SEPTEMBER 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 43
COVID-19 RELIEF
SINGING THEIR FUNDRAISERS
BY TAYLOR HERZLICH
An up-and-coming singer-songwriter
from Huntington recently wrote a
moving tune about people who have
persevered through the coronavirus
pandemic to help raise money for the
nonprofit United Way of Long Island.
Joe DeJesu collaborated with the nonprofit
on the new song, “United Together
(We Will Survive),” for United Way’s
most recent fundraising appeal video
to show how the organization has aided
people through the crisis.
“Long Island is my home,” explained
DeJesu. “If there’s anything I can do to
help, I’ll jump at the opportunity.”
The United Way of Long Island is the
local chapter of the 133-year-old global
nonprofit that partners with dozens of
local businesses to fuel its many health,
education, and anti-poverty projects.
DeJesu credits Billy Joel’s band member
Mike DelGuidice with mentoring
DeJesu.
“A song like this can only produce
beautiful results,” said DelGuidice.
“Especially when it comes from the
heart of a songwriter that is channeling
his deepest emotions into the
lyrics.”
The lyrics capture the emotional
roller coaster of the quarantine
while offering a ray of hope: “We
will survive this crazy time; with
each day, a little better. And when
the sun begins to shine, we know
we’ll always be united together.”
Huntington musician Joe DeJesu performs. (Photo
DeJesu’s song was created wholly
from home while working remotely
during the COVID-19 shutdown. He
went through multiple edits of the
song, sending different versions
back and forth with his colleagues
Kenny Friedman, who recorded piano,
and Bob Stander, who produced
the song.
“When we’re all stuck in the house,
it’s hard to think about what others
are going through,” said DeJesu. “It’s
easy to forget that we need to
rely on each other. What better
time is there to help out than
now?”
In addition to the new song, DeJesu
frequently hosts Facebook
livestreams during which
he encourages people to
donate to the United Way
of Long Island through links
on his page, and he recently
hosted a birthday fundraiser for
the organization. The fundraiser
exceeded his goal, raising $2,140.
“Joe’s original song is a true
gemstone of a fundraising asset
for our organization,” said Theresa
A. Regnante, president and CEO of
United Way of Long Island. “We are
pleased to collaborate with local musician
Joe DeJesu, who exemplifies
our motto to Live United and help
uplift our neighbors.”
by Marianne P. Stone)
miyjcc.org
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