Songwriters are playing tunes to benefit brain cancer treatment this Holiday season.
Husband and wife, MC ZiLL and Katie Ann have teamed up with their new publishing company, LK PRO, to design a benefit for Roswell Park Cancer Institution called Project Joy.
What is Project Joy?
Project Joy is a string of music events designed to spread holiday joy while benefiting brain cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. We at LK PRO have arranged 5 music benefit events that are all free to the community. Check out the schedule here!
What inspired you to do this?
As husband and wife, we are blessed to share common musical goals with our aspiring music careers but over the summer, our world came to a halt when we found out a beloved family member, ZiLL’s father Robert Grossi, has brain cancer. The type of brain tumor he has is called a glioblastoma. It’s a rare form of cancer that unfortunately has no cure so it can only be treated to help improve daily life. This news has been difficult to accept as it feels unbearable at times to know that we can’t “fix” this situation and are completely at the will of God’s mercy. We have realized that God has a plan and it has been put in our hearts to use our musical talents to help find a cure for brain cancer.
Why did you chose RPCI?
Robert Grossi, ZiLL's father traveled from their hometown in Utica, NY to seek answers at Roswell. He had been sick for months and was progressively and quickly becoming more ill. They stayed with us in Buffalo, NY for 3 weeks and returned home with the diagnosis of glioblastoma and a treatment plan. For our family, our world was turned upside down. We were so thankful to RPCI for the amazing job they did with diagnosing Bob. They provided an atmosphere that made this daunting process at least comfortable. We were all immediately drawn to the beautiful grand piano in the lobby that's being played almost all day by professional musicians who volunteer their time.
For this couple music therapy helps with the healing process to cope with such drastic changes in their family.
Music is a pleasant distraction that opens the door to positive thinking through soulful melodies and upbeat rhythms. It's easy for anyone to get lost in the music bubble. I (Katie Ann) started a music volunteer residency at RPCI this summer after my father-in-law was diagnosed. The beautiful grand piano in the lobby allows sound cascades all the way to the top of the massive cathedral ceiling. The way the building is designed allows for all patients and others to have a "front row seat" to hear the music. Every time I play there, music breaths a symphony of life. I can see in the patients' eyes their spirits have been lifted and even if just for that moment their day is better. I feel the greatest sense of gratitude when I perform at the hospital; it's actually one of my favorite places to perform.
Press Coverage
Check out this news story WGRZ Channel 2 news aired about the first Project Joy event!
How can we help Project Joy?
There are many ways that you can help our cancer benefit! You can attend one or more of our Project Joy events and make a physical donation, by cash or check. If you wish to write a check directly to our cause, please make it payable to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation and write “Project Joy” in the memo line. If you are unable to join us for one of the 5 events, you can always donate by going directly to the Team Roswell website http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/Project-Joy where we have set up online donations for Project Joy.
MC ZiLL and I will also make a collective music artists’ contribution to our fundraiser by donating half of all proceeds we make from selling our CD’s and artist merchandise from now until December 27th. Give the gift of creativity this holiday season to your music lover and help find a cure for cancer! We have included a list of our artistic merchandise on the backside of the Project Joy agenda. You may order merchandise by visiting either of our websites (see below) or by sending back our mailer form included in this letter along with a check payable to Katie and Jeff Grossi. Again, half of all proceeds from your order will go directly to the fundraising cause for Project Joy. If you submit your order by December 15th we guarantee delivery by Christmas. Once you submit your order to us, please allow 3-5 days for us to mail you your gift. Please consider helping Project Joy and supporting the beloved musicians in your life.
What kind of merch do you have available?
We created a line specifically for Project Joy using this pretty treble clef drawing Katie sketched. We had ornaments, beanies, and t-shirts created. We also have 5 published CD's available in our music catalog! The genres range from symphonic to pop, to rock, and even hip hop. There's something for every music lover to enjoy. Check out the complete list of available artistic merch here.
Friday, 12/8 from 7-9pm. Project Joy with Katie Ann
Daily Planet Coffee, 1862 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
The singer-songwriter will be performing joyful songs of the holidays. This event is free and donations for Roswell Park Cancer Institution will be collected and greatly
appreciated.
Friday, 12/15 from 7-9pm. Children’s Christmas CD Launch Party
Start with Sleep, 1211 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Katie Ann will be releasing a Christmas CD featuring holiday songs performed by her piano and voice students. The Children’s Christmas CD is free with any monetary donation to Roswell Park Cancer Institution!
Sunday, 12/17 from 5-6pm. Christmas Music with Katie Ann
Lord of Life, 1025 Borden Rd, Depew, NY 14043
Katie Ann and MC ZiLL will perform a two-act set, first with the singer-songwriters performing Christmas classics and ending with a Christmas sing-along! Taking tunes to treatment to raise money to benefit brain cancer research at Roswell.
Monday, 12/18 from 6-8pm. Christmas Caroling with Katie Ann
Spot Coffee Kenmore, 1 Delaware Rd, Kenmore, NY 14217
Thursday 12/28 from 12:00-1:00pm Project Joy Al Fin
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263
Special Thanks to our awesome Project Joy sponsors!
Learn more about Project Joy here!