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'Twas An Evening Of Holiday Magic ...
Wrapped In Generous Talent And Song  

December 15, 2012

Note: Especially today, following the numbing horror in Newtown, CT, we look to reminders of good in our world. Certainly that's Jeff Gelder and friends, and their annual project to bring cheer to hospitalized children during the holidays. Thank you and bless you, Jeff and crew, for your tireless work.VoiceOverXtra asked Jeff to describe a recent Holiday Magic event ...


By Jeff Gelder

Voice Talent & Producer

The tables glittered, the candles flickered, the centerpieces delighted the senses and the talent shined! 

An Evening of Holiday Magic was enjoyed by all who generously attended this fundraiser Saturday, December 8 at Casa De Luz in North Park San Diego.

Holiday Magic, A Gift For Children Of All Ages is an annual CD produced and provided free-of-charge to hospitalized children through the Children’s Holiday Magic Project. Pictured above is our recent delivery of CDs to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

The CD tells the story of Jeffrey the Surfer Reindeer and Santa Claus as they make their way from the North Pole to visit children. Each annual edition is a new chapter in this quest, featuring the songs, rhymes and antics of our volunteers - many of whom also entertain children as we personally distribute the CDs to children's hospitals in the San Diego area.

MOMENTUM GROWS ANNUALLY


I'm proud of the momentum the organization has made in its 10 years, and many inquiries come in about the CD all year long.

At least 6,000 CDs are being delivered this month to kids in Children’s Hospitals around the country, plus in London and Singapore. (PIctured: Recent CD delivery and entertainment volunteers at Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego.)

The submissions for this year’s CD were terrific and plentiful, and the selection committee had a difficult time narrowing them down to what would fit on the CD.

FUNDRAISER SONG AND STORIES

The fundraiser was graced in song and stories with a special appearance by Nichelle Nichols (pictured, with me), an American actress, singer and voice artist. 

Before turning to acting, Miss Nichols sang with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, and her most famous role is that of communications officer Lieutenant Uhura aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise in the popular television series Star Trek

In addition to Miss Nichols, appearances by artists featured on the CD included Marian Michaels, Ashley Fox-Linton, Teri Wilder, Peggy Lebo, and Karl Anthony

Food tasting was provided by Casa De Luz, known in San Diego for an organic, gluten-free, vegan and whole food menu.

As an organization that promotes health and wellness, Casa De Luz was the perfect venue for the CD release event since the children are striving for health and to live the healthiest lives they can. Casa De Luz plans to be a part of the fundraiser again next year.

FABULOUS SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Several businesses provided Silent Auction Items where additional funds were raised. These items included Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets, a romantic weekend retreat in Big Bear, a week stay in a Maui condo, Farmer Insurance Golf Classic tickets, Sea World tickets, art work and handcrafted jewelry by local artists - to name just a few of the fabulous items that were won.

"I was so honored to be a volunteer for the Holiday Magic CD release party," says voice talent Martha Kahn. "There truly was magic in the air! Incredibly talented artists came together for the sole purpose of supporting these kids. And everyone worked to ensure a special night."

YOUR DONATION WILL HELP


The event was open to the public and if you weren't able to attend, you can still make your donation online by going to the Children’s Holiday Magic Project Donations page, holidaymagiccd.org/donations. No donation is too big or too small.

More info about participating in this heartfelt event next year may be directed to info@holidaymagiccd.org or (619) 795-1740. 
------------------------------------------------
ABOUT JEFF

A voice talent since 1994, Jeff Gelder is producer and owner of Gelderhead Productions, based in San Diego, and narrates for many brand name projects. His voice is heard locally in San Diego on his radio show airing Saturdays on KYXY 96.5 FM. He is also narrator of the children’s hospital television special, One Child, One Life.


Web: www.GelderHead.com
Email: gelderhead@me.com


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