1. For Immediate Release
ARTbeat5 Officer Induction and Awards Ceremony
The Cityof NewYork recognizes non-profit agencyforproviding
freeArtTherapyclassestoyouthandsenior residents of Queens
Corona, NY, April, 2016: On April 2, 2016, the members of the ARTbeat5 team will officially take
their oath of office at the Queens Museum located at Flushing Meadows, Corona Park. The induction
ceremony is scheduled to be presided over by Honorable, Ambassador Mario de Leon. The event is
an opportunity to bring together all the individuals who have provided support and assistance to help
ARTbeat5, celebrate its 501(c) non-profit status and showcase the senior Art program.
ARTbeat5 is a unique organization, consisting of professional Filipino Artists and a very talented
musician, with a vision to enrich the lives of others through Art and creativity. “Our programs are
helping senior war veterans cope with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as children living
in Public Housing Developments find healthy creative ways to express themselves”, says Linda Rufo,
the organization’s founder and president, “the event celebrates these achievements while raising
community awareness about the health and wellness benefits of Art”.
The Officers of ARTbeat5 overcame many hardships and challenges in their lives. Subsequently,
their hardships are a primary reason the organization was founded. Linda was adopted at age one by
Claudio Rufo, a United States Merchant Marine and Quarter Master from Maryland. As a result she
became a naturalized citizen and eligible to participate in the federal governments Student Benefits
program.
Linda received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in 1980. “My advocacy, community commitment,
and dedication to helping others are a part of my gratitude and appreciation towards the American
government”, cites Linda.
-more-
Contact Linda Rufo
ARTbeat5
Phone (516)884-5478
8000 Shore Front Pkwy Suite 1C
Rockaway Beach Blvd., NY 11693
ARTbeat5NY@yahoo.com
PressRelease

2. For Immediate Release
David Temperante, Vice President, is described as an in-born artist that explores his talent
vigorously. David overcame a deadly illness and now he works just as vigorously to help others as he
does with his artwork.
Emelita Valmorida, the Secretary and Treasurer, worked as an accountant and an assistant Art
teacher in the Philippines for almost 30 years before being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. She
moved to the United States shortly after to be with her children. Today, Emelita is cancer free and
shows her gratitude for life by helping others.
William Arnold, the Musical Director, is a Brooklyn New Yorker with an Italian and American
Indian background. He is a creative musician, singer, computer repair technician, and builds and
recycles musical instruments. William was an only child and was later orphaned upon the death of
both his parents. "He loves his music and he wants to share his love and to be loved”, says Linda
Rufo. Since meeting in 2014, ARTbeat5 and William have become family.
The ARTbeat5 Team Induction and Awards Ceremony will culminate with a recognition awards
presentation and a full viewing of the SENIOR ARTISTS Showcase.
Who is ARTbeat5?
ARTbeat5 is a grassroots non-profit organization that aims to share its member’s collective to
share our skills and knowledge in Art to the Community. The organization provides special instruction
as an outlet to those who may not be able to discover their ability in expressing emotion. Through
service, ARTbeat5 strives to promote a better life and contribute to the well-being of an individual and
the community at large.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Linda Rufo at (516)884-5478 or
email ARTbeat5NY@yahoo.com.