Twenty-Five Years Later, Light of Day Continues Playing in Search of a Cure

Music has the power to move us, to inspire us and to bring us together. For the Light of Day Foundation, music has also been a powerful tool to improve the lives of those living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Through personal connections to Parkinson’s disease, PSP and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the founders of the Light of Day Foundation have been driven for decades by a clear and unwavering determination to change the outcomes of those affected by these diseases. What began as a surprise birthday party to raise money for Parkinson’s disease after friend and founder Bob Benjamin’s diagnosis has evolved into Light of Day WinterFest, a ten-day festival and an internationally recognized European tour, raising over $7 million to date in pursuit of a cure. The first official Light of Day concert took place in Asbury Park, New Jersey, a city with a rich history of hosting charity events. As Tony Pallagrosi, co-founder and musician who has performed and produced at hundreds of benefit shows, explains, Asbury Park has long been a platform for philanthropic efforts, a place that recognizes the transformative power of music to drive progress.

“It was in our musical community's DNA to look at music as a way to raise funds and awareness for a cause,” Tony said.

Tony’s mother, Dolores Pallagrosi, is one of the reasons why he's been an integral part of The Light of Day Foundation since its inception. Diagnosed with PSP in the late 1990s, Dolores faced a disease that was poorly understood and lacked resources for those affected. “There was almost nowhere to go for counseling or advice,” Tony recalls, but he was fortunate enough to connect with CurePSP, who despite their small size, were “as helpful as could be.” It was nonetheless difficult for Tony to watch Dolores, a “vibrant, bright and beautiful woman,” feel trapped by the progressive symptoms, a process he describes as “heartbreaking and angering.” It compelled him to fight and pour as much money as he could into improving the outcomes for those affected. Twenty-five years later, Dolores’ compassionate and resilient legacy lives on in both Tony and Light of Day, a testament to the power of unwavering commitment to a cause.

Light of Day concerts have become a global phenomenon, spanning 12 countries, two continents and featuring approximately 45 shows annually. The communal spirit of the Foundation extends all the way to one of the biggest names in rock: Bruce Springsteen. A cornerstone of the Asbury Park music community and a frequent WinterFest performer, Springsteen is one of New Jersey’s own. At a show featuring Bruce in one of his early local bands circa 1970, Steel Mill, Tony noticed his magnetic talent early on and recalled thinking, “if this guy doesn’t make it none of us will.”

Named after the Springsteen song, Light of Day has an inextricable bond with the rockstar, rooted in the uplifting community that shaped both his career and the foundation’s mission. He made a surprise appearance at the inaugural show in 2000, held at the de facto home of the concert series, the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Since then he has made numerous more appearances, all intimate and heartfelt experiences that define the concerts. Whether joining Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers for a raucous set or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Bob, Tony and the rest of the Light of Day family to sing Thunder Road, Springsteen’s performances are about more than just the music; they’re about connection. A genuine love for the art form expressed in the way that he engages the audience, shares the stage with local artists and speaks passionately about the Asbury Park community.

The same spirit of dedication and generosity fuels the foundation’s longstanding partnership with CurePSP. For over a decade, the two organizations have worked hand in hand, raising over $1 million to fund innovative research and support for those living with these diseases. One of the most impactful initiatives born from this collaboration is Light of Day’s matching gift campaign. Through this program, every donation made to CurePSP—up to $75,000—is matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of individual contributions. After celebrating their 25th anniversary with a successful Winterfest this January, Light of Day has no plans of slowing down. “We’re in for the long haul, and we’re going to keep doing it until there’s a cure” says Tony. From its humble beginnings in Asbury Park to its global reach today, Light of Day continues to spread crucial awareness for PSP, Parkinson’s and ALS. Every festival, concert, song and donation bring them closer to their ultimate goal: a world free of these diseases. As Tony puts it, “Every year our great hope is that next year we won’t have any reason to do this again.” Until that day comes, the music will play on, a tribute to the bright souls who light the way forward.