Dave Koz and Friends Deliver Happiness and Holiday Cheer to Seriously Ill Children
Kids, families and hospital staff were on their feet, clapping and dancing and getting in the holiday spirit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University thanks to Dave Koz and Friends.
Dave, a longtime Starlight ambassador and Grammy nominated saxophonist, and his team of talented friends -- Melissa Manchester, Jonathan Butler, Michael Lington and Chris Walker --spent an afternoon, just two days before Thanksgiving, filling the hospital hallways full of music and cheer.
During a recording of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ one little girl was clearly a jazz fan as she showed off her dance moves. Watch the adorable video and try not to smile.
Dave and this musical bunch are in full swing for the annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour. No matter how busy he gets, though, Dave makes it a tradition to deliver happiness to seriously ill kids with Starlight during this season.
Once again, Dave and his fans donated very generously to Starlight through the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea silent auctions this past spring. This year’s $200,000 donation will provide Starlight Virtual Reality to 100 children’s hospitals and other health care facilities across the US. Starlight VR comes with 20+ pre-loaded, curated games, apps, and other experiences to help distract kids during difficult medical procedures and helps them relax, laugh and just have fun.
“One of the reasons I continue to record this music and tour every year is that the holidays are a reminder for all of us about the things that matter most,” Dave said. “Music is perhaps our one last vestige of uniting people who may be at odds in other areas of life. I am delighted to see that my cruises are populated by people of every race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. They’re so incredibly generous, making this donation to Starlight possible.”
Dave’s generous spirit doesn’t just stop around the holidays. He has served as ambassador for Starlight for over 25 years and has raised over one million dollars.
“Dave and the Dave Koz Fan Network exemplify the real power that individuals and grassroots donors can have in making a huge impact in the lives of seriously ill children and their families,” said Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight. “We’re so grateful to Dave for his decades of support as a Starlight global ambassador and to his incredibly generous network of devoted fans.”
Join Dave and his fans across the world and give happiness to seriously ill kids this holiday season. Now until the end of the year, you can double your impact! Donations will be matched (up to a max of $50,000) by our friends at Niagara Cares.
