Founder

Surviving the loss of her eldest daughter Heather, Geri continues to sustain the meaningful essence of both their lives through the fortitude of her motto, “Smile, Live, Love and Laugh in sweet harmony”. For many years Geri has had the privilege of working alongside so many ailing children, yet recalls vividly the defining moment when she realized that she could bring a glorious gift to all those precious little patients as they healed, and that was the gift of music. Geri has been guided through the healing powers of an everlasting love, and the emotion of a human heart, to create the magic and wonder of the Heather on Earth Music Foundation.

Her journey into the world of children’s non-profit organizations began in 1992, with the hopes and dreams of making a difference in children’s lives. She joined Children’s Medical Fund of New York, which raises funds solely for Schneider’s Children Hospital. Geri led her community for six years, became President of the Women’s Division on Long Island for more than three years, and currently sits on the Board of Trustees. Geri also hosts the joyous pediatric patient parties at Schneider’s Hospital and is the liaison for CMF and the Child Life Program.

In 1997, Geri read about the fascinating work of John Beltzer, founder of the Songs of Love Foundation. Totally passionate about music herself, and knowing the soothing effects that it had on her own little girl Heather, Geri vowed to rally together family and friends to organize their first fund raiser. On the heels of that huge success, Geri is today a very proud and active board member, doing all she can to make sure that every child in need gets a Song of Love.

In May of 1999, New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo Jr. bestowed Geri Fessler with the honor of being “A Woman of Distinction”, a celebration to observe the enormous contributions made by the women of New York State , enriching the quality of life in their communities and beyond. On September 25, 2007, she also received “The More Wonderful World Award” from The Louis Armstrong School of Music and Medicine, Beth Israel Hospital, NYC. ~ On November 15, 2007 ~ The Songs of Love

Foundation chose her to receive “The Woman of LOVE Award” ~ in recognition of her soulful & steadfast commitment to the well being of Children Across the World. On July 27th, 2009, Geri was presented with the most prestigious Tikkun Olam Award by Early Bird Capital at the Sid Jacobson JCC of Roslyn. Tender Care Human Services honored Geri Fessler on September 25, 2009 for her dedication to helping children with autism with Music.

For several years Geri also sat on the Board of Ascent, a school for individuals with autism. She Co-Chaired four successful galas and had the opportunity to become part of the lives of four special families that live with autism. Together, with a very talented young man, Geri was instrumental in creating a documentary film for that event.

This extraordinary woman also helped secure state funding for a special place named Pal-o Mine on Long Island, a victorious and heartwarming program in which physically and emotionally handicapped children interact with and ride horses. Geri is also an active member of CPFA, Concerned Parents for AIDS Research and works alongside close friends in the fight to ends AIDS.

The Heather on Earth Music Foundation is currently serenading patients and children in need with LIVE music therapists at Schneider Children’s Hospital, New Hyde Park, New York ~ Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital @ Westchester Medical Center, New York ~ Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Tel Aviv, ISRAEL and Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola New York. . The foundation takes great pride in funding on-going research, as it actively gathers and analyzes data on the effects of live music on infants from twelve Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units in the Northeast, which is conducted through the Louis Armstrong School of Music and Medicine @ Beth Israel Medical Center.

Most recent, Heather on Earth is providing the funding for full time music therapy@ the World Renowned Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital ~ New York Presbyterian ~ The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

On a final note, Heather on Earth embraces the world of AUTISM by delivering the Magic of Music to children’s lives in need at The Tender Care Human Services, Brooklyn and Queens New York. While the world remains baffled by the epidemic proportions of autism, our foundation recognizes that Music Matters in their lives as well.

Geri’s work from the heart is embraced by her husband Eric and their three lovely daughters, Gillian, Shaina and Taryn. Together the Fessler Family and their extraordinary symphony of hearts @ work continue to keep Heather’s memory alive and vibrant, through the magic of music created by Heather on Earth.