Full House, Full Hearts at Holiday Express Benefit

Larry Oliveri, a 32-year-old Staten Island resident living with autism, spends his days cooking and prepping orders for the catering program at Lifestyles for the Disabled. But on Tuesday night, he stepped into the spotlight at the Holiday Express benefit show at the Basie Center, delivering a stunning rendition of the "Lord’s Prayer" that earned a thunderous standing ovation.

OIiveri’s performance as a guest vocalist brought a special kind of magic to the evening, echoing Holiday Express’ mission of spreading joy and kindness to often forgotten and unseen communities in the tri-state region of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Holiday Express founder and bandleader Tim McLoone shared that the nonprofit discovered Oliveri's talent during a recent visit to the Staten Island day program where Oliveri works. It's one of 100 visits that Holiday Express makes each November and December on its yearly "Kindness Tour" delivering live music, gifts, food, and holiday entertainment to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, special needs schools, and other organizations that serve people in need.

The annual concert at the Basie helps raise support to fund Holiday Express' trek across the region with scores of merrymaking musicians and caring volunteers dressed as elves and costumed characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“This year is our 32nd season and tonight’s show reflects the same joy and human kindness that we bring to people in need,” McCloone said.

The theater was alive with cheer as the audience enjoyed a string of holiday classics performed by the Holiday Express band and vocalists, all professional musicians who volunteer their time and talents. Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Grinch, Cookie Monster, and Elmo, danced and delighted the crowd. The evening concluded with a grand finale featuring young children on stage, excited to share the spotlight and enjoy a magical moment up close with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event was made possible through generous support from sponsors, including presenting sponsor Carol Stillwell of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc..

For Oliveri, the near sold-out show was a high point in his efforts to spread awareness about autism through his vocal performances in the greater New York City area. “That standing ovation was incredible,” he said, “I burst into tears.”

Eileen Higgins, executive director of Holiday Express, noted that the organization’s whirlwind tour will end 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.

Learn more about Eatontown-based Holiday Express, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support their mission by visiting HolidayExpress.org.

About Holiday Express
We’re a charitable organization that brightens the holidays for vulnerable populations by bringing live music, entertainment, gifts, meals, hope, and joy to group homes, developmental centers, long-term hospitals, homeless shelters, special needs schools and other organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Founded by restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone, we’ve been delivering the gift of human kindness since 1993. Learn more about our mission at HolidayExpress.org.