“Art of the Heel” and “Forces of Nature” - Music Supports PennFuture

During the 2017 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, performer Cookie Diorio (Cory O’Neill Walker) and her musical team hosted a benefit concert titled “Forces of Nature” at the First Unitarian Church. The show, sponsored by the church’s Social Justice Ministry, featured Cookie’s original tunes and operatic and Broadway favorites to raise funds for PennFuture.

Cookie Diorio is a versatile singer and composer with a master’s degree in vocal performance. She created the “Art of the Heel”—performances in six‑and‑a‑half‑inch heels—to celebrate diversity, promote social justice and support causes she cares about. Recognising she couldn’t make large donations, Cookie contributes her art and time and asks her friends to donate their performance fees to benefit nonprofits.

She chose PennFuture as the beneficiary because she values environmental advocacy. PennFuture’s legislative and legal work and its outreach efforts resonated with her. Cookie echoed our conviction that what we are fighting for—clean air and clean water—are necessities for everyone. We are grateful for her incredible talent and support.