Available & Upcoming Programs:

Speaker: Organ Donation through the donor family perspective 

Speaker: Group Presentations: This program connects education services or presentations to our local community. We provide on site organ donation and registration information, story telling from families of organ donors, donor recipients and living donors.  This can be an intimate tabling, one on one program or presented to large groups. 

Create from the Heart: This program connects AJ's passion for the arts to his last casting call as an organ donor. As a dancer, singer, photographer and all around creative person we honor his legacy by connecting the arts to creating organ donor education and awareness through artistic creations. 

Donations 4 Donors (D4D): This program will offer services to donor hero families from time of yes to time of goodbye. We are in the planning process and would love your input and assistance in developing a one of a kind program for donor families. Our goal is to assist donor families with services for each family such as facilitating a donation page, accepting hotel, airline and credit card points, providing information and resources  for We will give opportunity for friends, family and benevolent strangers to make direct donations to families to fulfill these needs so they can more time with their loved one and less doing other things.

          Press, Additional Photos & Videos Links

The AJ Project's artists driven passion project is #Createfromtheheart

This annual event is held in Queens NY is an homage to AJ's talents in the arts and his final casting call as an organ donor.  The event highlights local emerging and professional singers, dancers and video production teams.  We speak of AJ's organ donation and high light local organ donor recipients and those in need. The event highlights any services, productions and future initiatives that The AJ Project is working on. Visit our AJ Project YouTubechannel to see the talent and productions that made these events special since 2016.

The AJ Project is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

2019 Create from the Heart: Thank you to all who came out to support, donated, gave items for auction or raffles and volunteered their time and talents to The AJ Projects 3rd Annual Friend Raiser held April 6, 2019 at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows NY.

The funds raised will pay for the hard cost of running a volunteer organization. This year our mission is to grow our Create from the HeART program and continue to create projects that combined music, dance, video and live production to create a voice to the need for organ donor registration.  

Imagine being handed a recording of your son's last heartbeat. In October 2013, this was a gift Christine Perrelli received from her husband Anthony just hours after their 26-year-old son became an organ donor.  

April is Organ Donor Awareness Month so it was very appropriate for The AJ Project to present this dance piece called Create From the HeART at our annual friend raiser on April 6, 2019.  Thanks to musician Jarvis Green, choreographer Kerry McManus, support from the Corson Family Foundation and volunteers from The AJ Project, our dream of producing a music and dance piece inspired by AJ's heartbeat came to life. This one project brought together so many elements of the AJ Projects mission of connecting and providing support to creative artists and bringing a voice to causes through the arts.

Pictured: L-R Cristina Tumillo, Kerry McManus, Christopher Makens, Liana Kleinman, Dani Cole and Emily Kramm  

The Story of Organ Donation has many sides. Click the link below to see

Lisa Baxter Speaks her truth as a long time dialysis patient and kidney recipient. 

Pictured:  L-R Lisa Baxter, AJ Perrelli (photo) Christine Perrelli

"People ask me why I started the AJ Project and why we choose the arts and to advocate for organ donation. What I tell them is this. Here we are five years later and because of AJ’s story and The AJ Project I can still talk about my son like a proud momma. I get to brag of his accomplishments as an artists and his generosity as a donor.  I always hope that his story will inspire creatives to work hard and give back to the community."  

Christine Perrelli, AJ's mother and  co-founder, The AJ Project

We are an arts org.

We bring professional and emerging artist together to raise funds and awareness to important critical issues and causes. 

We champion the importance of organ donor registration.  

Why? #4AJ 

501(c)3 not for profit 

2019 Create from the heART was brought to you with contributions from

To watch all the performance from the 2019 Create from the HeART - Playlist Here 

Click Performers Pictures for individual performances

Michael Perrelli sings Paint it Black

Erich Schett Sings Invention

Eric Schuett sings Needs to Know

Nick Perrelli sings The Summer Wind

Meghan Jenkins sings At Last

Meghan Jenkins sings Thats Life

Frank Paris - Magician Performs

Blac Diamond Band

Do you want to co-host an event? Reach out to @4theajproject on facebook, instagram or twitter or email info @4theajproject.org

Press- Around Queens Event Coverage

Press - Dance Network

Why organ donation?

* Because of AJ, people world wide registered for organ donation

* When the Perrelli family heard the statistics on donation in our area they were appalled

* Even though you may be registered you family can still refuse your wishes

* Not everyone is able to donate organs but there are other options such as tissue, corneas and bone

In NY/HudsonValley/Long Island Area

In 2013 

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 223 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

In 2018

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 313 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

*Statistics provided by Unos and LiveOnNY 

Why The AJ Project? The simple answer is #4AJ.  

When AJ passed away, a fund was set up to help with his burial costs. After all was done, there was $800 still in the account. AJ's mother promised that any remaining money would be put into a fund for the arts in honor of AJ. The AJ Project was born.

This project exists as an extension of its namesake: AJ Perrelli's love of creating and connecting those who create. AJ was a professional dancer, singer, actor and artist who left us too soon at 26. His final casting call was as an organ donor. Because of AJ's generosity both in life and after his death, people worldwide were inspired to pursue their passions for the the arts and sign up as organ donors.

The AJ Project is dedicated to the memory of Anthony "AJ" Perrelli (AJ's story)  
August 5, 1987 - October 16, 2013

The AJ Project is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Imagine being handed a recording of your son's last heartbeat. In October 2013, this was a gift Christine Perrelli received from her husband Anthony just hours after their 26-year-old son became an organ donor.  

April is Organ Donor Awareness Month so it was very appropriate for the NYC based non profit for the arts called The AJ Project to present this dance piece called Create From the HeART at their annual friend raiser on April 6, 2019.  Thanks to musician Jarvis Green, choreographer Kerry McManus, support from the Corson Family Foundation and volunteers from The AJ Project, Christine's dream of producing a music and dance piece inspired by AJ's heartbeat came to life. This one project brought together so many elements of the AJ Projects mission of connecting and providing support to creative artists and bringing a voice to causes through the arts.

Create from the heART made its premiere during Organ Donor Awareness Month at the AJ Project's 3rd Annual Friend Raiser for Organ Donor Awareness held at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadow New York.  

"People ask me why I started the AJ Project and why we choose the arts and to advocate for organ donation. What I tell them is this. Here we are five years later and because of AJ’s story and The AJ Project I can still talk about my son like a proud momma. I get to brag of his accomplishments as an artists and his generosity as a donor.  I always hope that his story will inspire creatives to work hard and give back to the community."  

Christine Perrelli, AJ's mother and  co-founder, The AJ Project

We are an arts org.

We bring professional and emerging artist together to raise funds and awareness to important critical issues and causes. 

We champion the importance of organ donor registration.  Why? #4AJ 

501(c)3 not for profit 

Why organ donation?

* Because of AJ, people world wide registered for organ donation

* When the Perrelli family heard the statistics on donation in our area they were appalled

* Even though you may be registered you family can still refuse your wishes

* Not everyone is able to donate organs but there are other options such as tissue, corneas and bone

In NY/HudsonValley/Long Island Area

In 2013 

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 223 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

In 2018

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 313 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

*Statistics provided by Unos and LiveOnNY 

Why The AJ Project? The simple answer is #4AJ.  

When AJ passed away, a fund was set up to help with his burial costs. After all was done, there was $800 still in the account. AJ's mother promised that any remaining money would be put into a fund for the arts in honor of AJ. The AJ Project was born.

This project exists as an extension of its namesake: AJ Perrelli's love of creating and connecting those who create. AJ was a professional dancer, singer, actor and artist who left us too soon at 26. His final casting call was as an organ donor. Because of AJ's generosity both in life and after his death, people worldwide were inspired to pursue their passions for the the arts and sign up as organ donors.

The AJ Project is dedicated to the memory of Anthony "AJ" Perrelli (AJ's story)  
August 5, 1987 - October 16, 2013

The AJ Project is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Clicking on title will take you to the page!

Around Queens with Luchia Dragosh highlights the fascinating events and places that make Queens the hub for arts, entertainment, and science. From school, and summer programs to gardening, and exploring unique spots.  Around Queens is your guide to the world's most diverse community.

September 13, 2019

Six years after AJ's gift's of life AJ's mom Christine, his sister Catherine and Grandma Susie Perrelli meet two of AJ's Organ Recipients.  

VIDEO - ABC News Coverage

VIDEO - Channel 12 Coverage 

April 2019 -

AROUND QUEENS

QPTV AROUND Queens Article

Around Queens - Public Television - AJ Project Video

June 10, 2019

Astoria Characters by Nancy Ruhling - ARTICLE  Astoria Characters: The Woman Keeping he son's memory alive. 

Facebook post: Astoria Characters

Dance Network/Article-The AJ Project Strives to Build Organ Donor Awareness Through the Arts

2019 Friend Raising Event Create from the HeART You tube playlist 

2019 AJ Project 3rd Annual Create from the HeART Friend Raiser Event Photos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Christine Perrelli 

407-760-0416 

[email protected]

Astoria, Queens NY

Imagine being handed a recording of your son's last heartbeat.

In October 2013, this was the gift that Christine Perrelli received from her husband Anthony just hours after their 26-year-old son became an organ donor.  

On April 6, thanks to musician Jarvis Green, choreographer Kerry McManus and volunteers from The AJ Project, Christine's dream of producing a music and dance piece inspired by AJ's heartbeat will come to life at the AJ Project's 3rd Annual Friend Raiser for Organ Donor Awareness.

"People ask me why I am started the AJ Project and why we choose to advocate for organ donation. What I tell them is here we are five years later and because of AJ’s story and The AJ Project I can still talk about my son like a proud momma. I get to brag of his accomplishments as an artists and his generosity as a donor.  I always hope that his story will inspire creatives to work hard and give back to the community."  Christine Perrelli, AJ's mother and  co-founder, The AJ Project

Create from the heart rehearsal 30 sec edit w/voiceover

Create from the heart rehearsal 30 sec edit no voice over

• Rehearsals are underway for a fund raiser for organ donor awareness. 
• In 2014 the AJ Project was formed to honor AJ Perrelli who was an actor, dancer and singer. 
• This dance is inspired by AJ’s heartbeat that that was recorded hour before his organ donation.
• The event will be held on Saturday April 6th from 1-5 pm at Terrace on the Park in Queens. 

We ask you to join us 

Saturday, April 6th from 1-5 pm at Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Park, as we feature the world premiere of the dance piece Create from the HeArt as well as work from other talented performers. Share the love with us, and enjoy lunch, live music, auctions, raffles and door prizes.

Tickets and sponsorship information at www.4theajproject.org.  

Suggested donation $70.00

Why organ donation?

* Because of AJ, people world wide registered for organ donation-

* When the Perrelli family heard the statistics on donation in our area they were appalled-

* Even though you may be registered you family can still refuse your wishes-

* Not everyone is able to donate organs but there are other options such as tissue, corneas and bone options- 

In NY/HudsonValley/Long Island Area

In 2013 

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 223 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

In 2018

Ranked 50th in the nation for organ donation

only 313 people donated organs

Over 10,000 people on the waiting list

*Statistics provided by Unos and LiveOnNY 

Why The AJ Project? The simple answer is #4AJ.  

When AJ passed away, a fund was set up to help with his burial costs. After all was done, there was $800 still in the account. AJ's mother promised that any remaining money would be put into a fund for the arts in honor of AJ. The AJ Project was born.

This project exists as an extension of its namesake: AJ Perrelli's love of creating and connecting those who create. AJ was a professional dancer, singer, actor and artist who left us too soon at 26. His final casting call was as an organ donor. Because of AJ's generosity both in life and after his death, people worldwide were inspired to pursue their passions for the the arts and sign up as organ donors.

We are an arts org.

We bring professional and emerging artist together to raise funds and awareness to important critical issues and causes. 

We champion the importance of organ donor registration.  Why? #4AJ 

501(c)3 not for profit 

Additional Links:

Google Drive Link photos-word doc-logos

Website         https://www.4theajproject.org

Interview with Christine Perrelli 2018 CFH.      https://youtu.be/6PLm8bGlISE

Pictures and Videos 2018 CFH.    2018 AJ Project Create From the Heart Recap

2017 Body Painting OD PSA.    https://www.4theajproject.org/nyc_organ_donor_campaign

Permission is granted to use Youtube channel produced videos 

Videos- You tube Channel - AJ Project Productions

Create from the heart rehearsal footage with voice over

Audio Visual Sponsor : LiveOnNY

Write your why and publish it here!

CLICK THE LINKS TO SEE VIDEOS- Scroll down for event photos

they are on a playlist for each event.  

If you want to go directly to our youtube page click the link below

OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL   

@4THEAJPROJECT

2018 Create from the Heart Friend Raiser

2017 Winter Whimsey Friend Raiser

2017- F.A.M. CLUB  Boys and Girls Club 

ABOUT FAM CLUB

ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS Videos

2016 and before events

TONY VIEWING PARTY

ROCKY HORROR VIEWING PARTY

AJ PERRELLI PERFORMANCES

Check out the photos below the video link! 

Thank you for your generous donation of a raffle/auction item for our 2nd annual AJ Project Friend Raiser. In order to feature your generous gift properly and guarantee you receive a receipt for you records please send an email to [email protected] along with a picture of the item if applicable. 

Include:

Name of business or person making in kind donation

Description of the item donated

Value of the item

If there is a special story attached to the donation i.e., hand made, inspired by, one of a kind etc. please include 

If you have any questions feel free to call Christine at 407-630-9801

www.theajproject.org

Dear Friends,

The AJ Project cultivates opportunities for emerging and professional creative artists to connect, create and give back to the community. Currently we are teaching an after school film, arts, and media program (F.A.M Club) at the Boys and Girls Club in Queens NY, produce videos for other non profits and create organ donor awareness. Even though we are a volunteer based organization it takes money to make these programs a success. 

On Saturday, January 27th, 2018 we will be hosting our 2nd Annual Friend Raiser themed Create From the Heart and would appreciate your support. Your tax deductible gift of sponsorship, raffle item or auction item will go a long way in helping us reach our goals. 

Last years 1st annual Friend Raiser was a huge success. The afternoon was filled with old and new friends, live entertainment, professionally produced video productions, 2 amazing organ donor recipient guest speakers, great food and 24 raffle items. With only 24 days to plan and 121 guests in attendance we raised enough money to launch the FAM Club and sustain our monthly bills for one year. 

With the success of our 2017 and more time to plan we have set some pretty lofty goals for 2018. With your help, we hope to reach our goals of 300 guests, enough money to cover our operating cost for a year (we are very frugal) buy a few pieces of gear for the FAM Club, a laptop computer, expand our after school program to the summer, start a weekend program open to kids 15 - 18 and hire a small paid staff. It seems like a lot to ask but since our birth in 2014 we have never been shy in setting goals and have achieved most of them. We planned our growth to be slow and steady. This was to assure we set down the correct roots for sustainability and maintain our mission and vision for the future.  

Our inspiration comes from the determination and fearlessness of our name sake AJ Perrelli. AJ was a professional dancer, singer, actor and stage performer who passed away at the young age of 26. His final casting was as an organ donor. Because of AJ both in life and after his death people world wide were inspired to pursue their passions for the the arts and also sign up as organ donors. 

The AJ Project is very thankful to the scores of AJ’s friends, family and colleagues who have supported us these past few years. We are thrilled with the prospect of continuing to widen our reach and share his story in an effort to inspire others to create from the heart. Every little bit helps and every little bit is one more young person we can teach, one more emerging artist we can support and one more opportunity for The AJ Project to make a positive contribution to our community. 

From our heart to yours we look forward to adding your name and your energy to our cast of supporters.

VIP Partner: $5000

Co-sponsor of the Event, logo or name listed on all event materials including step and repeat, print and social media materials, highlight story on AJP blog and social media, logo featured on website, social media and print materials for one year, opportunity for sponsor to speak at the event, meet and greet and photo ops with talent, 2 reserved tables with 4 bottles of wine on each. 20 VIP tickets to the event.

Video Production Sponsor: $4000.00 

Producer Credit on our Organ Donor Campaign Video, Logo listed on all event materials including step and repeat, print and social media materials, highlight story on AJP blog and social media, logo featured on website, social media and print materials for one year, opportunity for sponsor to speak at the event, meet and greet and photo ops with talent. Reserved tables with 2 bottles of wine on each. 8 VIP tickets to the event.

Gold Sponsor $3000

Logo listed on all event materials including step and repeat, social media recognition, logo featured on website and event pages, meet and greet and photo op with talent. Reserved table with 4 bottles of wine. 10 VIP tickets to the event.

Audio Visual Sponsor $2000.00 or Gear (equivalent in kind donations of services and/or gear accepted)

Logo or name listed on all event materials including step and repeat, print and social media materials, highlight story on AJP blog and social media, logo featured on website, social media and print materials for one year, opportunity for sponsor to speak at the event, meet and greet and photo ops with talent. Reserved tables with 2 bottles of wine on each. 8 VIP tickets to the event.

Sponser a Table $1500

Logo or Name listed on all event materials, logo featured on website and event pages, meet and greet and photo op with talent. Reserved table with 2 bottles of wine. 8 VIP tickets to the event and donate 2 to our volunteer staff. 

Volunteer Sponsor $300.00 

Buys four meals for our volunteer staff. Logo or Name listed on all event materials, logo featured on website and event pages,

Bartender Fee Sponsor $ 250.00

We are charged a fee outside of the per person cost and would love to have that covered. Your name/logo will be placed on the bar and on all event materials. 

Raffle and Auction Items:  Please click on the Raffle/Auction link for more information.  

Recap of The AJ Project 2018 Friend Raiser
Posted by Christine Perrelli · September 30, 2018 10:49 PM · 2 reactions

The AJ Project Fiscally Sponsors LIC Reading Series - Receives QCA Grant
Posted by Aj Project · February 07, 2017 5:25 PM · 1 reaction

by Christine Perrelli 
[email protected]
performers and production contact [email protected]

The iconic Astor Room located in the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens NY is making a name for itself as a premiere hotspot showcasing amazing singers, musicians and the occasional magician. Now you can add a monthly Burlesque Show to the mix. Starting Thursday, September 29th the Speakeasy Burlesque NY will debut in the new event space called Studio A. The evening will benefit a non profit for the arts called The AJ Project.

Produced by Director/Choreographer Steven Cardona in partnership with The AJ Project a 501(c)3 non profit for the arts, the themed shows plan on engaging the audience's through texting and emailing a secret password for entrance, drink specials and to receive the theme for the next months show.  Guest are not required to dress the theme but if they want to play the part that is encouraged. 

Montserrat L'umiere guest performs at The Astor Room on Thursday September 29, 2016Photo credit: Giovanni Gellona

For their first show "Diva's" a variety of performers will take the stage. Steven's co-host this month will be comedian Liz Magee who performs stand-up all over New York City. The line up includes Loreto Astroza performing as Montserrat L'umiere who's credits as a dancer span both Chile and NYC. This gorgeous dancer has a background in Latin, Jazz and Salsa so expect a hot sexy performance. Featured dancers Milagros Simon as Lady Day and Kitty Perrelli offer a beautiful mix of performance and fun. To mix things up songstress Amy Rivard will perform and Joshua Warr as Stormy Weatherz brings a little Drag to the room. 

The Speakeasy NY Burlesque NY will be at held the third Thursday of every month at The Astor Room located on 35th Ave and 35th Street in Astoria. Doors open 7pm/ $10 cover at the door.

RSVP/Tickets  http://www.4theajproject.org/speakeasy_burlesque

The relationship with The AJ Project and The Astor Room began this past June when they co-hosted a Tony Awards Viewing Party. For 20 bucks (half going to the AJ Project!) guest watched the televised Tony Awards hosted by James Cordon on a big screen TV. They were entertained during commercial breaks by members of the AJ Project's tribe with song and comedy. Jarvis Green played the beautiful baby grand for singers Rachel Lauria, Haley Clair, Kitty Perrelli and Alexander Sage Owen. Co-hosted by Steven Cardona and Comedian Cate Wineberg, the audience was also given the chance to win prizes by answering trivia questions presented via video taken especially for the event from Broadway stars; Heather Parcells from Tuck Everlasting, Amanda LaMotte from Matilda The Musical, Jeff Blumenkrantz from Bright Star, Natalie Charle Ellis from School of Rock and Sam Rodgers from American in Paris. As part of the special evening guest were treated to a light menu & 1 free cocktail as well.   

Because the night was such a success, viewing parties are on the schedule for Rocky Horror Live on October 20th and Hairspray Live on December 7th. Once again entertainment will be on the menu. Attendees will be encouraged to dress the part so make sure you sign up on the website to get more details. 

In this world where live performers have fewer and fewer places to showcase their work, Manager Gjovalin "John" Nikci is a strong supporter of the arts. This is evident by the variety of opportuinities for entertainers to showcase their talents at The Astor Room. Besides the incredible food and signature drinks offered daily live jazz is on the menu at Sunday Brunch and also Friday and Saturday evenings. Tuesdays feature pop performers and Wednesday's Michael Mott & Friends presents a weekly cabaret style show where singers and the occasional magician come to the stage and perform anything from pop to broadway tunes.

 You  can check out the Astor Room calendar here. 

It is with great pride, like that of a stage dad, that John boasts of the historic building that houses The Astor Room. Built in the 1920's this once commissary to the stars sits upstairs from the former Studio A music recording studio where greats like Billy Joel have recorded. With the recent renovation of Studio A to an event space, Nikci envisioned not only a great place to host meetings, weddings or Bar Mitzvahs, but had a specific vision of having a Burlesque Show. Once down the stairs through a non-descript hallway you enter a private venue that seats up to 100 has a full stage, lights and projection set up.  It has a full bar and the ability to transform into any theme you can imagine. It is the perfect space for The Speakeasy Burlesque NY show.  

The AJ Project is a 501(c)3 non profit organization for the arts located in Astoria Queens. Their mission is to create, cultivate and curate adults pursuing the arts as a career. The NPO was founded little over a year ago by Christine Perrelli, AJ's mother, to honor the memory of her son who was a dancer, actor and singer. He passed away in 2013 at age 26 from a head injury. Creating this monthly show is a win win for both The Astor Room and The AJ Project. The Astor Room is able to support a local non profit and host a spectacular evening filled with talent and The AJ Project can has a venue to cultivate the arts community. AJ used to say that "Adulting" as an artist is hard. It is the job of The AJ Project to find ways to make it easier.  All of the $10 donation for the Diva Show will go to The AJ Project and their mission.  If you would like to offer your creative services to future works of The AJ Project you can go to their website and join at www.4theajproject.org or email [email protected]. For performance info on the Burlesque shows contact [email protected].

70th Tony Awards Viewing Party to Benefit The AJ Project-June 12th
Posted by Aj Project · May 27, 2016 2:26 PM · 9 reactions