Tony Procaccini, AWHS 1976 classmate and Music Director of Saint Emery Church, Fairfield, has announced that the annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along, set for Sunday, December 15, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., has added an extra dimension which, he says, may lend a helping hand to those in need in southwestern Connecticut.
Procaccini and Len Paoletta, former Bridgeport mayor and founder of B.A.C.I.O., Inc., the non-profit sponsor of the annual event, met with Donna Schmidt, Volunteer Program Manager of Fairfield-based Operation Hope, last month. The well-known community service organization has agreed to set up a collection booth at the entrance to the sing-along, held each year on the Great Lawn of Saint Margaret Shrine, in Bridgeport.
Procaccini, pictured below at the far right, along with Operation Hope Executive Director Carla Miklos, Schmidt, and Paoletta (left-to-right), are shown holding items of non-perishable donations, the suggested "admission price" for the sing-along.
Newly-installed Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport is expected to be in attendance. B.A.C.I.O., Inc., Operation Hope and Procaccini are all ecstatic that the bishop will appear.
"I feel the bishop will not only give us a spiritual boost, but will give a little clout to the event, too," states Procaccini. "I vividly remember Bishop Lori's two prior appearances when he gave warm welcomes to the crowd and, though pressed for time, he stayed and talked with many and blessed them, too. I am certain that Bishop Caggiano will have a very positive effect on everyone."
Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek has accepted an invitation to attend. Previous sing-alongs have had appearances by other local politicians, according to Procaccini.
For the first time ever, the sing-along will feature the participation of about 15 high school singers, all from Fairfield Warde High School. This is the very same school that was known as Andrew Warde High School back in 1976, the year Procaccini finished his high school studies. According to Procaccini, other local groups, including Jim Royle's Drum Studio in Bridgeport, will likely participate.
"I think this year's sing-along will be extra special knowing that I'm conducting singers from the very same high school I attended," Procaccini notes. The school's choral director, Lauren Harmata, assisted in procuring the participation of the young choristers.
An optimistic Procaccini states, "I think this may be the first great sing-along since our inception in 2007, given the increased participation from many groups, and the new aspect of helping the hungry and homeless in the seasons of Advent and Christmas." He also emphasizes that all are welcome to the event, not just those who are Christian.
According to Procaccini, "We are expanding the scope of our musical event in a way that is unique, in accordance with American and Christian values, and likely to help the sing-along become a very popular regional event."
