AJ Project Press - 2019
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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
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
Create from the Heart Pictures & Videos from the AJ Project 2019 Friend Raiser-
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
Eric Schuett sings Needs to Know
Nick Perrelli sings The Summer Wind
Meghan Jenkins sings Thats Life
Frank Paris - Magician Performs
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.
Read moreArts org honors Organ Donor with music and dance inspired by donors Heartbeat -
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.
Organ Donor Family keeps giving through the Arts
A huge thank you goes out to Live it Up our 2018 Media sponsor
Watch the interview below
AJ Project receives a grant to produce Organ Donor Awareness video geared toward teens
Follow us on 
Saturday April 6th 2019 AJ Project connects creative artists to organ donor awareness!
We Need your help to make it a success!!!! Please contact [email protected] to become part of our team.
Click below to see pictures and videos from past events.
AJ Project receives $5000 for organ donor awareness video geared to teens.
Seeks matching funds to expand the program.
Connecting Creative Artists to Organ Donor Awareness Campaign
Thanks to New York City Councilman Paul Vallone, The AJ Project is happy to announce that they will receive a $5000 grant to create a PSA video for organ donor awareness for teens from the District 19 - 2019 Discretionary Fund distribution. Founded in 2014, AJP's mission is to bring professional and emerging artists together to raise funds and awareness around important critical issues and causes. Because of its namesake, professional performer and actor AJ Perrelli, and his gifts of life, using the arts as a way to create a campaign to bring awareness to the need for organ donor registration makes sense.
The AJ Project is continuing to look for sponsors and funding to meet their 2019 goal of $20,000 to expand the program to include a grass roots campaign directed by professionals and driven by teens. It is their hope that businesses and influencers will give their expertise, time, talent and of course money to make this happen.
AJ Perrelli was a professional dancer, singer, actor and stage performer who passed away in October 2013 at the young age of 26. His final casting call was as an organ donor. His gifts of life saved 5 lives and gave sight to 2 more. Because of AJ, both in life and after his death, people world wide were, and still are, inspired to pursue their passions for the the arts and also sign up as organ donors.
The greater New York region has a severe problem in the number of donors vs. people on the waiting list. Over 10,000 people are on the waiting list.
At the time of his death in 2013, AJ was one of only 227 donors in the greater NYC area. The NY region was 50th in the nation in registration and 10,000 New Yorkers were on the waiting list.* AJ's gifts saved 5 lives and gave vision to two.
AJP's Past projects have included a fundraising video for The Boys and Girls Club of Queens, Disaster Relief for St, Vincent De Paul Society and two videos for organ donor awareness.
Why focus on teens?
In an attempt to reach teens getting their permits and drivers licenses, in 2017 NY finally caught up with the majority of states and implemented legislation allowing 16 and 17 year olds to register as organ donors. This outreach is likely to be more successful in the suburbs than the urban areas because most teens in NYC use public transportation.
What we will do
Phase 1 will begin in February 2019 with a focus group comprised of local high school students guided by a certified teaching artist. The kids will partner with the AJP production team to write, storyboard and produce an organ donor awareness campaign video.
Phase 2 will be pre and post production. This portion engages professionals and emerging artists directing the team of teens in production.
Phase 3 Video Premier and registration campaign. The video will premiere at the high school and will be accompanied by literature and sign up opportunities as an organ donor. We will also provide resources to share the teens intentions to their parents.
If you would like to be a part of their team contact [email protected], Like their Facebook page, follow on Instagram or sign up on the website at www.4theajproject.org (click the link below).
Are you an organ donor? Its easier than you think. To become a registered donor in New York State, applicants can register when obtaining a driver license or non-driver identification card, or by renewing their driver license by signing the donor box that appears on each of these forms. Additionaly you can register through the New York State Health Department's website, http://www.health.ny.gov/donatelife or on your voter registration form.
Don't Forget to follow the AJ Project on Social Media
@4THEAJPROJECT
*Data is provided by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR)/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Jan 20, 2013. Data is subject to change.
**Organdonor.gov
Recap of The AJ Project 2018 Friend Raiser
2nd Annual
AJ Project
Friend Raiser
Produced by Christine Perrelli
Directed by: Anthony & Michael Perrelli
January 27, 2018 - Astoria World Manor, Astoria NY
On January 27, 2018 over 200 guest came to the second annual AJ Project friend raiser to celebrate the arts and honor AJ Perrelli's legacy as a performer and as an organ donor.
Sponsors: Live it Up - LiveonNY - Zambrano Productions - The AstorRoom
Sponsor, Donna Drake, interviews our founder Christine Perrelli about The AJ Project and Create From the Heart.
Our guest were entertained by talent from Broadway shows, the movies and and up and amazing emerging artists.
Top Left: Anthony Perrelli, Drew Seely, Amy Pffrath, Ally Carlson, Christian Musto, Eric Schuett, James Harkness, Christine Perrelli, Kitty Perrelli Left bottom row: Nick Perrelli, Christina Neubrand, Owen Tabaka and Michael Perrelli Not pictured: Photographers: Charlie Kaye and Sam Joseph
click here for performance videos
SUBJECTS OF THE QUEEN
Ty Tuschen, Guitar - Jacob Fjeldheim, Piano
Amy Rivard - Singer, Georgia Weber - Bass, Andy Mac - Drums
The AJ Project brings awareness to the need for organ donors. In 2013 AJ Perrelli was one of only 239 donors in the greater New York Area*
The greater New York area including Westchester, Nassua and Suffolk counties has the lowest organ donation rate in the country. It is listed as 50th in the nation with Puerto Rico being the only one lower. Christine Perrelli met Donna McKenna through her work in the arts with The AJ Project. When they met she had no idea that her husband Tim was on the waiting list for a life saving Kidney. In 2017 Tim received a donor kidney all the way from Chicago. The AJ Project is proud to bring you their story.
Donna and Tim McKenna Speak - Click here for video
Friends new and old come to support The AJ Project.
For more event photos click here
Follow us on 
More below:
-1st Annual Sillage Award -
- AJP Sponsored 2017-18 Boys & Girls Cub Film Art and Media Program -
- More Event Photos -
- A letter from our Founder -
Read more
Videos
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
@4THEAJPROJECT
2018 Create from the Heart Friend Raiser
2017 Winter Whimsey Friend Raiser
2017- F.A.M. CLUB Boys and Girls Club
ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS Videos
2016 and before events
AJ PERRELLI PERFORMANCES
