Not even the winter cold could stop ADRLF, the Ryan Health Network and friends from coming together for a night of great music and a great cause at the ADRLF 2nd Karaoke Nights. Co-produced with ADRLF’s longstanding partners in health, the William F. Ryan Community Health Center, this year’s successful Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser was held at the Ryan/Chelsea-Clinton Community Health Center in New York City. The benefit aimed to help ADRLF promote awareness of hepatitis and liver cancer, and provide free hepatitis screenings.
ADRLF’s 2nd Karaoke Nights – V-Day edition held at the Ryan Center in NYC.
“Tonight is a little atypical because usually we are doing more testing, less singing. But tonight, we are having fun and raising some money,” said William Murphy, Executive Director of Ryan/Chelsea-Clinton as he welcomed the excited guests. Professional singers, karaoke fanatics, and romantic crooners took center stage for a spectacle of vocal prowess to the tunes of “Happy,” “Party in the USA,” and Broadway’s “Wicked” — to name a few; with a thrilling range of romantic hits including a show-stopping salute to Adele’s 007 power ballad “Skyfall.”
“It is such a fitting night because Al loved to sing and everyone here is having a great time for an even greater cause,” shared Emmy-winning TV star, Carson Kressley – a founding member of the ADRLF Board, and the festive benefit’s magnetic host.
Special performances included: Drag Artist Extraordinaire Bootsie Lefaris, and up-and-coming recording artist, Cheyenne Elliott, the granddaughter of legendary recording artist and TV-host Dionne Warwick. “It’s an honor for me to be here in this event tonight, celebrating Al and the Foundation. It’s a very positive event and I love being a part of it. Singing is in my roots so I’m really proud to be here tonight,” said Cheyenne.
ADRLF Board Member, Dr Carlos Ortiz, Al’s sister Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy, Bootsie Lefaris and Cheyenne Elliott.
ADRLF Board Member and event host, Carson Kressley and guests take the stage.
The benefit also featured a silent auction of exciting items including: premium tickets for Broadway hits, “On the Town” and “The Visit,” and luxury treatments at D’Mai Spa. An original cupid-inspired drawing made especially for the benefit by renowned New York-based painter/illustrator, ALVARO, was also auctioned off, after much bidding excitement. Free hepatitis and HIV screenings were offered to guests throughout the night, in the adjacent medical offices, in keeping with ADRLF’s mission to help prevent liver diseases and promote overall wellness.
“The next time you do a physical [exam], ask your doctor to do a liver check. Have your liver checked because you may be surprised,” stressed Harriett D. Foy, Broadway star and an ADRLF Founding Board member. “Ask for a hepatitis test because they don’t offer it. You have to ask for it.”
Our friends from RYAN Health Network knew how to bring it on.
The successful fundraiser was thanks to an excellent organizing team and to the generous sponsors, including CHOCnyc which provided the evening’s savory chocolate confections.
Goodies from ChocNYC with dark chocolate varieties that are good for the liver.
“We’re always happy to help out with Ryan Health Center’s activities, especially with the Al D. Rodriguez Foundation,” said CHOCNYc’s Jemal Edwards. “It’s a wonderful organization and the work they are doing is very much needed in our community.” ADRLF would also like to thank the following for their support: Rick Miramontez and Andrew Esposito of O&M Co. Matt Ross of Matt Ross PR Rob Diamond of BroadwayWorld Industry Van Gogh Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation’s Karaoke Nights: Valentine’s Day Edition raised more than $8,200 in ticket sales and donations. All around, it was a successful night of philanthropy and song, in the name of love and liver health awareness.
The silent auction featured premiere Broadway show tickets and d’mai spa certificates.
ADRLF Board Members at the Karaoke Nights V-Day edition.
Photo credit: Monica Simoes
