March 18, 2009

Jersey Babys CD Goes International

March 18th, 2009

Jersey Babys

Joni Relyea, artist, teacher, philanthropist extraordinaire, and most importantly a breast cancer survivor, recently announced that the “Jersey Babys CD” produced by Danielle Lalehzar, daughter of famed music composer Bob Gaudio, has been chosen as the signature music which will accompany and provide the musical effects for the “Tree of Hope” mural for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation. In addition, slated for March 21, 2009 at the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC, Mrs. Relyea will unveil a 7’ x 11’ “Hope for our Children” mural painted by the children from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Lakeridge, Virginia. The proceeds from this fund raising endeavor will go to the Georgetown Hospital in Guyana. She stated that the innovative, gently melodic treatment of the Four Seasons evergreen hits found on the Jersey Babys CD are geared for children of all ages and acts as the perfect intermezzo between music and art.

On a special note, at the annual Susan G Komen gala event on Wednesday May 13th, Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio have authorized the auctioning off of one of their prized, limited edition autographed prints taken from the original oil painting known as “Short Shorts Season” depicting the 52nd street scene of the August Wilson Theater (Jersey Boys Theater) and the first automobiles owned by each member of the Four Seasons. The painting was done by artist Tom Austin, an original member of the Royal Teens, and co-writer, with Bob Gaudio, of the song “Short Shorts”.

This print is scheduled to be auctioned off at the Susan G. Komen Annual Awards Luncheon to be held Wednesday May 13th, 2009 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas (at 53rd street). For tickets and information contact Sarata Kaba at email [email protected] or call 212-461-6195.

26 Comments »

  1. We are so very proud of your St. Thomas Aquinas College alum Joni Relyea. As an art sutdnet here at “STAC” we always knew she would put her talents to good use. Way to go Joni!!!!

    Comment by Joanne Favata — March 19, 2009 @ 9:21 am

  2. Joni’s work is both outstanding and inspiring. It is only exceeded by her commitment to both the battle against breast cancer and her love of working with children. The Embassy is very lucky indeed, and I can think of noone more fitting to paint the “Tree of Hope” than Joni Relyea! Love ya Joni!

    Comment by Shawn gardner — March 19, 2009 @ 11:16 am

  3. Joni is an amazing advocate for breast cancer survivors and cancer survivors in general. Through her beautiful art, her tireless efforts help raise money and awareness for many!

    Comment by Sara Fought — March 19, 2009 @ 11:38 am

  4. It’s a wonderful gesture by Frankie, Bob, and Tom for a very worthwhile foundation. Whenever I hear the Susan G. Komen name, it takes me back over forty years ago, when I lost my mother to this dreaded disease. Great work, Joni!

    Comment by Howard Tucker — March 20, 2009 @ 11:40 am

  5. Great idea for a cd. I love it and can’t stop listening to it.

    Comment by Pearl — March 26, 2009 @ 4:52 pm

  6. Dear Dream, Listen, Smile:
    This up-coming months will be another tribute for all children from all states to participate as young artists to paint away with the marvelous, moving electricity CD “Jersey Babys” for our Second Annual Mural “Hope For Our Children” This fundraiser will contribute all proceeds going to the Country of Guyana at Georgetown Hospital. I’m very proud and thrilled to celebrate with young children of all ages to become involved with my belief of Hope for other deprived countries with cancer. “We are reaching mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, to be check for cancer. I believe that no child should suffer due to lack of funds. This delightful mural will begin at the end of January in Woodbridge, Virginia at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, we will celebrate with a unveiling in April. I had the pleasure to meet Howard Tucker this summer in New City, New York. Just in a few moments I could feel his passion from his youth, and his love of music by the Four Seasons. I’m happy to announce that Howard will be a guest speaker and will touch many young lives regarding his emotions of the Four Season vibrant sounds that makes a difference in ones life. If you have children interested that would enjoy our mission of colored hues, please contact: Joni Relyea, artist. E-mail
    To: [email protected] I can then further advise you of day and time. Join us and help create the mural with song! just hummmmmmmmmm along if you will!

    Comment by Joni Relyea — October 8, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

  7. January 29th 2011

    Welcoming another year “Hope For Our Children” First Sculpture created by the children in Lake Ridge, Virginia. The Jersey Babys CD sounds will touch many a hearts once again as each child sculpts!
    Unveiling will be March 12th at 1pm. If anyone is in the area traveling please stop and share the joys with new friends! All proceeds so to Georgetown Hospital in Guyana. Ambasador Bayney Karran of Guyana is our special guest, other names will be announced.

    Comment by joni relyea — January 14, 2011 @ 12:48 pm

  8. Place for “Hope For Our Children” Sculpture:
    Unveiling: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
    12805 Valleywood Drive,Lake Ridge,
    Virigina 22192
    If questions: contact [email protected]

    Comment by joni relyea — January 14, 2011 @ 12:52 pm

  9. ” UP-Date Change For Guyana Sculpture”

    Unveiling

    Same place as above:
    New date: September 24th,2011
    Time: 1pm
    Guest Speakers: To Be Announced!

    Comment by joni Relyea — February 8, 2011 @ 2:52 pm

  10. New News Regarding Sculpture Unveiling Date!!

    Due to many activities at our church the following date is now:
    September 17th at 2pm. Same location
    Special Guests will be announced!
    Hope to see more smiles again this year! Joni

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 6, 2011 @ 8:38 pm

  11. July 19th 20th 21st became another artistic adventure working with the children here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church “Hope For Our Children” 3rd Annual Fundraiser for Guyana. Children surrounded the tables with their clay in hand, as they wait for their instructions to begin the creative process.
    Unveiling date: September 17th 2011
    Our First Sculpture ” Hope For Our Children”
    For contact information: [email protected]

    Comment by joni relyea — July 22, 2011 @ 5:38 pm

  12. Hi all!!!

    Here in Virginia we raised $1,000.00 as our GOAL!!!!!
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. “Hope For Our Children” unveiling was rescheduled for a up-coming date. Due to a change in the scheduling we apologize once again to our “Special Guests” They are:
    Ambassador Bayney Karran of Guyana, Dr.E Faye Williams,Esq. National Congress For Black Women, Our Howard University M.D. Dr.C Maxwell, Assistant Vice Pesident FACP for Health Services for Women, Director of Womens Health. ( This sculpture ” Hope For Our Children” will be dedicated to their Howard University Hospital up-coming. Also my sincere thanks to my dear friends who came to the cause of ” Yes!!! we will help” Musicians are: Jim Canfield, a delightful sound of strings that make one dream his guitarist opening for our ceremony, Isabella Owen Perelman,Guitarist, and composer “Weave, Tremble, and Hum can make the audience sway with the rhythm. And also a heartfelt thanks to Ron Medina, that sends one heart at a time with mystery, also his accompanying Isabella with her masterpiece. Another musician the wonderful “Cody” that lifts the spirits with his vocals. We will keep everyone up-dated to our new time. So may I again surround my friends with abundance of Love for helping the country of Guyana. All proceeds go to Georgetown Hospital in Guyana. Hugs to all at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

    Comment by joni relyea — September 22, 2011 @ 7:05 pm

  13. Hello Danielle, and family,

    This coming months I will be working on the 4th Annual Fundraiser for the country of Guyana ” Hope For Our Children” Further info. regarding when, where and all our special guests to be announced. All proceeds will go to the country of Guyana in Georgetown. Another fine celebration to the “Beat of the Sounds” ‘Jersey Babys CD

    Comment by joni relyea — September 8, 2012 @ 4:58 pm

  14. This fall I will be solo working on the project for “Hope For Our Children” Due to my retina tears This year I will donate all my original works for the country of Guyana- All pieces will be auctioned, and all proceeds go to Georgetown Hospital, Guyana. I will paint to the beats of the music and keep the mood, and spirit flowing of the greatest hits! I will follow up Danielle with the date of exhibit! Happy Holidays!

    Comment by Joni Relyea — November 6, 2013 @ 5:57 pm

  15. March 11 2017. The Golden Gala with Art and Harmony featuring the play “Krystelle” at Woodbridge Senior High School and guest singer Dennis Gustaferri singing “I Believe”. “Over The Rainbow” started the opening evening A experience that Joni Relyea encountered at West Point Hospital in 2009 used her artistic ability with the music of Bob Gaudio tunes ” Your Just To GoodTo Be True”. Silence is Golden ” tunes from Jersey Babys CD. A wonderful new Chance for little girl to dance again that had cancer. With wide-eyed wonder, I played the tunes in. The waiting room , and had her glide her fingers on the window pane, twirling, moving to the rhythm of the beats. This was extraordinary challenges that a little girl fulfilled her dreams. “Listen. Dream. Smile ” just as the names of Bob Gaudio children. Lisa. Danielle. Shannon. All proceeds go to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. Thank you Danielle Gaudio for all your years of friendship across the miles! Making this event a glorious one. We raised 2, 500 for hope of more success stories to bring a child home from cancer. Much Appreciation to the families of Icons. Joni Relyea

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 18, 2017 @ 12:54 am

  16. Joni, this was a wonderful project and so appreciated by all. You should be very proud and the cast and kids are so appreciative. I salute you. Thanks for everything.

    Comment by Howard Tucker — March 18, 2017 @ 9:01 am

  17. Wonderful, recognition by the Honorable Governor Terrance R MCAuliffe fir putting on this wonderful production. Easy individual had demonstrated his or her commitment to public service donating all proceeds to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital thanking all those participating in the Golden Gala and for inspiring creativity across Virginia. And thanking Joni Relyea , Christian Ellis, And Mrs Hailey CFPA of The Performing Arts in Woodbridge Senior High School. Sent wishes for a successful event. With my sincere gratitude to our Virginia Governor for his dedication and making a Proclimation for Children’s Cancer month of September , and the color gold represents children everywhere.

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 18, 2017 @ 10:05 am

  18. A letter from our Virginia Congressman The Honorable Gerald Connolly. Dear Friends. welcome to the Golden Gala Showcasing Art and Harmony. Hosted by Woodbridge Senior High School Center of The Performing Arts. I want to thank Our Congressman for supporting me over the years during my events. I appreciate his constant involvement towards my efforts , and others in the community to help find Hope for cancers research. Christian Ellis a senior listened to my story if a little girl with cancer back in 2009. Among other students in Mrs Hailey English class we all took part to rewrite another story, using my experiences as a cancer patient. The names of the Play. ” Krystelle”. Comes from my two daughters Krysta, and Danielle my youngest. My son Brock portrayed the dad. It was my desire to keep my children in my story during my trials if breast cancer. It was a wonderful evening. With much applause. Dennis Gustaferri singer was fabulous. Thk you with all my heart for cari g about our community events

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 18, 2017 @ 10:15 am

  19. I would like to add. I have nine retina tears so if I hv misspell any words. Please overlook. Thk you j

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 18, 2017 @ 11:18 am

  20. Sounds like a good time was had by all for a very worthy cause. Congratulations and a huge thank you to all involved especially Jersey Baby’s, Joni Relyea, Woodbridge Senior High School Center of the Performing Arts. The real winners are the cancer victims who will benefit from all the funds raised to help them. A great production for a great cause.

    Comment by Jim thurston — March 21, 2017 @ 9:08 pm

  21. Joni its a wonderful thing you are doing and for a great cause.I have known you since high school and you still have the ability to amaze me with your generosity and good will.You are a very special person, keep up the good work and I will see you soon.

    Comment by john vickers — March 22, 2017 @ 5:51 am

  22. What a great effort by our Woodbridge students! The Golden Gala and the Krystelle play was beautifully done! The music and acting were superb! thank you Joni R and all those involved.

    Comment by Ted Rache — March 22, 2017 @ 10:23 am

  23. Thank you my friends! Appreciate all your kind words. See you in October

    Comment by Joni Relyea — March 22, 2017 @ 4:39 pm

  24. Krystelle was great! Way to go Joni.

    Comment by Alison R — March 22, 2017 @ 6:17 pm

  25. SO incredibly proud of my friend Joni! She is so talented and totally ROCKS! Such talent has carried her through the years as she continues to bless others with her artistic abilities for such a great cause (while comforting others). Thankful for her generous heart.

    Comment by Karen K — March 24, 2017 @ 9:46 am

  26. Thanks my family! Friends! Friends I don’t know. And to Gaudi Gaudio family!

    Comment by Joni Relyea — April 21, 2017 @ 2:12 pm

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