SOCIETY OF SINGERS
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May 27, 2012
I have made a living in music full time since i was 16 yrs old. About 2 years ago I was on a job out of town recording and after leaving the studio I tripped and fell head first onto a concrete walkway, leaving me with severe injuries. I had broken out my front teeth, severely injured my left hand and arm with a lot of nerve damage, leaving me unable to work or play my instrument. Music is the only job I have ever had so this was devastating. The Society Of Singers was there for me and helped me greatly. Not only with financial support with basic needs but with advice leading me to legal and medical help as well. It's been 2 years of hospitals, therapy and rehabilitation since the accident. Wendy and the SOS is still there assisting me any way they can. I am very thankful for all their compassion, understanding and assistance during my time of recovery and healing. Please continue to support and raise awareness for this great organization. So they can continue helping those in need.
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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?
2012
May 22, 2012
Society of Singers truly understands how challenging the life of an entertainer can be. I went through a period of unemployment. All of my resources were exhausted. SOS helped me with money for rent. This really gave me peace of mind that I wouldn't get further behind on my bills while looking for work. They expressed such kindness, compassion and understanding. I like to think of them as angels to the artist community. I am truly blessed to have been a recipient of their services.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
May 21, 2012
My name is Rebekah Del Rio. I am a professional singer/songwriter who has been in numerous films and TV and have had record deals as well as put out my own independent albums. Like many self employed creatives, I have always lived paycheck to paycheck. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to perform with major super stars and in major motion pictures, however, I have never realized my own dream of being on tour and making a 'real' living at my music. I have always had a survival job and last year I was injured from a show and was not recovering very well. My husband discovered he has thoracic disc disease and has been unable to help support us and our landlord was desperately trying to make us leave our rent controlled home of 11 years so he could up the rent. I had been trying to release a self funded (and kickstarter funded) album and tour but to no avail. We were in desperate need of assistance for our basic living expenses and medical premiums. I reached out to Wendy at S.O.S. and she was quick to assist us, not only in granting us some much needed funds to pay our basic living needs while we tried to catch up but she also worked with other organizations to help us recieve more funds to pay for our food, shelter, insurance and utilities. Wendy and The Society of Singers were wonderful to us and did not make me feel like a beggar but she made us realize that sometimes we ALL need a little help from our friends and being a professional singer doesn't mean you are always in the money. I have not been paid for so many of my vocals, from companies and directors who have the money to pay me but refuse to do so. If there were not foundations such as S.O.S. to help out, I don't know what would have become of us in that situation. We are still struggling to keep afloat but at least we are still in our home and the bills were paid. Please share this with everyone! S.O.S. is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!!'' love & light Rebekah Del Rio
Photos
Videos
Rebekah Del Rio in Mulhollad Drive singing Crying in Espanol Llorando
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the fact that because of their generous grant, I was able to stay in my home and to get the medical attention that my husband and I desperately needed due to their assistance with my medical premium.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
wish that there were more grants to help them have more representatives. Wendy works alone most times (at least in 2011) and she could use some more funds to get a staff to help her.
More feedback...
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?
2012
How did you find this group?
Through Music Cares who is also a WONDERFUL charity.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
To believe in the power of HELP. S.O.S. and the other charities such as Music Cares, The Opry Fund, REALLY helped us and it was very hard to accept the fact that we were so down and out at that period that we needed assistance just to keep from getting evicted or from getting our personal medical insurance cancelled which would have been devastating. So it helped me and encouraged me to ask for help when I really need it.
1 person found this review helpful
May 18, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
To whom it may concern, There is a non-profit organization out in the world today that is literally saving people from the hardships that are thrown our way in these difficult times. My family and I have recently been the benefactors of their good will. I am proud to say that my family and I are in a much better position spiritually and economically because of them. This organization is SOS, The Society of Singers. I can not tell you enough how important they are, and the lives that have been touched by them. I am the father of three children and married to a wonderful wife, and we will forever feel indebted to SOS for coming to our aid when we most needed it. The people, especially Wendy Garfinkel, are caring individuals and are truly dedicated to helping others through difficult times. They are committed and I am so very thankful for them. Thank you for your time, and I hope that you recognize this important organization in our community known as SOS for the wonderful non-profit that it is. They have changed many lives, including my own. Respectfully yours, Zeus Mendoza - Los Angeles, CA
More feedback...
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?
2012
May 17, 2012
Society of Singers helped me greatly in a time of need. I am a singer/songwriter from Hollywood and have been performing, creating and giving to my community since I was a kid. Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and SOS generously helped me with critical bills I couldn't pay. SOS saved my life!
Photos
More feedback...
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?
2011
May 17, 2012
I didn't know where to turn after being assaulted on a gig and losing a summer of income, my glasses, and accruing huge medical bills. SOS stepped in and gave me the assistance I needed and a much appreciated sympathetic ear.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
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?
2011
May 16, 2012
I have been a professional singer and songwriter for most of my adult life. I've been able to bring in money from my gigs and doing various part time jobs to cover my living expenses. For me, that has been a real problem because of the medical conditions I'm dealing with. As I've gotten older my physical health and disability has effected my ability to make a living. I can't do regular 9 to 5 jobs and I not able to do play my guitar or sit or stand for the 3-4 hours that are required for live performance gigs, which I used to do with out any problem. It has been a very stressful time in my life that I've had to lean on God and others to keep me going. I was recently referred to SOS from another non-profit that offers assistance to singers and musician in emergency or crisis. When I called and spoke to Wendy I could tell that she had a good heart and really cared about me and my situation and understand what I was going through, she also had a great sense of humor which I appreciate She was very professional and helped me through the application process and was quick to get back to me when I had a question. I got help to cover my past due rent and it really gave me hope to keep on going. I can't say enough good things about Wendy and SOS. They are a real blessing to the music community and singers when they need some one to help get through a difficult time in life. I hope one day to be able to help them financially and pay it forward so they can continue to help others music professionals in there time of need. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and heart concerning SOS. Gods blessing to you all :) Terry Bell
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
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?
2012
February 1, 2012
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.
More feedback...
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
January 28, 2011
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!!
June 22, 2011
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
June 16, 2011
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.
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