At the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, the SongShine Foundation’s Benefit Luncheon on Feb. 24 deeply touched the 150 attendees’ hearts.
The event featured 18 singers, some performing solo and others in chorus, showcasing their brave voices. These individuals had initially struggled with speech before undergoing SongShine’s music- and drama-based vocal therapy.
The standout moment of the luncheon was the performance by the SongShine Singers and Players, who presented selections from Broadway musicals. The audience, moved by the resilience of these men and women whose voices had been affected by conditions like Parkinson’s, strokes, and aging, rose to their feet in a show of appreciation.
The musical journey commenced with Steve Yudson, a former Broadway performer from “Cats,” singing Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends.” Following that was a medley from Leonard Bernstein and Sondheim’s “West Side Story,” including a powerful rendition of “Cool” by Steve Young, who overcame three strokes. The finale, “That’s What Friends Are For,” featured Jan Abrams and all the singers, accompanied by talented musicians, emphasizing the theme of friendship.
Under the theme “Expanding Our Reach,” the luncheon also acknowledged SongShine teachers from various parts of the U.S. and Canada. A touching video presentation highlighted the teachers’ emotional experiences working with individuals facing neurological challenges, emphasizing the need for more trained teachers in different locations.
The event recognized the dedication of individuals like Sylvia Clerke, Peter Harris, and founder Ruthanna Metzgar, with certificates of appreciation presented by SongShine Foundation President Al Gentle.
The generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, including Eisenhower Health as the presenting sponsor, culminated in a significant fundraising achievement of $41,000. This financial support will enable SongShine to enhance its programs, train more teachers, and reach additional communities.
The event’s success was attributed to the diligent efforts of the benefit committee, led by Beverly Ross, and the support of board members and volunteers.
SongShine’s origins in 2006 stemmed from a request by Eisenhower Health for a music-based program for Parkinson’s patients, which expanded to include individuals with various neurological voice disorders. The event celebrated the presence of Eisenhower Health’s movement disorder neurologists, Drs. Neal Hermanowicz and John D. Legge, who cheered on the performers and their patients.
Looking ahead, the SongShine Singers and Players will host a concert titled “That’s What Friends Are For” on April 13 at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. The event aims to continue spreading joy and camaraderie through music.
For further details on the upcoming concert or to engage with SongShine classes, interested individuals can contact (425) 210-3612 or email [email protected].