Cranford Shining Stars put on a another great show.

Check out this great article about our 2012 performance from PATCH's Toniann Antonelli:

"The creative acts were moving, inspiring and, in many cases, humorous...the audience cheered, stood up and danced, held up signs and even shed a few tears while watching the performers...The witty master of ceremonies, Ryan Fay, was part stand-up comic and part game show host. He could give Ryan Seacrest a run for his money."

Click here for the rest of the article!

Cranford Shining Stars Co-directors Sally Curci and Bath Wolfe discuss the annual show on Cranford Radio. 

Cranford Shining Stars prepare for annual show.

“Giving these children a chance to shine on stage is immeasurable, they exceed the audiences expectations and leave children with a sense of pride and accomplishment.” - Sally Curci, co-director of Cranford Shining Stars.

Click here for more information on the third annual show from NJ.com

Shining Stars Ambassadors show their support for      The ARC of Union County.

Springfield, NJ (June 27, 2016) – Following their performance of “A Disney Spectacular” at Cranford High School on April 15, 2016, The Cranford Shining Stars have chosen The Arc of Union County to be a recipient of the proceeds.

The Cranford Shining Stars is a theater group for Cranford students with special needs who love to sing, act, and dance. The group practices reverse inclusion, and buddies and siblings are welcome to participate. The group also provides an avenue for children to enhance their theatrical skills and to participate in months of practices and rehearsals in preparation for a night of entertainment. Cranford Shining Stars is a part of the Shining Stars Network, which seeks to shine a positive light on the special needs community through media, events and experiences.

Frank Caragher, Executive Director for The Arc of Union County, said the Cranford Shining Stars’ performances get more impressive each year, and the group provides a true service to the community.

“We thank the Shining Stars for their continued generosity and support of The Arc,” he said.

Sally Curci, Director of the Shining Stars, said the group’s partnership with The Arc of Union County continues to hold strong. The Shining Stars also performed at The Arc’s Candlelight Awards in March, 2016.

“This is our fourth year making a donation to The Arc and we are happy to do it,” she said. "We are delighted to give back to an agency that helps support local individuals with special needs."

Proceeds from the Cranford Shining Stars show also supported scholarships for special needs students.

About the Arc of Union County

With more than six decades of service, The Arc has grown into Union County, New Jersey’s, largest provider of on- and off-site educational, recreational and support services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. A registered 501c3 non-profit, the organization serves more than 1,000 children and adults annually through a continuum of comprehensive programs geared to assist clients and their families throughout all stages of their lives. For more information, visit www.arcunion.org, or call 973-315-0000.

Shining Stars Ambassadors volunteer behind the scenes to help prepare for the 2016 Bayshore Greek Festival.

The Shining Stars Ambassadors recently volunteered to help Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox church set up their annual Bayshore Greek Festival. The Shining Stars assisted with many tasks, including the setup of hundred of chairs and tables.

"Our ambassadors were very eager to help the Greek Festival in any way that we could," said Travis Johnson, COO of the Shining Stars Network. "We are incredibly grateful that the Kimisis Church community has opened their hearts, church and facilities to many members of the Shining Stars Network. Kimisis is the home of the Monmouth Titans special needs basketball team. The team would not exist if the church did not donate the use of their basketball court. Father George and the rest of the Kimisis family has embraced the special needs community with open arms and we are happy to support them whenever we can."

Shining Stars Ambassadors bring joy to the Matheny Medical Center

       On Sunday, December 13th, 2014 special needs ambassadors from the Shining Stars Network visited the Matheny School in Peapack, NJ. The Matheny School is a special education private school for children with a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities. The ambassadors were volunteering as part of the Matheny Racing Christmas Party, which has been held annually for over 40 years.

"The members of the Shining Stars Network are very grateful for all of the support they receive," said Travis Johnson, COO of the Shining Stars Network. "In turn, whenever they have the opportunity to give back, they do so with eagerness and a lot of positive energy. This is the second year in a row our ambassadors have been here and the experience has made an impact on them. Sometimes we lose site of what a blessing it is to be in a position to give and everyone from Shining Stars takes great joy in bringing smiles to the faces of the Matheny party attendees.

Support of the Matheny School’s efforts by the local racing community has thankfully remained a strong tradition since the Sammy Beavers introduction of the work they do to the sport back in 1975. This holiday season, if you can just spare $5, $10, or $25 to help out these loveable kids, put a check or whatever you can in the mail and forward them to RJC Charities, 70 Albert Drive, Parlin, NJ 08859.

RJC Charities is a 501c3 charity run by Bob Caramella. A donation forwarded to this address enables you to use it as a tax right off, if necessary. Donations may also be forwarded directly to the organizer of the annual Matheny Racing Chrismas Party, Kevin Eyres at 144 Mercer Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.