Shining Stars to Present Inaugural "Reach for the Stars" Gala

Shining Stars Network, a non profit organization shining the light on the special needs community through the performing arts and other activities, has several exciting events planned in the coming months.

Shining Stars will be hosting their inaugural “Reach for the Stars” Gala on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the the elegant Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, featuring a 5-star dinner and show featuring the Shining Stars special needs cast members.

The night will feature a full cocktail hour, sit-down dinner of Chateaubriand and a Venetian hour. Highlights of the night will be a 45-minute performance from the amazing and talented Shining Stars cast, a 50/50 raffle and auction items.

“This is a night we’ve been dreaming of having for quite some time,” noted Shining Stars Network co-founder and President Mike Curci. “As we continue to expand our mission of providing opportunities in the performing arts, we felt a gala would be a wonderful way to introduce our special stars to the corporate community and other donors while raising funds that will allow us to grow our programs.”

Shining Stars Network is an expansion of the successful Shining Stars talent shows which began in Cranford more than eight years ago with 15 cast members. That number has grown to more than 40 and there are new requests each week from those who want to become a part of the Shining Stars family. While the majority of cast members live in Union County, there are cast members from seven different counties who have taken the stage.

“It’s an exciting time for our organization and we continue to receive requests from those who want to join our cast,” said Curci. “We know there’s a need for what we are providing and our goal is to continue our mission of creating even more exciting and unique opportunities to be on stage in the future.”

“Being on stage builds self-confidence and self-esteem, which is something our stars take into their every day lives.” noted Shining Stars Network co-founder & co-director Sally Curci. “Friendships are built between cast members and our volunteer “buddies” and these long- lasting bonds are just as important as the performing. Our goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible for the special needs community.”

Tickets for the “Reach for the Stars” gala are available at shiningstars.booktix.com or you can email your ticket request to shiningstarsgala@gmail.com. The cost to attend is $150.00 per person.

“We are incredibly thankful to our gala committee members for their time and dedication,” added Mike Curci. “We could not do this without them. And we cannot say enough thank you’s to the local community for their continued support in helping our stars shine over these past eight years.”

Shining Stars is also excited to present their second annual “Christmas Spectacular” — a not to be missed evening of holiday favorites presented by their incredible cast — and filled with sing-a-longs and audience participation, including the return of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” — which instantly became a fan favorite last year.

Because of the success of last year’s show, this year’s “Christmas Spectacular” will be presented at the beautiful and historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

“UCPAC has been our home for the past two “Evening of Shining Stars” shows, which drew an audience of more than 1,000 each year,” said Curci. “We are thrilled to take our Christmas show to this iconic stage and look forward to presenting another magical night for our audience.”

Tickets for the Shining Stars “Christmas Spectacular” are on sale now at www.UCPAC.org/events. There will be a 10% discount on tickets through October 31st by using the code holiday stars.

Also, mark your calendars for Friday, May 8, 2020 when the Shining Stars return to the UCPAC main stage for the third straight year.

The 9th annual “Evening of Shining Stars” promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Shining Stars Network, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non profit organization that shines the light on the special needs community by creating opportunities in the performing arts and other events. In addition, our Shining Stars Ambassadors basketball team travels to play local first responders and organizations with the goal of building friendships and understanding in a inclusive environment. The successful Camp Shine — a two-week intensive special needs performing arts summer camp — just concluded their 3rd year.