Internationally-Acclaimed Music Duo, Applebaum and Hamelin, Announce "Classical Paws," A One-Time Benefit Concert Performance for Orthodogs

Philadelphia, PA (PRWeb) December 5, 2006 -- Philadelphia's-own internationally acclaimed classical music duo of soprano Jody Karin Applebaum and pianist Marc-André Hamelin announce "Classical Paws," a one-time only benefit concert performance with all proceeds going to service, rescue and companion dogs in need of funding for orthopedic and medical care. Applebaum and Hamelin have designed an evening mixed with cabaret and light classical music as a benefit for Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation (http://www.oslf.org), an all volunteer, internet-based non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for essential medical treatments for dogs, including service dogs that assist disabled persons. "Classical Paws" will be held on January 19, 2007, at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. Tickets include entrance to both the concert and a post-concert reception with the musicians, as well as a complementary CD from the artists. More information can be found on the OSLF site at http://www.classicalpaws.org.

Classicstoday.com says that "Applebaum and Hamelin are flawless musicians ...." Hailed for their wit and sophistication, this husband-and-wife team rarely perform in their home town due to their extensive international travel schedule, playing before sold-out audiences in North America and Europe. This very special benefit event, "Classical Paws," will allow Philadelphians the unique opportunity to see Jody Karin Applebaum and Marc-André Hamelin as they perform a program of their favorites on their home turf.

"'Classical Paws' is an opportunity for me as a singer and as a dog lover," said Jody Karin Applebaum. "I have two lucky dogs that have each had their own orthopedic needs taken care of quickly, without question. During that time, I learned of OSLF's work with shelter and beloved companion dogs whose medical treatment could not take place without financial assistance. But Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation is a small organization trying to fill a big need. Marc and I knew we wanted to help and we knew that Philadelphians would open their hearts to this organization."

OSLF's work with rescue and shelter dogs means that more of them will find a home, like Samson, a Shar-Pei mix who is currently being fostered on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. His owner could not afford surgery for a birth defect and surrendered him to a shelter where no one was adopting him. Said Paola Ferraris, OSLF Co-Founder, "Seeing a good dog destined to a life in a cage, or worse, because of a repairable injury was something we were determined to stop whenever possible."

Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation has established a special fund to cover medical costs for service dogs like Gretta who assists her disabled owner by opening doors, carrying books, and more. "These dogs play a critical role in their owners' lives," said Brenda Osbourne, OSLF Co-Founder, "yet when service dogs get sick and require medical care, the disabled people they serve, often limited to a fixed income, may be unable to afford treatment for their canine companions. Through donations, OSLF is able to help these dogs continue to do their work."

OSLF also understands that companion dogs are a vital part of their family. Bruin, another recent OSLF "Pet In Need," provides her owner with comfort and companionship after the loss of her husband and mother and the ordeal of a kidney disease that necessitated a transplant.

Orthodogs' Silver Lining Foundation depends on donations for funding and is constantly getting more applications for assistance than it has funds. In the past year OSLF has given out over $20,000 and hopes to help twice as many dogs this year. Some of the current dogs in need are featured at: http://www.oslf.org/petsneed.htm

General admission tickets for the event are $50.00 with special rates for Seniors and Students. Individuals who cannot attend this event can still enjoy the music and support this important cause by purchasing an autographed copy of Applebaum's and Hamelin's CD, "Serious Fun" with half of the $30 purchase price being donated to OSLF.

For more information about the concert or to purchase tickets or CDs, please call 215-925-9341 or find email contacts on http://www.classicalpaws.org.

For more information about OSLF, please contact Amy Mall at 720-565-0187 or Simone Seydoux at 323-395-8775.

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