by Laura Archer, Contributing Writers
Name: Brianna Donofrio
Hometown: Morris County, New Jersey
Major/minor: Neuroscience Major, Italian Minor
What is your Civic Project called?: Songs for Smiles, A Benefit Concert for the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital Located at Morristown Medical Center
Who will it benefit?: The concert will benefit pediatric cancer for the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital located at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey.
What does the event involve? Like, what will it be basically?: The event will be featuring ensembles (vocal and instrumental) in the Drew Music Department: Choral Union, Chorale, Orchestra, Jill Spurr Titus Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and all three a cappella groups, Mad Ave, All of the Above, and On a Different Note. Regardless of your musical taste, there is something for everyone ranging from classical and jazz to contemporary/popular music. Following the concert, there will also be a dessert reception. If you have not had a chance to attend a Music Department concert, this is such a wonderful opportunity to sample the amazing talent of Drew University all while supporting a great cause.
How did you come up with the idea for your project?: After volunteering for two years at Morristown Medical Center, I felt that there was a great need to help support pediatric cancer. I was compelled to help these brave children.
What’s been the best part of this project?: I am appreciative of the overwhelming support from the Music Department, Concert Hall, Drew Music Groups, and the Center for Civic Engagement. It has been so inspiring to experience the Drew community come together for this Benefit Concert.
What was an unanticipated or particularly difficult challenge in the process?: Since we have had a great response from the Musical Groups on campus, the challenge has been to coordinate the various performances.
What/When/Where can people check out all your hardwork?: The Songs for Smiles Benefit Concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 1st at 7:30 pm in the Concert Hall at Drew University, Dorothy Young Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased online at www.f4mmc.org/benefitconcert or at the door (cash only at the door). The event is open to the public and is great for all ages so feel free to invite your friends and family. Tickets for Students and Children are $5 and Adults are $15. I am confident that students and the entire Drew community will support the Songs for Smiles Benefit Concert to enjoy an evening of great music, support a wonderful cause, and enjoy a free dessert after the concert. We look forward to seeing you on April 1st.
