s solo project, Jon Bon Jovi & The Kings of Suburbia, as well as the Matt O’Ree Band. She is a member of Tim McLoone & The Shirleys and is a volunteer musician with Holiday Express, McLoone’s New Jersey-based non-profit volunteer organization. Also performing will be EĐĐIE, the talented winner of the Zzak G. AOK Foundation 2021 Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition; the exciting duo DOMENICO & Viiq; plus a fabulous ballroom dance performance from Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Marlboro.

Doors open at 2:00 p.m., with showtime beginning at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for $35 and $25, with an eight-ticket limit per mailing address. Tickets are available for purchase online. Would you like to make a difference in providing students with access to the performing arts? Become a sponsor or purchase an ad in the event playbill by contacting Jodi Grinwald at [email protected].

Committed to the belief that financial constraints should not limit creative expression, the Zzak G. AOK Foundation is dedicated to connecting youngsters in need, ages 7-18, with performing arts studios and instructors and directly funding 100% of the costs for them 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.

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 .