The David Z Foundation (DZF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the love of music for children worldwide, has announced that its recent DZF Sixth Annual FB Live Fundraiser raised more than 15,000.00 thanks to global support, including Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
Channel Kindness, a project of the Born This Way Foundation, featured the DZF and Vince Lombardi School in Brooklyn, NY’s “Kindness is Beautiful” original song and video that debuted during the livestream
in an article on their Channel Kindness platform (www.channelkindness.org/kindness-is-beautiful-song/).
“Kindness is Beautiful” was just one of the 14 heart-warming music and behind-the-scenes videos that debuted during the DZF Sixth Annual FB Live Fundraiser. All were filmed with students from around the world this semester and were the result of the collaborations between DZF and the students. Additionally, a special guest video featuring Living Colour’s Corey Glover and highlights from the 2023 David Z Birthday Benefit Concert, which kicked off the fundraising campaign with appearances by the recently-reunited rockers ZO2 and four School Of Rock Schools at the Whisky A Go Go, were also shown.
DZF was founded by Paulie Z, the older brother of David Z and a fellow musician in their band ZO2. Before his untimely death, David Z and his brother were very active in their local music community, where both worked as music teachers and used their platform to spread their passion. Music is in the soul of the “Z Brothers,” and Paulie Z continues to spread this love through this foundation by teaching music classes, giving kids experience with instruments, and working with schools to create quality programs that will support the weight of a child’s creativity. Each year the foundation sets their goal according to David’s birth date so this year’s goal is $44,000 in honor of what would have been his 44th birthday.
“We couldn’t be happier about the success and response to this year’s livestream event,” said Paulie Z “It was an honor for us to share our experiences with the world and show people where their money is actually going.”
This year, DZF has worked with more schools in more countries than ever and has received numerous awards and grants for its work. Most recently, the organization was recognized for two videos they produced in Cape Town, South Africa in collaboration with Global Lighthouse Studios. DZF was honored by the Second Annual Anthem Awards for its “Time To Be Well” project, which was written with Athwood Primary School about sustainable health and well-being (Anthem Awards). DZF also received two Telly awards for its “Help Yourself” project written with Gardens Commercial School about the importance of staying in school (Telly Awards).
Donations for the DZF Sixth Annual FB Live Fundraiser are still being accepted at www.gofundme.com/f/6th-annual-david-z-foundation-fundraiser
To learn more about DZF, visit www.youtube.com/@DavidZFoundation
About The David Z Foundation
The David Z Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization started by singer/guitarist Paulie Z in memory of his brother and bandmate bassist David Z. Inclusive of all and serving a diverse population of underprivileged kids, our aim is to instill a passion for music in kids while providing them with engaging music education opportunities and funding, putting together collaborations between kids and veteran music industry professionals and developing programs within academic school settings as well as music schools, both across the country and internationally. We bring students into the world of music by providing deeper knowledge and experience with instruments, songwriting, recording, music video production, band dynamics and live performances, and offer kids workshops on the music industry itself. In their own schools, the programs we co-design get kids to use the crafts of songwriting, recording and video production to create work which helps explain educational concepts in creative and stylish ways. The foundation’s interest in defining new avenues for music as a helping tool has also led to the application of music in programs for kids with emotional and mental health challenges. The foundation is looking ahead to future programs that will continue a strong focus on music education and well-being through music.
www.gofundme.com/f/6th-annual-david-z-foundation-fundraiser
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