A Tribute to Our Founders
Music For All Seasons 35th Anniversary Gala
- Monday, November 9, 2026
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Liberty House, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305 (Liberty State Park)
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
A Note About Givebutter Tips & Fees
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Join us for an unforgettable evening as Music For All Seasons celebrates 35 years of transforming lives through music at A Tribute to Our Founders. This special evening honors the visionaries whose dedication and belief in the healing power of music laid the foundation for everything we do today.
Set against the breathtaking New York City skyline at Liberty House, guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring dinner, open bar, live music, and a curated auction, along with inspiring performances by Music For All Seasons artists. The program will showcase internationally acclaimed touring musicians, composers, and Grammy-nominated performers, reflecting the artistry and excellence that define our mission.
Throughout the evening, we will celebrate the legacy of our founders while highlighting the ongoing impact of Music For All Seasons — nurturing human connection in under-resourced communities through healing musical experiences and meaningful collaborations with professional musicians.
The gala will be hosted by actress, activist, and longtime Music For All Seasons supporter Bo Derek, with music direction by Julio Fernandez and Ron Haney. Together, they will help lead an evening filled with meaningful moments, powerful performances, and stories that celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Music For All Seasons.
Proceeds from the gala directly support Music For All Seasons programs, ensuring that music continues to serve as a powerful force for hope, healing, and connection — for all seasons.
— Music For All Seasons Founders
Rena Fruchter & Brian Dallow (1943–2024)
Music For All Seasons was founded in 1991 by Rena Fruchter and Brian Dallow, whose shared vision was rooted in the extraordinary ability of music to reach people, create connection, and bring comfort where it is needed most.
Over the past 35 years, that vision has grown into programs bringing professional musicians and meaningful musical experiences to under-resourced communities. Through their dedication, artistry, and belief in the power of human connection through music, Rena and Brian created a legacy that continues to guide Music For All Seasons today.
As we celebrate this milestone, we honor Rena and remember Brian, who passed away in 2024, while celebrating the vision they shared, the lives touched through their work, and the enduring impact of what they began together 35 years ago.
— Event Leadership
Event Chair Bo Derek with Co-Music Directors Julio Fernandez and Ron Haney.
*Bo Derek
Event Chair
Acclaimed actress, producer, and humanitarian Bo Derek has devoted decades to supporting America’s Veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
In recognition of her extraordinary commitment, Bo received the highest award offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for her advocacy on behalf of America’s Veterans. Her longstanding dedication to the Veteran community makes her role as Event Chair especially meaningful to Music For All Seasons and our Voices of Valor program.
*Julio Fernandez
Co-Music Director
Seven-time Grammy-nominated guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer Julio Fernandez has built an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades. An internationally touring musician, Julio has performed on stages around the world and continues to tour and perform today.
Julio has also shared his artistry with Music For All Seasons and Voices of Valor, working directly with Veterans through the creative process of songwriting and music along with being in MFAS Board of Advisory.
*Ron Haney
Co-Music Director
Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, guitarist, bassist, and multi-instrumentalist Ron Haney has built a diverse career spanning songwriting, recording, producing, touring, film, and television.
Ron is also a dedicated musician-facilitator with Music For All Seasons. Through Voices of Valor, he works directly with Veterans to help transform their stories and experiences into original songs and professional recordings.
— 35th Anniversary Honoree
*Glen Ward
Founder & President, Rhythm & Relief
Music For All Seasons (MFAS) will honor longtime music industry leader and philanthropist Glen Ward, Founder and President of Rhythm & Relief, as its 35th Anniversary Honoree during A Tribute to Our Founders, the organization’s 35th Anniversary Gala on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Liberty House in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Ward has spent more than 40 years in the music and entertainment industry, building a career that has combined business leadership, music, and philanthropy. His experience includes serving as CEO of Virgin Entertainment Group in North America, Chairman of NARM, now known as the Music Business Association, and Chairman of the Jazz Bakery, as well as board service with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and Music For All Seasons.
His relationship with MFAS reflects a longstanding commitment to the belief that music can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Ward went on to found Rhythm & Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and amplifying organizations that use music to improve health and well-being. Rhythm & Relief brings together a growing network of music-based nonprofits across the country, including Music For All Seasons and its Voices of Valor initiative, raising awareness and support for programs serving people facing trauma, isolation, illness, and other challenges.
“Glen’s connection to Music For All Seasons and his continued advocacy for the healing power of music make this recognition especially meaningful as we celebrate our 35th anniversary,” said Rena Fruchter, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Music For All Seasons. “His work carries forward a belief that has been at the heart of MFAS since its founding: that music has the ability to reach people, create connection, and bring comfort when it is needed most.”
— An Evening to Remember
Set against the breathtaking New York City skyline at Liberty House, guests will enjoy an elegant evening celebrating 35 years of Music For All Seasons.
Dinner & Open Bar • Live Musical Performances • Curated Auction • Special Tribute to Our Founders
MFAS Gala- Tribute to Our Founders. Fundraising event on 11/9/26.
Be Part of the Celebration
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Program Events
Music For All Seasons (MFAS) offers a wide range of programs throughout the year, featuring diverse musical styles and serving a variety of communities. Our regular programs take place in facilities across many sectors. While these are not public performances and tickets are not sold, we welcome members of the public to attend and participate alongside facility residents whenever possible. Because of the private nature of these venues, we do not publish a public schedule of events.
If you are interested in attending a program, please contact our office at 908-322-6300 or email us at info@musicforallseasons.org. We’ll be happy to coordinate your visit. Attendance must be confirmed with the facility a few days in advance, but in most cases, visitors are warmly welcomed- especially at nursing homes and adult day care centers.
MFAS Programs
- Interactive Music Experience
- Programs for Seniors – Est. 1991
- Voices of Hope & Healing (Shelter Programs) – Est. 2000
- Wide World of Music Project (Educational Program for Youth) – Est. 2024
- Specialized Initiatives
- Voices of Valor (Veteran Program) – Est. 2011
- Voices of Empowerment (Juvenile & Teen Program) – Est. 2015
- MFAS / NJ MSU Cali Collective (Graduate Program) – Est. 2022
- Voices of Change (Youth Program) – Est. 2023
- Voices of Healing (Indigenous and Tribal Communities) – Est. 2025
Please note: For safety and confidentiality reasons, programs held in domestic violence shelters and those involving minors are not open to the public.
