Newark School of the Arts students present "Concert for Healing", raising funds for local hunger relief, abused and neglected children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Larry Tamburri      

ltamburri@newarkschoolofthearts.org

NEWARK SCHOOL OF THE ARTS STUDENTS PRESENT "CONCERT FOR HEALING," RAISING FUNDS FOR LOCAL HUNGER RELIEF,  ABUSED and NEGLECTED CHILDREN 

Newark School of the Arts (NSA) students recently used their talents to support hunger relief and child advocacy in Newark, NJ, with a special online "Concert for Healing". For this first-time effort in responding to the pandemic, more than $4,000 was raised, and has been distributed to the MEND Hunger Relief Network, Wynona's House Child Advocacy Center, and the Newark School of the Arts scholarship fund. "These are unprecedented times," noted Carmen Santos-Robson, assistant director and development director of the NSA. "We are grateful that the NSA Board of Trustees urged us to be proactive and to provide assistance that goes beyond programs the school offers". The concert featured performances by students in the music, dance and media departments of the school. Viewers contributed more than $2,000, which was matched by $2,000 from NSA Trustee Curtis Johnson and Melissa Hager, in honor of Richard Stiga. Students, staff, and trustees chose two community partners with strong track records assisting citizens in Newark. MEND Hunger Network strengthens and supports a network of 20 Essex County food pantries, including nine in Newark. Wynona's House Child Advocacy Center serves children who have been abused or neglected. "Music is a tonic that has always soothes and lifts our spirits," commented Martin Berkowitz, president of the NSA Board of Trustees. "We are all stronger when our communities are healthy and sustainable. The NSA plans to continue this tradition of community support over the coming months".

Dominic Prophete, CEO of Wynona’s House said: “I would like to thank NSA for designating Wynona’s House as a beneficiary of their first Concert for Healing. This event could not have come at a better time. As the pandemic continues to rage in our community, leaving much upheaval in its wake, we continue to find ways to ensure our families adjust to daily changes and new insecurities, as they heal from the impact of abuse.  The healing and trans-formative properties of music are what our families and our staff needed to reassure that brighter days are near and a supportive community is by their side." https://wynonashouse.org/

Robin Peacock, executive director of MEND stated: “We are honored that the school and students chose to support MEND so generously! Now, more than ever, community support for our member food pantries makes such a difference. Funds from the NSA Concert for Healing will enable us to source, store and transport more fresh and healthy food and other essentials for member pantries, so that they may continue to serve their growing numbers of patrons with dignity.”  https://mendnj.org

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7.16.20