Ken Freirich Gives the Gift of Music

January 21, 2026

The instruments used in the music therapy program at Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital are well-loved – they’ve been played by thousands of young patients over the years. Those instruments – strings, percussion, keyboards – are also well-worn, and some can no longer be tuned.

Now, thanks to the generosity of donor Ken Freirich, the program is being refreshed with a $50,000 gift to purchase new instruments, musical equipment and supplies.

“Music can change the world, feed the soul and, most importantly in this case, it can provide kids with hope and inspiration while they are in the hospital going through a difficult time,” said Ken, a retired executive and entrepreneur who has turned his attention to two of his long-term priorities: philanthropy and music.

Kindness that Inspires

After the pandemic, Ken started Better World Records and formed a music group called Random Acts of Kindness to share messages of hope, positivity and kindness with the world. Ken wrote the lyrics of the group’s recent inspirational single “I Wish,” and is in the process of recording and releasing the song with children’s choirs from around the world.

“I felt that these meaningful lyrics about basic human needs delivered by children could harness the power of their voices to inspire, and hopefully have an even greater impact on the world,” Ken said."The next version of 'I Wish,' which was recorded in Uganda this past December and features the 'African Children's Choir,' will be released in February."

This will be followed by a version sung by the San Diego Children’s Choir in March, while the National Choir of Anguilla and the Anguilla Music Academy will release their renditions in April.

A Bergen County resident, Ken was introduced to the work of Hackensack Meridian Health through former Giants quarterback Eli Manning, and made his first gift to the foundation last year. Aiding the music program at the pediatric hospital in Hackensack seemed a good fit and was something that really excited Ken.

“I am thrilled to make this donation and know the gift of music will be priceless to the children,” he said.

“We’re so grateful to Ken,” said Liz Hemmerlin, creative arts and music therapist at the Children’s Hospital, which has two full-time music therapists and one who works part-time. “This funding will give us an enormous opportunity for growth and programming.”

The Healing Power of Music

The music – everything from lullabies to rock anthems - provides a soothing environment and an outlet for children to express themselves, Liz said. "It's about supporting them through short and long-term challenges, and ultimately, helping them to heal."

The new purchases will range from small percussion instruments for toddlers to portable keyboards, electric guitars and amps. Liz said the donation also will allow the program to upgrade recording equipment used, among other things, to provide families with recordings of their loved one’s heartbeats.

Sparking a Musical Tradition

Ken is hoping the new instruments are just the start.

“Check-writing was the easy part. I hope throughout the year we can bring various special musical guests to the Children’s Hospital to teach and inspire,” said Ken, who has been playing drums and writing songs since he was 8-years-old. He played drums with The Who in Los Angeles in October 2019 as part of a charity event for Teen Cancer America, one of the many children’s charities he supports here and abroad.

“Music can provide kids the opportunity to express themselves, it can heal and also provide an emotional release. I can’t wait for the kids to benefit from it all,” he said.

In February, Ken will be back at the Children’s Hospital with musical guests going room-to-room, playing music and singing songs with the kids as yet another way to give back.