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‘Senior idol’ is initiative of high schoolers
(by Catherine Wilde - June 17, 2008)
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Photo Courtesy Of Bruce Goldsmith, Goldsmith Studios
Woodcliff Lake held its “Senior Idol” even on Sunday, June 9. Proceeds from the event, which was organized by Lauren Barnett of Pascack Hills High School and Kailey Eininger of Northern Valley Regional High School and sponsored by the Woodcliff Lake Senior Association, will benefit Community Hospice of Bergen County. In all, the event raised more than $4,000. Pictured above are all the participants with Lauren and Kailey. For information on the show and Community Hospice, visit www.senioridols.com.
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Accordion playing, tap-dancing and singing were all talents showcased by those ranging in age from 50 to 80 at a recent “Senior Idol” competition at the Tice Senior Center.
Best friends Kailey Eininger and Lauren Barnett, high school sophomores, organized the June 8 event as a venue for the older citizens to show off their talent to the community.
“I know that people forget about the elders in our community and this gives them their moment to shine. They all deserve it,” said Eininger.
The Old Tappan resident said both she and Barnett, of Woodcliff Lake, were inspired by their musically inclined grandparents.
“Lauren and I have grandparents who love to play the piano and have always been really into music. They never get to show off their talent so it’s nice to [show the] community how the elderlies can show off their talents,” said Eininger.
The competition allowed them that chance, but not without criticism. Professional vocal coaches Celeste Simon and Bob Marks as well as director Randy Accardi judged the participants, who were narrowed down to a runner-up and the winner by audience votes.
Barnett and Eininger are no strangers to the stage themselves.
They have performed in many of the Helen Hayes Theater’s performances in Nyack, N.Y. Eininger’s favorite memory is singing the National Anthem with her friend at a hockey game when she was 10.
“Everyone was on their feet and screaming. It was great,” she said.
As performers themselves, the girls thought the opportunity for the senior citizens to showcase their talents was invaluable.
However, it is not only the performers who benefit from the spotlight. Eininger and Barnett raised more than $4,000 from donations by local businesses and Sunday’s proceeds. The money will go toward the community hospice program, which is attempting to re-open since Pascack Valley Hospital’s closing.
“It is such an amazing cause and a fun project,” said Eininger who is excited about giving back to the community while giving seniors their chance to shine.
And shine they did. Seventy-five-year-old runner-up Daniel DeStefano performed the ‘Impossible Dream’ from Man of La Mancha earning him a DVD player. And 61-year-old North Bergen resident Peter Cafasso’s rendition of two Frank Sinatra songs, ‘Luck be a lady tonight’ and ‘The way you look tonight,’ took first place winning him a 26-inch LCD/DVD combination flat-screen TV. Both prizes were donated by Silver City.
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