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Shining Stars Meet the Harlem Wizards

Sep 27, 2025

Shining Stars

Ambassadors and Cranford PBA Enjoy Basketball, Friendship

Sep 27, 2025

It was another night to remember, as the Shining Stars Ambassadors special needs basketball team and the Cranford PBA Local 52 played to a smiling crowd at the Cranford High School gym.

With members of the boys varsity basketball team and cheerleading squad on hand to cheer the teams on, the Ambassadors delighted the crowd with their basketball skills and personality.

“It was another fun and exciting night,” noted Shining Stars Network’s Mike Curci. “Many members of Shining Stars are from Cranford, so it’s always special to play here. I can’t thank the Cranford PBA Local 52 enough for helping to make this such a special event for our players. It was truly a great night.”

The Shining Stars Ambassadors special needs basketball team promotes inclusion, friendship and understanding while playing first responders and other organizations in a fun environment.

Ambassador Brian McAuliffe sang the National Anthem and members of the Shining Stars performing arts cast rocked the crowd at halftime while showing off their choreography to the song “Raise You Up” — which will be part of the “8th Annual Evening of Shining Stars” talent show set for May 3rd at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The cast also had members of the audience dancing and singing to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” which put everyone in a great mood.

Shining Stars 8th annual “Evening of Shining Stars Talent Show” will be held at UCPAC on Friday, May 3rd with showtime at 7:00pm. This year’s spectacular — titled “The Greatest Show” — will feature songs from Broadway, movies and more. Tickets are on sale now for this must-see event at www.UCPAC.org/events.

Shining Stars Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shining a light on the special needs community through the performing arts, sports and other inclusive events that provide opportunities for people with and without special needs to come together.

Everyone at Shining Stars Network would like to send a very special thank you to the following:

Cranford PBA Local 52
Police Chief Ryan Greco
Lt. Chris Polito
Officer Greg Federici
Dr. Scott Rubin, Cranford Superintendent
CHS Athletic Director Darren Torsone
The Cranford Board of Education
Lori Zullo
Sean Trotter & the CHS Basketball Team
The Cranford cheerleaders
Rotary Club of Cranford
Bill Ilaria & the Cranford Municipal Alliance
Referees Ray Dodd, Brian and Jim Ulacky
Coaches Bob McAuliffe & Travis Johnson
Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta
All the parents, relatives and fans who attended the game

Shining Stars

Ambassadors "Spread the Word" in New Providence

Sep 27, 2025

For the third straight year, the Shining Stars Ambassadors special needs basketball team traveled to New Providence High School to take part in their Spread the Word to End the Word night. The Ambassadors once again showed their basketball skills at halftime of the Gov. Livingston-New Providence boys varsity game -- thrilling a crowd of close to 1,000 spectators, who lavished several standing ovations for the Ambassador players.

The evening began with a pizza dinner with the varsity girls basketball team -- hosted by New Providence High School Director of Athletics Vinny Corangelo and Guidance Counselor Christine Noppenberger -- who were again instrumental in making this a great night for everyone involved.

"We enjoy it every time we come to New Providence," said Shining Stars Network's Mike Curci. "The energy from the crowd during our halftime game was amazing, and our players definitely fed off of that. They had a great time. A big thank you to everyone at New Providence High School for continuing to spread the word and highlighting the special needs community on this very special night."

"Tonight is always our favorite night of the year," noted Director of Athletics Vinny Corangelo. "Spread the Word is such a phenomenal movement and we're happy just to be a small part of it, and getting to share it three straight years with the Shining Stars is really special for the New Providence community and the Berkeley Heights community."

The Shining Stars Ambassadors then enjoyed the incredible varsity game -- a five-overtime thriller won by New Providence to clinch the conference championship. It capped an an amazing night of basketball, inclusion, friendship and good will.

"There were hot shooters all over the floor tonight," added Corangelo. "Certainly the Shining Stars Ambassadors were no exception at halftime. In a five overtime game, I think it was loudest at halftime getting to watch the Shining Stars play, which was great. The talent on the floor of the Ambassadors is always jaw-dropping. The fans absolutely love it."

Sports

NJ Hawks Play at Rutgers

Sep 27, 2025

The New Jersey Hawks Special Olympics basketball team -- representing the High Expectations organization -- had the honor of playing at halftime of the Rutgers-Nebraska men's basketball game at the Rutgers Athletic Center. The Hawks entertained the crowd and took photos with the Scarlet Knight mascot. It was a great "knight" for all!!

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Our Mission

Sep 27, 2025

Our Mission

Shining Stars Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shining a light on the special needs community through media, events and experiences.

We create video, photo and editorial content that spotlights the positive and inspiring stories within the special needs community. We host inclusive events that provide opportunities for people with and without special needs to come together. We create and cultivate experiences that enhance the lives of people within the special needs community.

We believe that individuals with special needs have their own unique talents to share with the world. We believe that everyone should have the chance to showcase their abilities and talents. We believe that everyone should have a chance to connect with their community.

Our Story - Our Mission - Our History - Our Team

Shining Stars

Ambassadors and Oceanport PBA Enjoy Great Night

Sep 27, 2025

The Shining Stars Ambassadors — a special needs traveling basketball team that plays area first responders were in town to play the Oceanport PBA — not only to have some fun on the court, but to build friendship and understanding.

Presented by Shining Stars Network — a non profit dedicated to shining the light on the special needs community through the performing arts and sports — those in attendance were treated to a game that featured some great plays and teamwork. The Ambassadors faced the PBA in the first half, before both teams were combined in the second half so everyone could get to know each other better.

“Everyone had a wonderful time,” noted Shining Stars Network President and Monmouth Park television host Mike Curci, who along with his wife Sally, are the driving force behind the organization. “The Oceanport police were amazing, immediately making our team feel at home. Our thanks to Mayor Jay Coffey the Oceanport Boro Council, Police chief Mike Kelly and the Oceanport PBA for making this such a memorable event.”

The players took the floor after a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Ambassador Brian McAuliffe. Mayor Coffey, an avid basketball fan and referee, officiated the contest and once again came away impressed with the impact the night had on everyone involved.

“I had the privilege of reffing the game that the Super Bowl and World Series have and then some,” said Mayor Coffey. “I can’t imagine a more rewarding, uplifting and illuminating game has ever been played on that court. Our police officers are actually pretty good basketball players, but their hardwood skills pale in comparison to their collective compassion, grace and humanity. We are blessed to have them protecting our boro. The Shining Stars Ambassadors played their hearts out from the opening whistle and both teams played the game with ear-to-ear smiles on their faces.”

At halftime, there was also a dance party that got the crowd involved. There are plans already in the works for the Ambassadors to return for another game.

“Everybody who watched the game from the stands (including, incredibly, Monmouth Beach legends Ernie Brina and Dickie Keller) couldn’t help but smile and be uplifted by what was happening on and off the court. We’re going to schedule another game in the near future and Oceanport should turn out in great numbers to support the next one. Big thank you’s to Mike Curci of Shining Stars Network for allowing us all to be part of this. Chief Mike “3 seconds” Kelly and P.O. John “Gimme the Damn Ball” Weir for coordinating everything. and Mike Fagliarone, Micky Perulli, Greg Lauretta, Dan Petrocelli, Nike Chenoweth and Chuck Svenson for playing so well and giving the Shining Stars Ambassadors a night they will never forget.”

“This was great for not only us and the police department but the community as a whole in Oceanport to have the Shining Stars Ambassadors come here and show their stuff,” noted Oceanport Police Chief Mike Kelly. “They're a great team, great athleticism. It brought the community together, very special.”

“It was a great experience, can’t wait to do it again,” said police officer John Weir, who was instrumental in organizing the event. “Amazing athletes and amazing people with the organization. It was just a great time. You get so much out of it knowing how much joy they get out of the game.”

“It was awesome, It was unbelievable, a lot of fun.” said police officer Mike Fagliarone. “I can’t even put into words. I think it helps bring awareness, it helps bring understanding and cameraderie. It helps build team and friendships.”

All proceeds go to Shining Stars Network, a 501(c)(3) non profit that shines the light on the special needs community by creating events in the performing arts, sports and more.

One of their big events is “An Evening of Shining Stars” — an annual talent show which features 35 special needs cast members — and last year, drew an audience of more than 1,000. This year’s show will take place on Friday May 3, 2019 at the Union County Performing Arts Center.

“The show will feature our cast singing and dancing to songs from Broadway and movies,” added Curci, “Their performances are truly amazing and we are inspired every day by their talent and preparation. We hope to bring our talent show to the Monmouth County area sometime this year.”

As for the Ambassadors, they can’t wait for a return match against the PBA.

“As soon as the final buzzer sounded, we were making plans for another game,” added Mike Curci. “Inclusion is a big part of what Shining Stars is about, and we can’t thank Oceanport enough for allowing us to share our mission.”

Camp Shine

3rd annual Camp Shine Set for August

Sep 27, 2025

Camp Shine -- a performing arts special needs camp for ages 10 and up -- is set for August 19-30 at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church in Fanwood. Camp Shine is a theater camp for individuals with special needs which increases self-confidence through the performing arts. It is a two week camp which shines a spotlight on the special needs community and is culminated with a performance showcase. The camp focuses on team building, social skills and positivity though acting, singing and dancing.

"The camp is designed to not only teach the performing arts, but to also build self esteem and self confidence," noted founder and co-director Sally Curci. "All campers have individual acts as well as being a part of the group numbers, which promotes teamwork. It's a fun two weeks."

The camp culminates with a show -- where the performers take the stage in front of an audience.

For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CLICK HERE to Register for CAMP SHINE

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Our History

Sep 27, 2025

Our History

Shining Stars Network is an expansion of the incredibly successful Shining Stars Talent Show – which was created by Sally Curci in 2012 to showcase the various talents of special needs students in Cranford, New Jersey.

The annual two-hour variety show sells out the Cranford high school auditorium and is a testament to the power of inclusion. Special needs and non-special needs performers come together in a dazzling display of choreography and teamwork – a culmination of four months of rehearsals and amazing dedication from the students, parents and volunteer buddies from Cranford high school.

Due to the success of the show, Mrs. Curci was awarded the prestigious Betty McGhee Award for her service to the special needs community by the Arc of Union County. Sally was also honored by the Cranford Board of Education for her service to the community.

Shining Stars Network is committed to expounding upon the vision and success of the Shining Stars Talent Show not only locally, but nationally. Our website is putting the spotlight squarely on the special needs community through video features, sports highlights, feature articles, podcasts and much more. Our content not only features people with special needs but also content developed by people with special needs. Our site will also serve as a resource for parents and caregivers.

In addition to media content, Shining Stars Network is working at the community level to develop events and experiences that bring the special needs community together and are inclusive to special needs and non-special needs alike.

Shining Stars Network is a place where everyone can feel at home. We sincerely look forward to sharing many amazing stories and experiences with you. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey!