Bobby Rydell Foundation announces board, raises $20k for statue

Zenos Frudakis with Bobby Rydell Foundation board members Linda Hoffman Rydell, JoAnn Gadzicki, Joe Montello and Tommy C. at Frudakis' studio

The organization was founded earlier this year and has reached its first goal of $20,000

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Commemorating "America's Teen Idol," The Bobby Rydell Foundation was created earlier this year in an effort to memorialize the late singer and keep his music alive. 

The Foundation has a goal of building a statue to be placed in Wildwood, which will be a permanent resting place for Rydell's ashes, as well as providing funds for Philadelphia music programs and supporting The Gift of Life.

In June, the Foundation reached its first goal of raising $20,000 through events and donors to start the statue process. The bronze statue will be created in the likeness of Rydell and is being created by artist Zenos Frudakis.

"We are looking to preserve Bobby's music while funding programs to allow the next generation of talented musicians to succeed," said spokesperson for the Foundation, Tommy C. "This is much more than just building a statue. We hope the Bobby Rydell Foundation will be around for decades to come helping the next Rydells to succeed."

Information on the organization and donation links can be found at bobbyrydell.com.

This week, the Foundation announced on social media that it had finalized its board of directors, with Rydell's widow, Linda Hoffman, as the President.

"I am blessed that Bobby had this amazing group of people in his life that will help me carry on his legacy," said Hoffman.

The Board

Vice President, Joseph Montello - Owner of Joey M's & Entertainment Promoter

"Being a longtime friend of Bobby Rydell and knowing what the Wildwoods meant to him, I felt something should be down to honor him and his legacy."

Secretary, JoAnn H. Gadzicki

"Bobby Rydell was a "teen idol" before I was even a teen. I always loved listening and dancing to his music. In later years, I was fortunate enough to meet Bobby and that sealed the deal... he was everything I always hoped he would be - friendly, funny, talented and 'real!' He deserves recognition for all he has done and I will do my best to keep his legacy alive!"

Treasurer, Ernie Troiano - Owner of Troiano Masonry, Former Mayor of Wildwood

"As a native and longtime mayor of Wildwood, and having Bobby Rydell play many times at my father's nightclub, 'The Surf Club,' I felt compelled to keep his legacy alive. Having Bobby as an adopted son of Wildwood and his famous 'Wildwood Days' song our official song of our city, I could not be prouder than being a part of this board that will not only preserve his legacy, but will be is final resting place."

Board Member, Wally Lerro - Owner of Bolero Resort

"Bobby is an icon of the Wildwoods and I am looking forward to preserving his legacy."

Board Member & Spokesperson, Thomas Coniglio - Singer

"At 26 years old, I have done a lot up to now in my life. I can honestly say this experience trumps it all! Not only have I performed with Bobby, but I recorded with him, laughed with him, and now I'm the face of this great organization in his name! To be a part of this board, keeping Bobby's legacy and his music alive is extremely important to me."

Board Member, Stu Goldberg - Singer

"I grew up five blocks from Bobby Rydell in South Philadelphia. It's very important to me to see that his legacy continues on in Wildwood, NJ since he brought the theme song, 'Wildwood Days,' to the town."

Board Member, Tracy DuFault - Executive Director, Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce

"Mr. Rydell headlined numerous times at the city's largest fundraiser, Wildwood '50s, '60s & '70s Weekend. I witnessed firsthand the love our residents and visitors had for Mr. Rydell as well as the love he had for the Wildwoods. It is a privilege to volunteer alongside the members of this foundation board and Mr. Rydell's loyal fans to continue to honor and preserve his legacy for generations to come."

Board Member, Sharon Cullen

"As a Wildwood resident and lover of the 50's era music and Bobby Rydell, I am proud to join this organization. I look forward to bringing my non-profit and fundraising experience to the board to preserve Bobby's wishes that his final resting place be in Wildwood and by supporting music education for children in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area."