An Amazing Night For A Great Cause

I am walking on air today, with a huge grin on my face!

If you know me, you probably know that besides being a VO, I'm a family caregiver.

I care for my mom who had a stroke in '94 that has left her paralysed on the right side and wheelchair-bound.

I also cared for my dad. He died in 2003 as a result of Alzheimer's Disease.

Some Background

Joan Baker, a top VO here in NYC wrote a book called "Secrets of Voice-Over Success" where a whole slew of top voice over talent each wrote a chapter about how they got started and succeeded in our awesome industry.

Not only is it a great book, but all profits from the book go to the Alzheimer's Association, because Joan's dad died from the disease and she wanted to do something that could raise money to help find a cure for this awful disease.

I met Joan, because after buying the book, I emailed her thanking her for both putting together the book (it's really great!) but also for doing what she's doing to raise awareness about the disease that took both of our fathers.

We started an email correspondence and then I actually trained with her. She has since become a friend and I'm in awe of her energy and talent. Joan is an awesome lady!

Voices Remember

Well, last night, Joan held another fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. It was an intimate event called "Voices Remember" where several singers and Broadway performers sang and used their voices in memory of those who lost their voices to Alzheimer's.

Because this was a cause close to my heart,
because Joan was putting it together ,
because she was bringing together top VO's and VO industry leaders,

I decided to attend.

I am so glad I did.

Joan & I

The talent that was gathered in that room, to support a cause so important to our society today was just amazing.

Not only did I have a great time, but it was heartwarming to know that all these people were there for the same reason. Because they knew how important finding a cure for Alzheimer's Disease is. (Yeah, OK, there was some networking going on, but frankly it had the feel of an intimate dinner party, and I felt really lucky to be there!)

Yes, I met some of the top voice over artists and industry people in the country today.

Stewart Wilson-Turner (the creator of VoiceBank.net) & I

Yes, I got a night out,
Yes, I got a respite from my caregiving duties.
And.....

Yes, I got a kiss from both "The Don" and Joe Cip!

But what was even more important to me was that I showed up, supporting a great cause and validating to myself that as a working voice talent, I am doing what I love and showing up for my dreams. I am so happy to belong to an industry where the people are nice, generous and talented!

It's a night I won't soon forget!
(OK...how appropriate a comment is that for an Alzheimer's event! ;-)