Public Speaker

In 2017, Godni had continued his special tradition—an award ceremony dedicated to recognizing exceptional individuals whose leadership, compassion, and dedication uplift not only A Free Bird but the world around them. One such individual was Lenia Batas, who received the Award of Leadership Excellence. Her unwavering support for the organization and her consistent commitment to uplifting others made her a natural choice for this prestigious recognition.
As someone who finds deep joy in celebrating others, Godni proudly served as the award presenter—a role he cherishes for the opportunity it gives him to spotlight those who embody integrity, heart, and service. The gala was filled with emotion, gratitude, and inspiration. Through this ceremony, Godni created not just an event—but a platform to honor everyday heroes, ignite more generosity, and remind people of the powerful impact one leader can have on countless lives.
Presenting awards has since become one of Godni’s favorite ways to give back: by elevating the voices and efforts of those who make the world brighter.

Godni hosted A Free Bird’s unforgettable gala: Prosperity — an evening dedicated to honoring courage, creativity, and community.
In this powerful moment captured on stage, Godni stands speaking with passion, presenting awards to extraordinary individuals who have supported A Free Bird’s mission to uplift children affected by cancer through the arts. With his signature charisma, sharp sense of humor, and heartfelt sincerity, he captivated the room — not only entertaining, but reminding everyone why they were there: to make a difference.
The gala featured stunning performances from Broadway stars and world-class artists, making it a night filled with beauty, joy, and impact.
But at the heart of it all was Godni — a tireless advocate whose love for public speaking becomes even more profound when he speaks on behalf of children and their dreams. “Prosperity” wasn’t just a celebration. It was a statement: that art can heal, inspire, and empower the next generation to rise.

While hosting a gala for A Free Bird, Godni had the profound honor of introducing the world to an extraordinary young talent—Elana Koenig, a courageous child star bravely battling cancer.
Elana first captured hearts with her singing debut at the A Free Bird gala, a moment that marked the beginning of her inspiring journey. She later auditioned for The Voice and, beyond her remarkable musical achievements, went on to become a dedicated nonprofit leader and cancer survivor.
Thanks to the unwavering support from A Free Bird, Elana became the face of several magazine features and publications, gaining valuable exposure to the arts community that helped shape her future. Through the organization’s nurturing environment, she found not only artistic growth but also a supportive family that empowered her to overcome adversity and inspire others.

Godni was honored to be interviewed by Antwan Lewis on FOX 5 NY’s Good Day Street Talk, where he spoke passionately about A Free Bird and the impactful arts programs the organization offers to children affected by cancer. The segment provided an important platform to share the mission behind A Free Bird, highlight the transformative power of creative expression, and emphasize how art serves as a vital tool for healing and empowerment. Appearing on such a respected show helped amplify the organization’s message and connect with new audiences, reinforcing A Free Bird’s commitment to giving young survivors opportunities to express themselves through music, theater, writing, and visual arts.

I launched Kids Supporting Kids, a program created to raise awareness of childhood cancer among children and empower them to support their peers through creative action. The initiative aimed to educate young students about the importance of arts education while encouraging empathy, community involvement, and social responsibility. The first school to host the program was PS160 in Queens, where students participated in a month-long journey of learning, creativity, and compassion. The experience culminated in a school-wide fundraising showcase, where the children presented their artistic projects to help raise money for children affected by cancer. I had the honor of speaking at the event, sharing stories of resilience and the importance of supporting young cancer patients through the power of the arts. The event was covered by NY1 News, and it was incredibly moving to witness children rally together, using their talents and voices to make a difference.

Through A Free Bird’s Artists Supporting Artists program, I had the privilege of meeting Alexandro Berni, a visionary artist, humanitarian, and founder of the Clio Art Fair—a platform known for discovering independent artists and showcasing them at major events like Art Basel Miami. Alexandro immediately resonated with A Free Bird’s mission and generously invited us to participate in the New York Art Fair, where he hosted a fundraiser and spoke passionately about the importance of giving children with cancer the opportunity to express themselves as artists. His support helped us raise essential funds and uplift the next generation of creative voices. We’re grateful for his unwavering belief in the power of art and community.

A Free Bird was honored to partner with the Stern Art Gallery for their annual exhibition, celebrating the artistic talents of students from NYU’s Stern School of Business. The event beautifully highlighted the connection between business, creativity, and community impact. I was invited to speak during the evening and shared thoughts on the importance of supporting the arts as a means of empowerment and healing. We were deeply grateful to all the student artists who generously submitted their work to be auctioned, helping to raise vital funds for A Free Bird’s mission and programs.