Holiday Express Kicks Off 32nd Season of Giving at Benefit Clambake

Holiday Express, the nonprofit that’s all about spreading joy and lifting spirits, is excited to begin its 32nd journey of delivering smiles, music and warmth to children and adults who often find themselves forgotten during the holiday season.

The organization announced the start of its “Season of Giving” at its Sunset Benefit Clambake, which took place Sunday, Sept. 8, at a tented, beachside gathering that drew over 400 people and generated more than $300,000 to help fund this year’s holiday musical tour that includes nearly 100 stops at nonprofits and organizations that support vulnerable people.

This year’s whirlwind Season of Giving tour will kick off on Nov. 4 and culminate on Christmas Eve with 27,000 children and adults in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania expected to experience the “Holiday Express gift of kindness,” Executive Director Eileen Higgins shared at the fundraising event, which took place in front of McLoone's Pier House at Pier Village in Long Branch.

Holiday Express founder and musician Tim McLoone said the organization has existed for over 30 years, “thanks to the incredible generosity and compassion of our giving community and our dedicated volunteers.”

At the clambake benefit, Holiday Express acknowledged longtime donor and philanthropist Carol Stillwell, presenting her the Sunset Benefit Clambake Award for more than 10 years of supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Stillwell and her company, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., an Edison-based company that provides data center infrastructure solutions, are significant sponsors of the yearly Holiday Express benefit concert at the Count Basie in Red Bank.

Also honored were Billy Nagy of Oceanport, 17, a senior at Shore Regional High School, who received the Lauren Townsend Award, named in memory of a Columbine High School student leader killed in the 1999 school shooting, and Neil McDevitt of Little Silver, who was presented the Andrew Spencer Award, in remembrance of Spencer, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack. Both awards recognize a commitment to community service.

In a touching tribute, Nagy received his award from Lauren Townsend's mother, Dawn Anna. Holiday Express performed at Columbine High School 25 years ago to help the Colorado community heal, and the connection has endured, McLoone noted.

“Our 2,500 volunteers are the heart and soul of this organization, ensuring that everyone we meet during the holiday season feels loved, valued, and remembered,” McLoone added.

This season, volunteer musicians, merry elves and beloved costumed characters like Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman will entertain audiences of children and adults, “bringing beaming smiles and laughter,” Higgins said. Guests will also receive a meal and gift bags.

“Every event is a unique opportunity to connect with people and share in the spirit of the season. Our amazing volunteers and supporters make it all possible, and we could not fulfill our mission without them,” Higgins said.

The 32nd tour will take the organization to a wide variety of locations, from soup kitchens and homeless shelters to veterans' homes and facilities for people facing physical and mental challenges, addiction, and isolation. This season, Holiday Express will make 29 visits in Monmouth and Ocean counties alone.

Area residents are invited to experience the magic of Holiday Express at two upcoming events in Red Bank:

• Red Bank Town Lighting, a free holiday show featuring the Holiday Express band and costumed characters on Friday evening, Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving. The annual community event is the traditional kick off to the season in Red Bank and is hosted by Red Bank RiverCenter. Santa and Mrs. Claus close the festive show, which takes place on Broad Street.

• Holiday Express Benefit Concert, Tuesday Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), at the Count Basie Center on Monmouth Street. McLoone will lead the band of 50 professional musicians and singers who will share their unique mix of traditional, gospel, and rock’n soul holiday music. The festive event is presented by Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., and proceeds will go towards spreading warmth and happiness to Holiday Express clients. Tickets for the show, which will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and other beloved characters, range from $25 to $125 and are available at www.HolidayExpress.org.
  
  Learn more about Holiday Express, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support their mission by visiting HolidayExpress.org.