As members of Matheny’s choir prepared for their appearance with Holiday Express at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on December 20, they received good luck wishes from an unexpected visitor. “You guys are going to be great!” exclaimed New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. She stopped backstage and chatted with each choir member. Guadagno even promised adult patient Jessica Evans that she’d soon visit Matheny.
During the concert, Holiday Express founder and leader Tim McLoone welcomed the choir members, saying, “We go to a wonderful place every year called Matheny.” After the choir performed “Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You” and “Little Drummer Boy,” McLoone introduced Geri Brewer of Somerset, NJ, who sang “One Little Christmas Tree” to her daughter Rasheedah Mahali and the other students and patients from Matheny.
Holiday Express’ mission is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those in need during the holiday season. The band presents a holiday concert every year at Matheny and also plays at our prom in the spring.