[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SING FOR HOPE AND THE SING FOR HOPE PIANOS PROJECT

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                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the 
non-profit organization Sing for Hope, located in midtown Manhattan and 
dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. The Sing for Hope 
vision of ``art for all'' reflects their belief that the arts have the 
unique power to uplift, unite, and transform individuals and 
communities. They rely on the time and services donated by over 1,000 
local New York City artists and performers who perform in schools, 
community centers and healthcare facilities. The mission of Sing for 
Hope is defined by the volunteer service of artists, and their belief 
in the transformative power of the arts.
  The co-founding Directors of Sing for Hope, Camille Zamora and Monica 
Yunus, are internationally acclaimed opera singers who met as students 
at Juilliard. They established Sing for Hope in 2006 as a vehicle to 
encourage artists to give back to their communities. Since then, Sing 
for Hope has brought the magic of the arts to underserved communities 
throughout New York City and implemented a variety of outreach programs 
serving children, senior citizens, and people recovering from illness 
at healthcare facilities.
  This summer marks the return of a very popular program created by 
Sing for Hope--``The Sing for Hope Pianos.'' Eighty-eight colorfully 
decorated pianos, which symbolize the 88 keys of a piano, are placed 
throughout New York City's public spaces in all five boroughs, for all 
members of the public to play and to enjoy. After the project ends, the 
pianos are then donated to underresourced schools and hospitals. ``The 
Sing for Hope Pianos'' are a striking embodiment of the role the arts 
play in our lives, and remind us that everyone should have access to 
treasured cultural resources. This year's return of ``The Sing for Hope 
Pianos'' has been made possible by the dedicated generosity of several 
entities: Chobani, Inc., a New York State-based company led by its 
President & CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, as well as the Arnhold Foundation in 
honor of Sissy Arnhold, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, 
and the Bill and Ann Ziff Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and 
congratulating Sing for Hope on this year's ``Sing for Hope Pianos'' 
project, as well as their ongoing dedication to volunteer service and 
community engagement, through encouraging greater access to the arts.

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