New York’s Staten Island Larry Oliveri, a Staten Island resident living with autism, stepped into the spotlight and earned a standing ovation for his rendition of the Lord s Prayer before a packed audience at the Holiday Express benefit concert at the Basie in New Jersey.
That standing ovation was incredible, Oliveri, 32, who spends his days cooking and prepping orders forLifestyles for the Disableds catering program, said. I started crying.
Holiday Express is a mobile holiday celebration, a passionate group of musicians who provide food, clothing, entertainment, and music to people in need throughout the Tri-State area, including veterans, people with mental and physical disabilities, people in recovery from addiction, the homeless, and the isolated.
One of the highlights of Oliveri’s attempts to use his singing to raise awareness of autism was the almost sold-out performance. His performance, which embodied Holiday Express’s aim to aid underserved communities, provided a unique touch to the occasion.
Tim McLoone, a musician and restaurateur, established Holiday Express, a non-profit volunteer group, in 1993.
Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone (right) invited Larry Oliveri of Staten Island (center) to perform at the nonprofit s benefit show after discovering his singing talent on a recent visit to the developmental program that Oliveri participates in. His greatest admirer is his father, Paul (left). Thanks to John VitolloVitollo, John
McLoone shared that the organization discovered Oliveri s talent during a recent visit to the Staten Island day program where he works, one of 100 stops on the nonprofit s annual Kindness Tour. This tradition brings live music, gifts, food and entertainment to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, special needs schools, and other groups serving those in need. After hearing Oliveri s singing talent, McLoone invited him to perform at the nonprofit s benefit show.
The annual benefit concert supports Holiday Express regional tour, featuring 50 professional musicians and singers alongside volunteers dressed as elves, Santa, Mrs. Claus and other costumed characters.
This year is our 32nd season and tonight s show reflects the same joy and human kindness that we bring to people in need, said McLoone, whose love for music was a driving force behind the creation of Holiday Express.
Larry Oliveri captivates the crowd with his performance of the “Lord s Prayer,” earning a standing ovation at the Holiday Express benefit concert. Thanks to John VitolloVitollo, John
The theater buzzed with holiday cheer as the Holiday Express band and vocalists, all professional musicians volunteering their time, blended traditional, gospel and rock n soul music for a one-of-a-kind performance. Characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, the Grinch, Cookie Monster, and Elmo danced through the crowd, adding to the festive spirit.
The evening ended with a grand finale, as young children took the stage to share a magical moment with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event was made possible by generous sponsors, whose support helps Holiday Express serve 27,000 people.
Eileen Higgins, executive director of Holiday Express, shared that the organization s whirlwind tour will wrap up on Christmas Eve with shows at St. John s Soup Kitchen in Newark and Trinity Church Soup Kitchen in Asbury Park.
We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community that enables us to continue spreading joy, kindness, and hope to those who need it most, she said.
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