Bergen Philanthropist's 'I Wish' Hits 18M Views Worldwide

When Ken Freirich wrote "I Wish," he hoped to combat what he calls an epidemic of meanness. The Bergen County philanthropist never imagined his simple plea for kindness would reach 18 million people in just two months.

The retired CEO released his song last October through his music collective, Random Acts of Kindness. But everything changed when the African Children's Choir in Uganda recorded their own version in February 2026.

The video shows about 20 beaming children at school, in the African countryside, and in the recording studio. They sing lyrics inspired by John Lennon's "Imagine": "I wish for a day where the whole world comes to a stop, a day where there is no fear, no anger, just cheer."

Freirich started writing music during his career as CEO of Health Monitor Network in Montvale. During COVID, he created "Healthcare Workers Rock!" to honor frontline heroes, launching Better World Records in the process.

As a drummer in the classic rock band MedROCK, he understands music's power to unite people. When he performed "I Wish" with the San Diego Children's Choir at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 50,000 fans gave it a standing ovation.

That's when he knew children's voices could carry his message further. After reading about the African Children's Choir in a newspaper, he reached out to their creative director.

The Ripple Effect

Freirich isn't stopping with one viral video. He's partnering with children's choirs on every continent to record versions of "I Wish."

Next up is Ukraine, where kids will record the song in bomb shelters by early July. Freirich learned that music has become a vital source of hope for Ukrainian children living through war.

When he's not making music, Freirich practices what he preaches. Every Wednesday on social media, he runs "I Wish Wednesdays," asking followers to nominate charities.

He picks one each week and makes a donation. His giving extends to Teen Cancer America, Hackensack University Medical Center's children's hospital, and numerous other causes.

The song's message resonates because it addresses a problem everyone feels. "I think we as a world are going through a very turbulent and divisive time," Freirich said.

His solution is refreshingly simple: encourage people to appreciate each other's differences and accept everyone for who they are. With 18 million views and counting, millions agree the world needs more kindness.

Freirich sees every view as another opportunity to spread his message. "The more people who hear the music and listen to the lyrics, the more opportunity we have to make the world better."