Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, was an unusual flurry of festivity, fun and special friendship Dec. 9 as non-profit musical troupe Holiday Express entertained close to 200 adult clients from Easter Seals Disability Services.

The gymnasium was alive with music song and dance as volunteer elves, snowmen - even Rudolph and Santa Claus himself - interactively entertained the eager crowd.

“This is an energetic group that definitely stays on their feet,” stated Holiday Express executive director Donald Pignataro, who has been involved with the organization for five years. He explained that the concert was held during previous years at St. Leo The Great, also in Lincroft, but that attendance and volunteer involvement necessitated a larger location. Pignataro indicated that CBA President Brother Frank Byrne, whom he has known for many years, offered the academy’s gymnasium without hesitation. The all-boys Catholic school had agreed to host the concert by providing the venue in addition to both student and adult volunteers.

“Some of these folks get little or nothing during the holidays, so it is important that they know someone cares,” he added.

As several guests ran by with big smiles and roaring laughter to match, Pignataro noted emotionally, “Look at their faces - there is no way that anyone can put a price on this.”

The mission of Easter Seals is to enable individuals with disabilities or special needs – and their families – to live, work, and play in their communities with dignity, equality and independence. Holiday Express is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that was founded in 1993 by local entrepreneur, philanthropist and musician Tim McLoone. McLoone is a star performer in the musical troupe he created – along with about 80 other professional musicians and approximately 1,300 volunteers. In addition to providing lunch, beverages, and desserts, Holiday Express also presented each attendee with a gift bag containing hats, t-shirts, toiletries and other items, according to Holiday Express board member Maureen Staub, a 17-year volunteer. Staub, who also serves on the CBA board, emphasized that while Holiday Express is non-sectarian, the charitable mission is certainly a manifestation of Christ’s love.

Easter Seals Vice-President of Community Support Services Jill Ehrhardt attended the event and expressed a profound sense of gratitude to the volunteers.

“They are all just wonderful and have brought such joy to us. We are already looking forward to next year,” Ehrhardt said. She emphasized that many of the attendees – close to half – reside in group homes, foster homes or with families who are experiencing economic hardships.

“So this event is a big deal to them,” she added, “as many also have little to no family involvement.”

Over 40 CBA students volunteered by serving food, dancing with guests, donning holiday costumes, and most importantly, by dispensing unconditional love and friendship.

“This really puts life in perspective for them,” Staub noted.

Tim Sewnig, advisor to LaSallian Youth, explained that it was easy to find student volunteers. “Recruiting was the easiest job in the world. All I did was mention the event, and here they are. This particular group is not shy about getting up and interacting with the guests,” Sewnig stated with pride.

LaSallian Youth, a type of service fraternity according to Sewnig, offers students a variety of opportunities to assist economically-disadvantaged populations through direct service in the spirit of Saint John Baptist de LaSalle, founder of the Christian Brothers.

McLoone noted that while the atmosphere of the concert was festive, it belies more serious issues.

“This is literally time for the phrase ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ in relation to the population we serve. They disappear into society, and this is why we do what we do,” McLoone stated. He explained that Holiday Express has changed their mission slightly in the last few years to concentrate on the neediest populations.

“We go where the need is so great that there would be nobody but us there,” McLoone added, listing locations such as psychiatric facilities and institutions and homeless shelters as typical venues.

During a typical holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the band performs approximately 50 concerts. While the circumstances surrounding performances are often less than ideal, McLoone noted that being involved is more rewarding as a result.

“The worst circumstances make it better for us as performers and allow us to dig deeper. It is an absolute privilege to do what we do,” he said. 

Information on Holiday Express is available by contacting Pignataro at (732) 544-8010 and by viewing the website www.holidayexpress.org.  Information on Easter Seals Disability Services is available by viewing the website www.eastersealsnj.org.