Step Into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition
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Demin & Diamonds Theme
Step Into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Jacques in Middletown, NJ at 6:00 p.m. is an elegant, high-energy soirée where exceptionally talented adults take center stage, competing for the prestigious Zzak G. Spotlight Award. Each performer donates their talent in support of our mission, captivating guests in a one-of-a-kind evening of artistry, storytelling, and purpose.
Click for Ticket, Audience Choice Votes and Sponsorship Information
Three-Course Dinner (Chateaubriand or Champagne Chicken), Four-Hour Open Bar,
Incredible Entertainment & Inspiration
Performances are evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges, adding distinction, excitement, and national-caliber prestige to the evening. The competition culminates in the presentation of the Zzak G. Spotlight Award while raising critical funds to ensure students in need continue to receive access to high-quality performing arts education.
"These classes have helped me live my dreams of learning music. I have always loved music and I am happy to see my dreams of playing piano finally come true."
-15 year-old pianist & scholarship recipient
Our Mission
FINANCIAL BARRIERS SHOULD NEVER LIMIT CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The mission of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation is to give children the opportunity to find their own voice, increase their self-esteem, give them a sense of belonging, and provide them with positive reinforcement through the performing arts.
foundation Pillars
Creativity
The foundation provides 100% funding for children to take ongoing lessons in vocal instruction, dance, acting, and instrumental music for the entire school year and summer programs.
Kindness
The foundation provides a unique opportunity to youth volunteers who showcase their performing arts talents in service of the foundation’s mission. Members of the group are invited to attend and perform at local non-profit and for-profit events throughout the year.
Connection
The foundation provides funding to qualified performing arts teachers to broaden their ability to reach out farther to instruct and develop arts education.
Youth & Parent testimonials
A 12 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
A Parent of a 15 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
A Parent of a 15 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
"Having the privilege to take lessons through the help of the AOK foundation is simply amazing. I have gained a better understanding of the instrument that I love to play and I have also seen significant improvement in the way I play it. My confidence has improved and I look forward to going to lessons every week. Having the freedom to take lessons has impacted me in so many ways. Thank you AOK foundation for this wonderful opportunity."
A Parent of a 15 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
A Parent of a 15 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
A Parent of a 15 year-old pianist and scholarship recipient says:
"I am so appreciative for my daughter to have this opportunity. She is so happy to be able to learn this life skill. You can see her eyes light up when she plays."
A Parent of a 14 year-old drummer and scholarship recipient says:
"Due to my disability we are on a very tight budget. Without this foundation, music lessons would be out of my financial reach. Playing an instrument is so important to my son and it helps him creatively, socially, and emotionally. His school doesn't have music classes; he would've missed out on a meaningful part of development and we are forever grateful."
A 14 year-old drummer and scholarship recipient says:
"Drum lessons mean a lot to me in so many ways. First, they help me learn to focus and to get energy out which helps in other areas too. They also let me express myself through music."
Our Sponsors
