Financial Barriers Should Not Limit Creative Expression
Sarah pours her heart out as she sings into her favorite hairbrush and aspires to stand on a Broadway stage.
Sam plays chords on an air guitar and dreams of being in a rock band. Elisa pivots on her tiptoes in front of her mirror as she imagines what life would be like in the New York City Ballet.
These three children want so desperately to creatively express themselves, but financial challenges prevent them from doing so. That’s where we come in. With your help, the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation can provide children with the resources they need to turn their dreams into reality.
About Us
About Us
Scholarship Information
Scholarship Information
Learn More About the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Inc.
Scholarship Information
Scholarship Information
Scholarship Information
Performing Arts Scholarships Available to Children Ages 7-18 That Have a Financial Need
Our Partners
Scholarship Information
Our Partners
Partnering With Local Organizations & Performing Arts Studios
On Camera Auditions Master Class
Join Kim Berrios Lin, actor, writer, producer, as she shares her expertise and, helps you bring out your own authenticity for on camera auditions.
Donation of $20 .00 at registration.
2021 Scholarship Showcase
Join our Scholarship Recipients, Studio Partners & AOK Performance Group for an afternoon of entertainment and inspiration. This is an opportunity for our donors, sponsors, and supporters to see our mission in action. Stude receiving ongoing funding for their lessons will take the stage and showcase what they have lear
Theme Song Competition
Use your songwriting skills to make a difference! Nationwide search!
Write the first original theme song that represents the mission of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation provides 100% funding for children living with financial barriers to take ongoing lessons in dance, acting, instrumental music & vocal instruction at local performing arts studios close to their home. Children can be fully funded for up to 11 years.
Criteria for song submission:
- Must be 18 years of age or older to submit a song
- The following words must be included in the song:
- Applaud Our Kids
- Creativity, Kindness, Connection - (the three pillars of the foundation) Any form of the words can be used.
- Length of song - 2 to 3 minutes 30 seconds
- Demos must be submitted via Soundcloud
- Upload the song and set it to private
- The lyrics and overall song must be uplifting and inspirational (no ballads)
Cost per submission: $25.00
Deadline for submission: April 5, 2021
Finalists will be selected by a professional panel of established songwriters and receive written feedback. Once finalists are selected, the songs will be placed on social media and the foundation’s website for the general public to vote ($5.00 donation per vote) on whose song truly represents the organization’s mission.
Funds raised by submissions and votes will help the foundation connect more children living with financial barriers with an ongoing creative outlet.
The winner will collaborate with a producer who will help refine the song further to be performed by the AOK Performance Group. Please note that the producer reserves the right to make needed changes. The AOK Performance Group is an audition only group that consists of children and young adults ages 7-22 who perform at events and fundraisers to share the importance of the performing arts and our mission.
Please click register for more information or email questions to jodi@applaudourkids.org or melissa@applaudourkids.org.
ALL entries will receive a one-time-use code for 20% off any ONE product or service from The Rock/Star Advocate AND a free downloadable guide: The Do More/Stress Less Checklist.
Visit: The Rock/Star Advocate: Home
See below for prize package detaiils.
Theme Song Winner prize Package
Fundraiser
Help us fund our mission by purchasing
Applaud Our Kids merchandise.
Insulated drinkware - $14
Mask - $14. Children & Adult size masks are available.
Please email melissa@applaudourkids.org for information on how to purchase.
Additional cost for shipping.
Step into the spotlight soiree & talent competition Results
Drum Roll for our Winners...
Winner of the Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition is...
Denzel Rodriguez -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzX740SqOu4&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzX740SqOu4&feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
2nd Place Winner of the Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition is...
Noah Wang - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kSJuogjga8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzX740SqOu4&feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
Our Audience Choice Winner of the Step into the Spotlight Soiree & Talent Competition is...
Danielle Brindisi - https://youtu.be/p2OnO2efo-w
Congratulations to all of our winners!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of our celebrity judges and talented contestants who gave of their time!
Special thank you to all those who attended and donated to support our mission and the kids who are in need of the programming that the foundation provides. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzX740SqOu4&feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
Honorees for the Evening Included:
- Corporate Spotlight on Kindness - Design 446
- Community Partner - Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
- Media Spotlight Award - News12 New Jersey
- Daniel Repole Scholarship Fund - Adam and Michelle Repole
- Kids Helping Kids Kindness Award - Gianna Minardi - Zzak G. AOK Performance Group
- Rockin' & Rollin' Cultivator of Creativity Award - Tara Frye - Emotion in Motion Dance & Performing Arts
Press Release
