SOMERS POINT — “It’s all about having a night of music because music soothes the soul. It’s a balm to anxiety and troubled souls,” Dr. Julianne Childs said of the upcoming fundraiser.
The 22nd annual Hope Music Fest is scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road in Somers Point.
“We gather yearly, not just to enjoy an evening of melodies and fellowship, but to make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling cancer without adequate health coverage or other financial difficulty,” said Childs, the founding member. “Our mission is to raise funds that will directly support patients in need, ensuring that no one faces the financial burden of fighting cancer alone.”
Childs and her husband, Dr. Arthur Childs, have spent the past 33+ years living in Upper Township, where five of their six children attended school, graduating from Ocean City High School.
They opened Hope Community Cancer Center in 1996.
Hope Community Cancer Center, specializing in hematology and nursing, has offices at 210 South Drive in the Marmora section of Upper Township and 211 N. Main St., Suite 100 in Cape May Court House.
After seeing a staggering need, they started the music festival in 2004. Initially, members of the office staff would help organize the event, an annual fundraiser that started at the Ocean City Music Pier. Proceeds were split between the Love of Linda Cancer Fund and Gilda’s Club, two organizations that assist those fighting and affected by cancer.
Childs said two or three years ago, she decided to get more help and direct the money to patients whom staff members identified as in need. Patients would apply for the assistance through the cancer center.
In addition to the annual music fest, the funding source was boosted by a large donation from a former patient upon her death, and two groups have provided donations for the past two years.
Childs said the cancer center would be welcomed under the umbrella of Cooper University Hospital starting Nov. 1, but the music festival would continue separately.
“The plan is to open this up, but I don’t know exactly how to do it,” she said, adding that the donations range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the need.
“It’s not huge but it might take the burden off for a little bit of time,” she said, noting she is supported by Atlantic Medical Imaging and Shore Medical Imaging.
Childs believes they have provided more than $100,000 since the festival’s inception.
“My goal is to give out as much as we can,” she said.
Local businesses support the initiative as well. Childs said Josie Kelly’s Public House is having a golf outing this year in memory of owner Kathleen Lloyd’s father and donating all of the funds to her organization. That’s in addition to providing the entire first floor of the popular restaurant for the music festival.
A love of music inspired the fundraising concerts.
“Over the years the style of music has varied. It’s pretty much acoustic, old rock ’n’ roll and folk music,” Childs said.
Childs takes part in the performance as well.
“I am not good but I love music, love to sing with friends and play mediocre guitar. I can write a song here and there,” she said.
This year’s lineup features Al DiCicco, Alan & David, Bob & Bob, Broken Strings, Julianne Childs, Marc Wass and Sceneior Citizens.
Tickets for adults are $65 and include two drinks and food, $15 for youth ages 12 to 17 and free for those 11 and younger. They are available about Hope Community Cancer Center offices in Upper Township and Cape May Court House and online at hopemusicfest.org.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff