New York City/New York – Sing for Hope announced today an exciting grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. This grant will be transformative across the span of Sing for Hope’s programming, with support for Community Arts, Healing Arts, and Education.

COMMUNITY ARTS: Two special Sing for Hope Pianos will be created by renowned visual artist Carling Jackson. Carling is the only female professional athlete portrait artist, and has painted commissioned artwork for athletes, celebrities, and organizations worldwide. You can find more information about Carling on her website here.

One Sing for Hope Piano will be specially designed for the New York Mets, and one will be specially designed to honor the Brooklyn Cyclones, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Both Sing for Hope Pianos will be placed at their respective ballparks, Citi Field and Maimonides Park, for the beginning of the next baseball season in April of 2023. 

EDUCATION: This grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation will also help underwrite arts education, led by Sing for Hope’s Director of Education Sharyn Pirtle, for the 400+ at-risk youth we serve in New York City and the surrounding communities.

Students will have the opportunity to attend games along with their families and participate in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Sing for Hope Pianos being placed at CitiField and Maimonides Park.

HEALING ARTS: After the Sing for Hope Pianos’ time at the ballparks, they will find permanent homes at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where they will continue to be activated and provide inspiration for countless patients, caregivers, and staff for years to come.  

With the support of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, Sing for Hope is proud to be able to work with our long-time partner Maimonides Medical Center to curate a menu of in-person programming that reflects patients’ interests, needs, and health challenges. 

All three initiatives will provide much-needed employment opportunities for the professional visual, performing, and teaching artists who will power our programming. 

This crucial support from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation comes at a time when Sing for Hope’s programming has never been more needed. We are excited to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to the communities we serve.

______________________________________

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation was founded in 2021 and is the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. It is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families, and under-served groups in neighborhoods and communities near Citi Field, the Mets home ballpark. Learn more at amazinmetsfoundation.org or follow @amazinmetsfdn on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.