Our Team Members
From Art’s 36-year law enforcement career, 14 of which he investigated child sexual and physical abuse cases while with the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit, Art found a need to raise awareness for families and their children in order to help bring down the already high number of cases in Philadelphia.
The number of cases have since decreased from just over 3000 annually to over 2000 (ref. PCA 2023 Report) annually in Philadelphia alone, thanks to the many organizations, like B4C, who advocate for child victims and their famiilies.
Art Salvagno
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, PA, Art is a retired Philadelphia Police Officer & SVU Child Abuse Investigator, and now the founder and CIO of Battle4Children.
With over 2000 cases being investigated annually, back then, there was also a delay in services, so Art believed in order to expedite services, Battle4Children could help support organizations who provide trauma specific therapy and related services with funds to help speed up the necessary treatment. To accomplish these objectives, Art performs his original and cover Christian music at various area churches, Christian Coffeehouses and functions throughout the tri-state area (NJ-DE-PA); and over the last three years expanded his reach to MD-VA-TN-KY-OH.
Marie Salvagno
Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Marie is a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty H.S. and the co-founder and President of
Battle4Children. Marie and her husband Art Salvagno have been married for over 30 years and continue to reside in their Northeast Philadelphia home with their son AJ.
Marie worked in the corporate world for over 25 years before semi-
retiring and moving into education, working for the Philadelphia School District as a Noon-Time
Aide, then a Climate Control Assistant, from which she retired after 12 years of service.
And now her full time is dedicated for Battle4Children. helping to create fundraisers and other administrative work. In her free time she also
crochet items to sell at Battle4Children events.
Even though completing some formal and practical training, there are 2 important people John
considers to be his mentors, who truly inspired him to do what he does. First is Gregg Suriano of Long Island, NY. Gregg is a prolific singer, songwriter, musician, producer, arranger and music teacher, who was the first Christian Artist John ever met at age 14. The second person is Michael Turro of Panavid, Inc, who served as Technical Director of Meadowbrook Church, a Willow Creek affiliate, in North Haledon, NJ. John worked under Michael's watchful eye and was given the opportunity to put into practice the many things he learned. If you like anything about the way he engineers, it came from one of these two individuals. Despite all of the activities mentioned here and the excitement of engineering live events every time John gets to sit behind a mixer, the most exciting and humbling moment is John's
life was when he was ordained into ministry in March of 2006 by Pastor Kau J. Dolopei-Hollis of The
Church of the Living God in Philadelphia, PA. John states, "I look forward to serving any of you, who need the skills which God has given me, in order to further your ministry, while helping you to
accomplish the great commission".
Specialties: Making an old, antiquaited sound equipment and related supplies sound their best. Being
successful at this usually amazes the listener and keeps the NPO, Church or school within their
budgetary contraints. John also specializes in running sound and training sound operator volunteers with a special emphasis on the proper presentation of live music in Cofeehouse to medium-sized live venues.
For over 10 years, John has been serving as the Ministry Director and FOH Engineer of the "Souled Out Coffeehouses, currently located in Huntingdon Valley, PA's Crossroads Bible Church and Holmesburg UMC.
He is also the Vice President of "Battle for
Children Charities", where he promotes their efforts and serves as the Talent Coordinator for this major
annual find raising event, now known as, "The Battle of The Christian Bands & Musicians Against Child Abuse". John is happily married to his wife Justusphine, and lives in NE Philadelphia.
.
Rev. John Accunzo
John Accunzo has been contributing his audio engineering talents to a wide variety of productions as a
diligent servant of the Lord for nearly four decades. His main focus has always been on ministry first,
ever ready to labor or the Lord's sake and demonstrating an earnest desire for hearts to be brought
closer to Jesus. John continually strives for excellence when it comes to the presentation of artist's
music. He only renders his services to musicians, bands, and organizations that are clearly grounded in
principle, vision as well as an overall philosophy that is consistent with the word of God. Over the years,
John has ensured that the message, music and spoken words of many local Christian artists, along with
gifted speakers, have been skillfully communicated to literally thousands of ears.
Michael Pugh
Recording Secretary
When Mike isn't engineering for the state of PA, or singing with the Philly Pops, Mike volunteers his time with Battle4Children keeping record of every meeting and insuring there are drums and percussion set for the Battle4Children Annual Event.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Dora Rohal
Treasurer
When Dora isn't taking care of her family in Texas, she's is keeping track of B4C's funds. Dora, along with her sister, loves breeding beagles.
Rev. Deborah Rakos
Pastor/Spiritual Advisor
Rev. Deb, when not performing her engineering duties,co-pastoring at Bristol UMC, she is pastoring the B4C Team, keeping everyone's focus on God and the Mission He has Battle4Children working on.
V.P. / Talent Mgmt