“I’m thrilled to be working on the All-Star Game this year again and I’m really looking forward to it being hosted here in at Citi Field New York,” said Fazzino.  It’s a beautiful ballpark and the fans are awesome. It should be a grand celebration.” WNBC Sports Anchor Bruce Beck served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

MLB All-Star Game Fanfest 2013 Kickoff at Citi Field New York

John Franco also sat with Charles Fazzino for a pre-game All-Star Game poster signing outside the New York Mets Store. A portion of the proceeds from the signing were donated to the Mets Foundation. The entire 2013 All-Star Game official art collection was on display, including the posters, open edition 3D mini prints, deluxe 3D limited edition prints, and hand-painted baseballs.

The collection will also be on display at the T-Mobile All-Star Fanfest. MLB Fanfest is the largest baseball fan event in the world and will visit New York City in July as part of MLB All-Star Summer. Charles Fazzino will have his own exhibit within Fanfest 2013 and will also be featured by MLB painting live for several hours each day during the festivities.

This year,  The Jefferson Awards has partnered with Charles Fazzino to create an official artwork to celebrate the occasion. In doing so, he has created visual interpretation of the organization’s mission that not only makes a wonderful statement but will become the basis for a long-term branding and fundraising effort. “I am so honored to be involved with Sam and his incredible organization,” said Charles Fazzino. “I am in awe of the good works inspired by the Jefferson Awards and am looking forward to do what I can to promote and support the mission.”

Not only does the Jefferson Awards present an annual award, but the organization is active throughout the year pursuing key initiatives such as Students In Action, Globe Changers, and Youth Service Challenge. Charles Fazzino’s artwork celebrates the initiative, global thinking, and genuine selflessness demonstrated by all of those who take part in these programs. The artwork will be unveiled during both the National Ceremony Welcome Dinner on June 18th and the National Ceremony on June 19th, and will be presented to the Award Recipients scheduled to include Professor Elie Wiesel and U.S. Senators Tom Coburn and Pat Leahy, among others. It will then be made available for sale in several forms (open edition poster print, open edition, 3D mini print, and 3D limited edition deluxe print) with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Jefferson Awards. Email us at info@fazzinocollectors.com if you’re interested in purchasing a piece from this very special collection.

“I am so pleased to be part of the city of New Rochelle’s 325th Anniversary Celebration,” Said Fazzino. “New Rochelle has such a rich art history….think Norman Rockwell and Frederic Remington just for starters… and I’m honored to be able to contribute to that legacy.”

The celebration continues with Kite Day at Davenport park, the Fatt Calfe Cermony, a Bastille day Flag Raising, Restaurant Week, and more. For a complete listing of 325th Anniversary Events, visit www.newrochelleny.com/325.

LtoR – Charles Fazzino, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, La Rochelle Mayor Bono, Gala Chairwoman Marianne Sussman

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson (R) presents La Rochelle Mayor Bono (L) with an official 325th Anniversary 3D fine art print by Fazzino.

Neat Treats Ice Cream Truck Rings a Bell to Help

On July 27th, 2011 Rachel, who was 19 at the time, suffered Sudden Cardiac  Arrest, and was without oxygen for 8 to 9 minutes before she was revived. She was on life support for 7 days, and in a full coma for 10 days. She spent 3 weeks in the hospital followed by a 72 day stay in the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana where she received physical, speech and occupational therapy 3 times a day. When she came home she continued with outpatient therapy 3 days a week. Rachel continues to make progress and just over the last 2 weeks has been discharged from physical and occupational therapy, although she still needs it. She still receives speech therapy at Indiana University and will be starting Equine Therapy in July. This brings us to the reason we have started the Ice Cream truck.

Insurance/medicaid does not cover equine therapy even though it has been proven to be effective in people with brain injuries.

We decided to start the truck to help cover the costs of the therapies Rachel needs which insurance/medicaid will not cover, as well has help bring additional income into our household. We are currently in our 2nd full month of running and have been receiving calls from schools, day cares, churches and local neighborhoods requesting us to come with the truck for special events. We run the truck as a family. The kids love riding along and helping out. Since starting the truck Rachel’s therapists have noticed her speech improving and they all think its a great way to get her involved in more community activities, thus also gaining more self confidence. She loves talking to all the customers and watching the kids enjoying their ice cream as we pull away.

Thank you for allowing us to use the artwork!! EVERYONE LOVES IT and say it looks very professional and makes the truck a pleasant sight coming down the street versus a plain old truck.

The truck is currently running the Columbus, Indiana area and can be heard 7 days a week from about noon until nightfall. We also have a facebook page where we give the community updates on what area we will be running daily. www.facebook.com/neattreatscolumbus

Randy and Robin

Neil, Rachel, and Robin

To some extent this is “pop art” in it’s purest form. Remember Andy Warhol and the Campbell’s Soup Cans. This is Tomoko Shintani and the Starbucks Cups. She is taking an everyday item and turning it into a work of art…using it in a way that it’s never been used before. I applaud the ingenuity and love the 3D art effect she is creating with her drawings. What do you think?