The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Presents the 8th Annual ‘Step into the Spotlight’ Soiree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Jodi Hope Grinwald
Co-Founder & CEO
Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation
848-333-2819
jodi@applaudourkids.org
www.ApplaudOurKids.org

Available for interviews, press coverage, and event access upon request.

The 8th Annual “Step Into the Spotlight” Soirée & Talent Competition Returns March 19, 2026
Celebrity Judges, Live Talent, and an Elegant “Denim, Diamonds & Dreams” Gala to Benefit the Applaud Our Kids Foundation

Middletown, NJ – March 19, 2026 – The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation (AOK) will host its highly anticipated 8th Annual Step Into the Spotlight Soirée & Talent Competition on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Jacques Reception Center in Middletown, NJ.

This year’s theme, “Denim, Diamonds & Dreams,” promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and purpose — all in support of providing life-changing performing arts education to children throughout New Jersey.

The evening will feature talented adult performers competing live before a distinguished panel of celebrity judges. Each performance directly supports the Foundation’s mission of funding ongoing dance, acting, instrumental music, and vocal lessons for children who otherwise would not have access to the performing arts.

Celebrity Judges Include:

Deborah Dutcher – Producer, Professional Actress & Vocal Coach
Chris Maltese – Vice President, Label & Artist Relations, Vydia
Peggy Becker – Talent Manager, Parkside Talent
Alex Levine – Founding Member, Gaslight Anthem & Owner, Idlehand Collective Barbershops
Nick Ditri – Vice President of Business Development & Music, Global Gaming League; Member of Disco Fries; Investor
Elena Lanza – Artist & Label Relations Manager
Anna Mastroianni – Entrepreneur & Stuntwoman
Carol Stillwell – President & CEO, Stillwell-Hansen

Celebrity judges will select the prestigious Zzak G. Spotlight Award Winner and a Second Place Winner, each receiving an elegant commemorative award and a cash prize.

Guests and supporters are invited to actively participate in voting for their favorite contestant. The winner will be chosen the night of the event and will win the Audience Choice Award. Voting is open now through the end of the program.

For just $5 per vote, you can cast your vote for your favorite contestant — with every dollar helping to expand access to performing arts education for children in need.

It is more than a vote.
It is an investment in confidence, creativity, and opportunity.

The Foundation will proudly recognize two outstanding contributors during the evening.

Livoti’s Old World Market will receive the Community Kindness Award in recognition of its continued generosity and commitment to strengthening the local community and supporting access to the arts.

Philip De Rita, Principal/Owner of Personalized Communication Design Services, will receive the Rockin’ & Rollin’ Cultivator of Creativity Award for his exceptional creative leadership and dedication to elevating the Foundation’s storytelling and mission visibility.

Guests will enjoy dinner, open bar, live competition, and a powerful mission moment highlighting the direct impact of arts education on the children served by AOK.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, business ads, and congratulatory ads, as well as, audience choice votes are available at www.ApplaudOurKids.org.

“Our mission is simple,” says Jodi Hope Grinwald, Co-Founder and CEO. “Every child deserves a stage. When we fund performing arts education, we are funding voice, confidence, belonging, and the courage to dream.”

Event Details:
Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM
Jacques Reception Center
500 Palmer Avenue
Middletown, NJ 07748
Tickets: $175