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.
- 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 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: