Ani Fiordimondo Performing Arts Scholarship 

Project Philly is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Aside from covering operating expenses, funds raised through our concerts, gigs, and donations support performing arts education in the Philadelphia area. Our primary beneficiary is the Ani Fiordimondo Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Walnut Street Theatre, which helps promising students attend their summer camp.

The Ani Fiordimondo Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor Andrea “Ani” Fiordimondo, a Lower Merion High School student who died suddenly at age 17. Project Philly’s founder was Ani’s music teacher (Ani also sang in the a cappella group, Ace Harmony), so when the organization was formed in 2006, dedicating support to the arts in her name felt natural.

Below is a letter from Ani’s mother, Maureen Lusen, about what a special person Ani was. Project Philly is proud to honor her memory through this scholarship and to support young performers.

A Letter from Ani’s Mom

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you a little bit about my daughter, Andrea — though everyone called her Ani. From the time she was a baby, music was the heartbeat of our home. Friday nights were “mommy and baby dance parties,” with Motown, jazz, and children’s songs filling the room as Ani bounced along. She grew up singing at the dinner table, in the car, and in her room — always with joy, always with passion.

Ani loved to perform. In preschool she was the tiny girl in the front row, belting out songs with a voice that surprised everyone. She took leading roles in school productions of Hansel and Gretel, To See The Stars, Annie, Peter Pan, To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday, Cinderella, and Crazy for You. She sang solos in chorus concerts, including a moving piece based on Anne Frank’s words “I Still Believe”, and was a founding member of her high school’s a cappella group, Ace Harmony. She was fearless on stage, but she told me once that when she felt nervous, she calmed herself by looking out at the audience.

One of Ani’s proudest moments came when Walnut Street Theatre invited her to join their professional production of A Christmas Carol. She played Martha Cratchit — her first paid acting role — and she was overjoyed to be part of that magical experience. Walnut Street Theatre Camp had always been her summer home, a place she cherished for its diversity, creativity, and friendships. To be asked to step into the professional company was a dream come true.

What made me most proud, though, was her heart. At eight years old, Ani noticed a little boy at science camp who was deaf. She asked his aide to teach her how to sign so she could talk with him — something no other child had thought to do. Later, she performed with classmates at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, bringing joy to children who were ill. She was always thinking of others, always finding ways to connect.

In 2005, Ani was preparing to serve as a counselor at Walnut Street Theatre Camp — something rarely offered to high school students — when she died suddenly at just 17 years old. When it came time to honor her memory, we knew what would matter most to her: helping other children experience the joy of Walnut Street Theatre Camp. That’s why we created the scholarship in her name. Fittingly, the very first recipient was partially deaf — a beautiful echo of Ani’s compassion years earlier.

Ani’s life was filled with song — from bedtime lullabies like “Blackbird” and “My Girl,” karaoke birthday parties, creating mini skits with friends during playdates and elementary school recesses and singing songs from her favorite shows and artists. Her friends remember her love, laughter, smile, talent, and hugs. She was the girl who loved to dance in the rain.  She spent her time doing what she loved and the joy it brought her filled her world and she was able to share that with those around her. Ani was a devoted daughter, friend, and performer whose spirit continues to shine. Through your support of the scholarship fund, Ani’s legacy lives on. You are helping children discover the same joy in music and theater that defined her short but extraordinary life, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

With heartfelt thanks,
Maureen Lusen