Erin Pedrini
Web Production Assistant

“Karaoke for a Cause is simply a fun night out with friends and family — all while raising money for a great cause. People our age go out to socialize as it is, so why not incorporate a good deed in the festivities?” asked West Orange native Jenna Rocca, who created Karaoke for a Cause four years ago. Karaoke for a Cause, which is being held Wednesday, May 14, raises money for a different local charity each year. This year all of the funds raised will be benefiting Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Rocca said that she chose to start Karaoke for a Cause after being an active member and president of Sigma Delta Tau National Sorority at Montclair State University. As an alumnae of the sorority, she said that she missed the philanthropic aspect of being involved with the organization, so she decided to start her own fundraiser.

“Growing up in the arts, singing has always been a passion of mine, hence why I love karaoke so much. Music is universal. This is a fun activity to highlight that and bring people together,” said Rocca.

Over the past three years, the event has raised close to $10,000 for the New Jersey AIDS Foundation, Comfort Zone Camp and Shores United Relief Foundation. This year, Rocca said that she hopes to raise $5,000 for Children’s Specialized Hospital.

“A big reason I choose to work with such local foundations is the fact that I can truly know where each dollar goes,” said Rocca.

CSH has a link on their website to a “wish list” page, which shows the types of gifts that shows how donations can provide the best care for the children because the gifts represent the urgent needs of the hospital and our the patients. Rocca said if the event can raise $5,000, she would be able to give the “Gift of Recovery.”

“The gift of recovery could allow children to use the state-of-the-art therapy equipment including a zero-g balance machine, assisted gate training treadmill, vital stimulation units and upgrades to essential rehabilitation equipment or a week-long inpatient stay for a child recovering from a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, premature birth or other rehabilitative need,” according to the CSH website.

“There are multiple layers of what is rewarding about this event. Not only do we make personal connections with these foundations and meet incredible and inspiring people, but also we get to motivate others to give back. Volunteering and donating doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can have an awesome time and make some lasting friendships along the way,” said Rocca. “There’s also a feeling of fulfillment that no amount of money or item could replicate. We often get caught up in our everyday ‘busy’ lives and take what we have for granted. I think spearheading this event not only allows me but also all the attendees to step back and have an opportunity to really give back to others and appreciate the fortunes God has blessed us with.”

Karaoke for a Cause is being held at Sona Thirteen in Morristown at 7 p.m. There is a $10 entry donation. Around 15 to 20 baskets will be raffled off and there will be a 50/50. There is a $1 donation to sing a song. Participants can also “pay off” the Karaoke Jockey to sing next or to call a friend up to sing. This year’s Karaoke Jockey is James Graver (DJ Jimmy) who just participated as a volunteer for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in Russia. If you cannot attend the event but would like to donate, donations can be made here.