A Joyful Red Bank Concert Caps 30 Years Of Holiday Express

RED BANK, NJ — Holiday Express, the nonprofit organization that brightens the holidays for 30,000 vulnerable children and adults, celebrated its 30-year anniversary at a spirited benefit show at the Count Basie Center.

Founded three decades ago by Tim McLoone, the acknowledged multi-talented musician, performer and restaurateur, the Holiday Express mission is to offer joy to people facing mental and physical challenges, homelessness, food insecurity, addiction, illness and other struggles.

The benefit concert Dec. 19 mirrored the festive parties Holiday Express brings to so many others: special needs schools and organizations, developmental centers, veterans’ homes, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other agencies that bolster the lives of people in need across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, the organization said.

Holiday music from its band of volunteer professional musicians filled the theater during the two-hour show, while the stars of holiday characters, including Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Elmo and the Cookie Monster, danced across the stage and into the audience.

“It costs Holiday Express about $1.5 million to make 100 stops during the holiday season to deliver what we call the gift of human kindness to kids and adults who are often forgotten during this time of the year,” McLoone said, as he thanked the 1,400 supporters who attended the show and its sponsors, including presenting sponsor Carol Stillwell of Stillwell Hansen Inc.

The audience was thrilled by the band’s unique blend of traditional, gospel, and rock ’n soul holiday music. And there were the featured vocalists, including Dr. Elmo Shropshire, known for his classic, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and original band member Jim Celestino’s touching rendition of the Beatles’ "All You Need is Love."

Former Holiday Express client Cion Lewis received a standing ovation for a duet with Sheldon Edward.

Cion was a student at A. Harry Moore Laboratory School, a special needs school in Jersey City where Holiday Express has performed for years. Also invited on stage to perform was local disc jockey David McDonald, co-host of the morning show on WRAT 95.9 radio, which annually hosts a benefit that supports Holiday Express.

A crowd favorite was the jolly entrance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, bringing even more Christmas spirit to the heart of the show.

Eileen Higgins, executive director of Holiday Express, said that the organization is fueled by the kindness of the community, including 2,500 volunteers who make it possible to share the spirit of the holidays with those in need.

In addition to live music and costumed characters, the signature Holiday Express parties also include gifts and food, all donated.

“There is nothing like seeing the smiles we bring to those often forgotten during the holidays,” said Higgins.

For more information about volunteering, donating, or getting involved with the nonprofit, visit www.HolidayExpress.org.