A Free Bird’s 5th Annual Gala at Grand Slam in Harlem

Unfortunately, more than 10,000 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses this year. Researchers have shown that creative arts therapies significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and pain in cancer patients, and improved their overall quality of life (JAMA Internal Medicine, May 2013). Another study in the American Journal of Public Health, February 2010, showed that artistic interventions improved clinical outcomes, reduced hospital stays, reduced pain, and improved moods in patients contending with chronic diseases.

A Free Bird Organization has become known for its tireless dedication to helping pediatric cancer patients pursue their passion for the arts. Their 5th Annual Gala was held on Nov. 7th, 2019 at the fabulous Grand Slam Banquet Hall in Harlem. Glam Slam Banquet Hall was a generous sponsor by donating the space.

There were attendees of various backgrounds like makeup artist Joey Sanchez, fashion designer Richie Rich, producer Adam Malka, and Lance Reinheimer from the Vanderbilt Museum.

We enjoyed the performances, speeches, and a vegan buffet by chef Stephen Yen, executive chef of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill. He is a native New Yorker and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (International Culinary Center) in New York City. After graduating he had the pleasure of being part of the opening team of Fatty ‘Cue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Stephen was the Corporate Executive Chef for Paige Hospitality Group for four years. He was the creative force as well as the culinary director for all the properties. His style of cuisine is global, everything from traditional French to modern American.

The Gala featured Broadway stars such as Ali Ewoldt from “Phantom of The Opera” and Metropolitan Bare opera singer Kirsten Scott. Scott is a mezzo-soprano who performed as lead soloist in the world premiere of the oratorio “Illuminessence: Prayers for Peace”– piece commissioned by the Vatican for the decennial commemoration of 9/11. Held in Boston’s iconic Jordan Hall, the performance was broadcast live by WGBH Public Radio.

Ali Ewoldt is an American theatre actress, who made her Broadway debut in the “Les Misérables” revival in 2006, playing Cosette. She has also performed on national and international tours and in U.S. regional theatre. She became well known as the first Asian-American actress to star as Christine Daaé in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

Kim Viera, a Latin Singer and Songwriter from the Bronx, incorporated elements of hip-hop and Caribbean music in her own early singles. She has written songs for artists like Lil Wayne and Sam Bailey. Her musical family included a mother who sang backup for Willie Colón and Rubén Blades, and a father who founded a successful live production company. Kim began singing at a young age and was contributing vocals to Christian albums and advertising jingles by the age of 14. She also sang for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as a teen. Viera went on to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. She soon began uploading covers of artists like Bruno Mars and Rihanna while also finding work singing backup on tours and writing songs for other artists.

We were moved by pianist, Vivienne Fleischer, who is a cancer survivor. She is President and Co-Founder of PBERGO. Vivienne received the Artist Supporting Artist Award in 2015.

The attendees enjoyed a fine performance by two talented performers, Laurie Giannini and Olga Tymchenko. Laurie Giannini has been awarded in duo and piano trio competitions in Europe. Olga Tymchenko started playing at young age and is very talented. At age 8, she won her first violin competition for young artists in Kyiv. Also, at age 11, she was at National Philharmonic Concert Hall as the winner of Kyiv City Competition.

Judy Malka is a, multi-talented and multi-lingual actress, singer, and dancer who began her American career as a ballerina studying with the Joffrey Ballet. Judy Malka teamed up with Ryan Brahm for a once in a lifetime duet.

Ryan Brahms is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in New York. His song “Love Dealer” has been successful, charting on the Dance Club Songs chart at 37.

We were treated to special performances of Free Bird graduates who showcased their incredible talents they’ve acquired through the Take Flight program. This event is held not only to showcase talents and raise money for the organization, but to provide each child enrolled in their program the best possible opportunities to pursue their chosen art form (whether it be art, music, acting, singing or sports) while they battle cancer.

Elana Koenig, one of AFB Child performers, got her big break singing “Fight Song” with “America’s Got Talent” Calysta Bevier. Alessando Berni was presented with a Leadership Excellence Award.

Another talented AFB child performer was Elijah Blades, a pianist. His parents were honored by AFB with the Inspirational Parents Award of the year. We were moved by the acceptance speech by Karon and Lennie Blades who were so proud of their Elijah’s fight against cancer.

Evi Siskos was the co-host along with Godni Amir, founder. Evi is an Emmy-nominated actress, TV host, and voice over actress. She has been a spokesperson for Goya Foods and has also been the face of international brands such as Chez Handbags and Galilli Diamonds. Ms. Siskos can be currently seen as one of the main hosts of the daily entertainment show, “Acceso Total” on Telemundo Monday through Friday.

Godni Amir is a New York based singer, songwriter, actor, makeup artist and founder of Royal C Pop, a talent agency. His national print work is included on covers such as: Women’s Wear Daily, New York Times, Bride Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, Wedding Wire, The Knot, The Cut, Inside Wedding, Equality Wed, Style Me Pretty, Intelius, Vogue Australia, and the New York Times.

A Free Bird was founded in 2008 when multidisciplinary artist Godni Amir witnessed firsthand art’s potential to heal. His voice teacher, Gail, gave up teaching to become the primary caregiver for her husband when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Soon after, she received a cancer diagnosis herself. Gail’s husband tragically passed away but Gail herself made a full recovery, spurred on by her passion for music and photography.

A Free Bird is a 100 percent volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit arts education organization dedicated to helping children with cancer with many programs such as Dream Big, Take Flight and FlyFree where children are able to explore many different types of art forms.

A Free Bird has also been supported by influential brands such as Google, Amazon, Rite Aid, Chipotle, Macy’s, Barnes and Noble among many others, and was recognized by the Department of Education, Department of Cultural Affairs, and honored by Mayor Bill De Blasio at the NYC Mayoral Recognition Award. More about the organization can be found at afreebird.org.