(Oct. 16, 2017) - Shining Stars Network was among the impressive list of honorees at the 2017 Arc of New Jersey Awards Celebration held at the Impera in Somerset.

 

Shining Stars Network, known for its special needs talent shows, was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Community Service Award in honor of their work in within the special needs community. 

 

"We are humbled and extremely honored to be recognized by such a wonderful organization," said Shining Stars founder Sally Curci.  "This award represents every special individual we've had the pleasure of watching on stage, as well as the volunteers, parents and members of the community who have played such an integral part in the success of Shining Stars.

 

Along with the annual shows -- which began six years ago in Cranford as a way to create new opportunities for special needs children to shine on stage,  Shining Stars Network continues to expand -- launching a website dedicated strictly to the special needs community while creating more inclusive events, which include high school Dance-A-Thons, mini-golf outings, and their newly-formed Ambassadors basketball team, which will play against -- and with -- local police departments and first responders in an effort to create friendship and understanding in a fun environment.

 

Shining Stars also held their first performance camp this past summer, Camp Shine, where campers enjoyed two weeks of theatre classes followed by a show which featured individual acts and group numbers in front of an enthusiastic audience.

 

The expansion of Shining Stars has been led by Sally's husband Mike Curci (CEO), Travis Johnson (COO), Nicole Greene (Director of Community Outreach and Media), James Greene  (Director of Development), Jen Johnson (Community Liaison) Michael Curci Jr. (Digital Media Editor).

 

The next Shining Stars talent shows will be held on April 13-14, 2018 at Orange Ave. Middle School in Cranford, N.J.