FOURTH ANNUAL GALa FUNDRAISER
Around the World
with Daisy 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 6–9 PM · Abbey Inn & Spa, Peekskill, NY. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, celebration, and impact as we support the Daisy Jopling Foundation.
Honoring John Hahn, Kacey Morabito Green & Yvonne Loubiere
our mission
The Daisy Jopling Foundation brings the power of world-class music making into community performances that transform people’s lives.
The Daisy Jopling Foundation is a living, breathing force in the lives of young artists. We engage many times throughout the year to bring inspiration, education, and monetary support to youth of every age and skill level — through three core initiatives.
1
Mentorship for youth to study and perform with world-class musicians on major stages.
2
Supporting low-cost and tuition-free, high-quality music programs for children by donating funds.
3
Removing barriers such as cost for youth to attend world-class concerts.
we make a difference
Given world class performances for free
Of time volunteered
Given free tickets to our concerts
Served in our mentoring programs
Partnered to transform students’ lives
FOUNDATIONAL MOMENTS
Memorable moments in our journey
A look back at the milestones, performances, and events that have shaped the Daisy Jopling Music Mentorship Foundation.
Better Than Broadway
Playing our concert at the landmark Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC.
Pyramid Power
Daisy and the youth from the Cairo program “Harakat” playing along side iconic musicians like Hany Adel in front of the pyramids.
Seven Thousand Strong
We are extremely proud to have Introduced over 7,000 children to the violin.
No Stage Too Big
Can we fit 150 Student String Players on the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater stage? Yes!
Never Too Young
Our youngest performers yet! The Tom Thumb Preschool putting on a show.
Never Too Old
One of our students carefully trying his hand at a 250 year old violin!
We Can Sing
Beautiful original song performance by Yahli Hilah
We Can Dance
Kassandra Acosta takes flight with the Global Music Academy Orchestra conducted by Dean Fransen
The foundation has produced
Concerts across iconic stages and venues
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
13 concerts
Bannerman Island, NY
5 concerts
Lake Placid Center for the Arts
2 concerts
Stern/Cornish Estate at Northgate, Cold Spring, NY
2 concerts
Bedford Presbyterian Church, NY
2 concerts
Constitution Island, NY
1 concert
Iridium Jazz Club, NYC
1 concert w/ Frank Shiner
Kundalini Grand Pyramids, Cairo, Egypt
1 concert
Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
1 concert
The venue
A restored 1902 convent overlooking the Hudson
The Abbey Inn & Spa sits atop historic Fort Hill in Peekskill, New York, just an hour from Grand Central. A landmark convent and chapel reimagined as a boutique hotel, it pairs preserved architecture with a full-service spa and Apropos, its farm-to-table restaurant.
Sweeping views of the Hudson River Highlands, manicured gardens, and grand indoor-outdoor gathering spaces make it a fittingly elegant backdrop for an evening dedicated to music, mentorship, and community.
900 Fort Hill Rd, Peekskill, NY 10566
The performers
An evening led by extraordinary talent
Daisy Jopling
Daisy is a professional violinist, composer and show creator. She has performed in major concert halls and festivals with her own musical groups in 54 countries, recorded nine albums, collaborated with many international stars including Bobby McFerrin and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, and her original music has aired on television worldwide. She was the first international violinist to perform a large-scale concert with iconic Egyptian musicians at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Daisy specializes in bringing cultures together through music, and empowering children with extraordinary, life-changing performances and music education opportunities.
Matt Herskowitz
Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz, world music and free improvisation, pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Over the course of the last decade, Matt has produced a series of critically-acclaimed recordings, premiered his works in settings from New York’s Central Park to Germany’s Köln Philharmonie, collaborated with top classical, jazz and pop artists, and has performed at music festivals across the globe.
“Imaginative, virtuosic, vibrant and distinctive”
New York Times
DJF Student Performers
The real stars of the show are the talented young musicians of the Daisy Jopling Music Mentorship Foundation and Ovation Strings. Through dedication, courage and a shared love of music, these inspiring students are building confidence, developing their creativity and discovering the joy of performing together. They will take the stage alongside Daisy Jopling and Matt Herskowitz, bringing youthful energy, open hearts and their own unique voices to this special performance. Their passion, hard work and joyful spirit remind us that music can open doors, transform lives, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation to dream big.
www.daisyjoplingfoundation.org
The Honorees
John Hahn
There is no better teacher than John Hahn! We are thrilled to be awarding John with the Music Mentor Award.
John is a versatile bass trombonist, bassist, and composer whose extensive performance career includes Broadway pit orchestras for hits such as Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, alongside active roles in ensembles like the Westchester Swing Band and The Hahnbone Band. Holding degrees from the Hartt School of Music and Lehman College, he spent years as the beloved band director at Peekskill High School, where his dedication earned him recognition as WHUD’s Teacher of the Month. Following his retirement from public school teaching, he continues to enrich the local music scene through performances, community events, and collaborations across the Hudson Valley.
Kacey Morabito Grean
Words cannot describe what an extraordinary gift Kacey Morabito Green is to our community! We are overjoyed to be awarding her the Community Catalyst Award.
Kacey Morabito Grean is a Hudson Valley radio personality, certified life coach, and holistic practitioner. After nearly 25 years co-hosting the popular “Mike & Kacey in the Morning” show on WHUD, she became the Executive Director of the Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center at Graymoor in Garrison, NY.
A prominent community leader, she is highly active in local advocacy and wellness:
Radio & Podcasts: Host of Shine On: The Health & Happiness Show.
Philanthropy: Founder of the Let It Shine Foundation, which runs a food pantry and the L.I.S.A. Thrift Boutique in Verplanck, NY.
Holistic Practice: A Level 3 Usui Reiki Master and workshop leader who guides women’s retreats focused on mindfulness and healing.
Yvonne Loubiere
We are thrilled to award Yvonne Loubiere with the Mission Ambassador Award for her extraordinary and deeply appreciated support of our foundation!
Yvonne Loubiere is an experienced communications and operations professional specializing in media coordination, event execution, and strategic administrative management. Recognized for her dedicated leadership in youth development and non-profit initiatives, she brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to community outreach and organizational growth. Through her consulting and management work, she focuses on streamlining operations to help non-profits and community-focused projects thrive.
What to expect
A night of music, generosity, and celebration
- A delicious dinner in the stunning setting of the Abbey Inn & Spa with Michelin quality dishes
- Inspirational, uplifting performances by DJF student musicians and dancers
- A silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and exclusive items
- A live performance by world-renowned violinist Daisy Jopling and pianist Matt Herskowitz
- An enchanting evening with friends overlooking the Hudson River, in support of a cause that transforms children’s lives
The event
An uplifting, inspirational evening
Featuring a musical performance by Daisy Jopling and Matt Herskowitz, and an opportunity to support talented music and dance student performances around the stunning grounds of the Abbey Inn & Spa. Our programs enrich youth to become confident, agile, empowered lifelong learners — and help fill the growing gap left by public school arts cuts.
Event Details
Join Us
Sunday, October 4, 2026
6 PM to 9 PM
Abbey Inn & Spa
900 Fort Hill Rd, Peekskill, NY 10566
Program
6 PM Dinner & drinks
7 PM Music & dance performances
8 PM Honoree presentations & concert
Reservations
Skylar Dansereau
+1 (845) 418-8001
skylar@daisyjoplingfoundation.org
Sponsorship package
Levels & Benefits
This is a fabulous opportunity to support our community, and especially our children. All of this is made possible by your support, for which we are infinitely grateful.
Superstar
$15,000+
Painted violin autographed by Daisy
Mention from the stage at the Gala
Ten VIP reserved seats for a future DJMMF performance
Premium logo & name on step-and-repeat banner
Logo & name in all event articles, publications, and social media
Full-page ad in the event program
Rockstar
$5,000
Mention from the stage at the Gala
Six VIP reserved seats for a future DJMMF performance
Premium logo & name on step-and-repeat banner
Logo & name in all event articles, publications, and social media
Full-page ad in the event program
Virtuoso
$2,000
Mention from the stage at the Gala
Four VIP reserved seats for a future DJMMF performance
Premium logo & name on step-and-repeat banner
Logo & name in all event articles, publications, and social media
Half-page ad in the event program
Diva
$500
Two VIP reserved seats for a future DJMMF performance
Logo & name in all event articles, publications, and social media
Quarter-page ad in the event program
Friend
$100
Sponsor listing in the event program
Business card ad available (supply PDF or high-res file)
Program ad placements
Levels & Benefits
This is a fabulous opportunity to support our community, and especially our children. All of this is made possible by your support, for which we are infinitely grateful.
Quarter Page Interior
$100
Half Page Interior
$200
Full Page Interior
$350
Full Page Centerfold
$500
Premium Full Page
(Inside Front/Back)
$1,000
Ad File Specifications
Ad Size
Full Page
Half Page
Quarter Page
Width
5.5 in
5.5 in
2.75 in
Height
8.5 in
4.25 in
4.25 in
Resolution
300 dpi
300 dpi
300 dpi
Submit your ad as a PDF or image file. Please make sure your design includes a ¼-inch bleed for proper display.
To Advertise or Sponsor
Write checks & mail to:
Daisy Jopling Foundation
P.O. Box 72, Peekskill, NY 10566
Email your ad file or ask us questions directly at:
office@daisyjoplingfoundation.org
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Daisy Jopling Foundation
P.O. Box 72, Peekskill, NY 10566
·
office@daisyjoplingfoundation.org
·
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization