Calling All Angels: Benefit for Gregory Kennell Set for Laurie Beechman Theatre, 4/10

On Saturday afternoon, April 10, John Hoglund and Geri Malino will present CALLING ALL ANGELS: stellar extravaganza to benefit former MAC board of director, gifted graphic artist and cabaret/theater champion Gregory Kennell at The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre starting at 2:00 pm.

A musical brunch with Jerry Scott and friends will begin at 1:00 pm at The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre at The West Bank Café followed by a showcase of some of New York's finest cabaret/theater talents at 2:00 pm including: Tom Andersen, Esther Beckman, David Brian Colbert, Joyce Breach, Scott Coulter, Cynthia Crane, John De Marco, Baby Jane Dexter, Lina Koutrakos, Sue Matsuki, Julie Reyburn, Steve Ross, Jerry Scott, Marcus Simeone, Tracy Stark, KT Sullivan as well as some very special surprise guests from cabaret and theater (as with all live events, program is subject to change.)

General seating: $25 / Angel Seating: $50. The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre is located inside and downstairs at The West Bank Café?: 407 West 42nd Street (close to Ninth Avenue on the northwest side of the street.) Reservations: (212) 695 6900. There is a parking lot a few doors away.

Aside from some extraordinary talent, Calling All Angels is being produced to raise much needed funds for the ongoing therapeutic process necessary to help Greg Kennell regain motor skills and return to a normal life after almost two months in a coma at St. Vincent's Hospital as a result of demyelinating encephalitis and related consequences.

Miraculously, Greg has recently regained the ability to communicate with limited speech. However, he remains paralyzed and confined to St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care & Rehabilitation Facility on Staten Island where he receives minimal rehabilitation therapy. Friends and loved ones offer ongoing support but so much more professional help is needed for his rehabilitation - and survival.

Gregory Kennell has designed numerous graphic art for albums (Julie Reyburn, Craig Rubano, Marcus Simeone, etc., etc.) as well as stunning logos and ads for numerous magazines, newspapers (including The NY Times, The Algonquin Hotel, etc.) fliers, etc. He is a gifted artist and craftsman and is highly regarded in his field. Greg also served as a board of director for the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) for several years. Prior to the cabaret and entertainment successes, Greg has a sterling history in the graphic arts arena. He was raised in Arkport, New York and has maintained offices and resided in Chelsea and Staten Island for more than a decade. He is also an animal rights advocate.

Members of the entertainment community were quick to respond when the call went out. Several from that community saw him when he was in a comatose state and his prognosis was dire. Today, while his new progress is revelatory to all, it is vital that he have extensive occupational, physical, speech and other therapy to maintain a normal life. His insurance coverage is running out and does not include such extensive therapy.

Currently, Greg's best friend Zak Sommerfield and longtime companion Marcus Simeone visit him daily and are his main caregivers. Hence, the need is great for professional therapists who can bring him to the next levels as he begins his long journey home. We urge you to mark your calendar and support this cause for one who has no voice and who can no longer help himself.

For those who cannot attend and/or would like to make a donation to help, please make checks payable to Geri Malino who is in charge of finances for the soon to be formed Gregory Kennelll Foundation. Checks can be mailed directly to Geri Malino at 54 West 16th Street, Ste. 16C, New York, NY 10011.

The event will also include a silent as well as an in-house auction for a gorgeous homemade quilt in honor of Greg as well as many beautiful items. Mark your calendars.