SOS is an amazing organization who have offered financial assistance to thousands of singers who have found themselves in emergency situations. I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of a grant from... text
SOCIETY OF SINGERS
When I was close to losing my home, Society of Singers stepped in and gave me an emergency grant that saved me from homelessness. They gave it to me very quickly- it probably only took a few days following my application for aid. It made all of the difference during one of the worst periods in my life. Wendy Garfink was incredibly kind and went far out of her way to see that I got emergency funding as quickly as possible. She continues to lead this organization with an open heart for the many professional singers who live without benefits, as do most musicians. Words can't express what it means to have someone help you save your home, but that's what SOS did for me. I will never forget their kindness and generosity to me during an extremely stressful period in my life.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
SOS is an amazing organization who have offered financial assistance to thousands of singers who have found themselves in emergency situations. I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of a grant from them when I was in danger of losing my home. It saved me- and I know they've helped save many more like me.
Musicians are a terribly underserved part of our society. Most of them never get any form of health insurance, retirement fund, or any other kind of backup support should they find themselves in an emergency. SOS has stepped in and helped them when they had little or no support from any other source.
I was permanently disabled from regular employment in 2004. By the end of 2005, I had exhausted any emergency money I had on hand, and was facing homelessness. If not for the grant I received from SOS, I would have lost my home.
I can't say enough about SOS. In a matter of DAYS, I received a grant from them. Their empathy throughout the process was nothing less than amazing to me. They helped to give me hope and kept me going when I thought my life was in a permanent downard spiral.
They have my undying thanks for their help. Wendy Garfink is an angel to me, and if there is anything I can do to repay them in kind for what they did for me, I'm very happy to give it.
I hope that this letter of endorsement helps them in getting further support so that they can continue their incredibly valuable support of singers. Words cannot express my gratitude to them.
Gratefully-
Beth Reynolds
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Assisting me with emergency grant funds
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them thousands of volunteers in aiding them to raise funding!!
I was first introduced to SOS by Ella Fitzgerald, who was Godmother to my son. I have been a donor/member of SOS for at least 20 years now. I have personally experienced the amazing dedication of Judy Varley, Director of Operations, and Wendy Garfinkel, Director of Human Services, remain true to the mission of SOS, helping singers in need. I have witnessed the sincere gratitude of many singers who have been helped by SOS. I believe in SOS, as Ella did, which is why I remain a member and will continue donate as much as possible to this important and much needed organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Yes!!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see more donations and donors to become members of SOS
SOS is a truly great organization that has helped 1000's of singers and musicians over the years. I am aware of over 50 personal friends in need that have been assisted over a rough patch by SOS who remain eternally grateful for help, many of which have gone on for an extended career.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've personally experienced the results of this organization from singers who have contacted me with many thanks for referring them to SOS.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Continue to maintain and grow the organization in this difficult ecoomic period. Wendy and Judy are to be commended for their hard and outstanding work.
Society of Singers is extremely dedicated to its clients and continues to work through many hardships to provide for those who most need assistance.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My interactions with clients, who are so grateful for the personal assistance they get - not just financially, but the mental and emotional support they receive as well.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give it millions of dollars!
I am a social work intern at SOS and have come to believe in the mission of this great organization. SOS helps an under-served population in some of their greatest times of need and is so valuable. I only wish more people knew about SOS and that more successful musicians supported it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
witnessing the impact on clients who feel supported, heard and helped by SOS.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase funding.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
working with clients.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help so many singers and improve their quality of life. The impact would be immense.
Ways to make it better...
the organization was supported by more donors.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the drop in donations (partly due to the economy) and that SOS is not as well-known as it could/should be.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I hope everyone who knows about SOS makes sure that everyone they know and those they meet also know about SOS.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I am forever grateful to the Society of Singers. They were instrumental in helping me return to New Orleans after the storm. While rents were skyrocketing, they generously paid my initial deposit. With their help, I am now back home in the city that first inspired me to sing! Thank you SOS!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
receiving much needed help in relocating to my home in New Orleans
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
a great organization
I've been an active member and donor to the Society of Singers (SOS) Organization for over a decade. Introduced to SOS through my work at Warner Chappell Music, I found this valuable organization not only helps with networking, but more importantly, continues to support the fine arts, artists, singer-songwriters and other music-based professionals by providing valuable assistance and referral services. SOS is caring, professional and compassionate -- I've never seen such wonderful support! During this economic climate, it is especially important to continue our support of the arts. Music is vital to our lives, and I believe SOS is at the heart of that support. I encourage everyone to learn more about SOS and their supportive services ... then become a donor and member. You'll be a part of a great experience and a valuable supporter of the beautiful world of music! JEASongs (J Anderson, singer-songwriter)
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Providing support services to many musicians who needed medical and other assisted services during difficult times.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase the marketing of this organization to many art-based departments in various universities, community colleges and other school-based music programs across the nation. I would also make my organization known to as many music retailers as possible, such as: Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and many other musical instrument companies.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
SOS needed funding to continue it's services and keep it's doors open.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
To ensure that SOS continues on and on. We need this organization in the musical arts!
What would you tell others about this organization?
SOS is a valuable organization. Not only as a supporter of arts and artists, but in networking, showcasing, etc. SOS will help ensure that music of all kinds and the artists, professionals and writers will be able to continue in their craft.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I fell on hard times and as a musician in Los Angeles, that's not a long fall. Society of Singers came to my aid and literally saved my life.
Many, many thanks and Blessings upon them!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
coming to my aid.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them more money to help more people.
I have been a professional singer for 30 years and currently live in New Orleans. I've been having a very hard time lately as my home has been foreclosed and I am under a great deal of stress, trying to find a place to live and trying to reach out for help.
Society of Singers has been a life line for me. I am grateful to them. They listened, that gave me valuable information and the emotional support I so needed.
Most people are unaware of the dedication and love of music that singers must have to continue their art. We wouldn't be doing this if we didn't love to sing! It brings people joy and we are often not thought of as musicians.
After spending much of her time with me on the phone, Wendy gave me contact information in New Orleans and went out of her way to get me in touch with a local New Orleans singer, who is also a client of hers.
I know now that in good times and tough times, I have support and a compasionate organization that really cares. I want to continue to bring my voice and my knowledge to the public, students of music and to the elderly.
Thank you so much, Society of Singers.
Maria Kramer, aka: Lady K
New Orleans
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Yes! They have put me in touch with local organizations and others singers in the area.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Move to California and lend a hand! I would become a mega-star and give them millions of dollars!
As one of the founders of SOS, I am extremely pleased to see its wonderful success acknowledged. When Gilda Maiken, Donna Manners, Randy Van Horn and I put the organization together and asked Ginny Mancini to be our the first president, we were filled with expectations of being able to benefit all singers. I had the great pleasure ,while serving as President of the Hollywood Media Association, to present the first donation of a measly $250 from that organization to Tony Martin as the prepresentative of the Society of Singers. That was the original seed money that helped defray the start up funds needed.
I am very proud of my association with SOS and can only give my best wishes for its continued success.
Anthony (Tony) Adams
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I served as the first Secretary and later a VP and helped in fund raising. It ws such a pleasure to see the first assistance go out to Ella Mae Morris who was so very deserving of our help.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of any changes as I am no longer a member of the board of directors.
Through web searching I found the Society of Singers when found out that I would need $20,000 to get my front teeth replaced with implants. Even though they had no funds available at this time they spent a lot of time helping me organize my presentation and finding other music and arts organizations to apply to for help. They were unfailingly kind and encouraging during a very difficult time. I was so glad to have found them when I was feeling alone and not quite knowing how or where to get any help at all. With their help I have managed to find other organizations that are helping me start a small dental fund for the work I so desperately need. I was so surprised to know that there was anyone out there at all and am so grateful for all their efforts
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
With SOS help I found some of the funding I need for emergency dental work.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have money available for emergency funds.
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