Shining Stars 2006 to benefit cancer support group
In a spirit of unselfish love, the community is coming together to produce Shining Stars 2006, a night of great performances that will benefit the cancer support group Bosom Buddies. Shining Stars 2006 will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday at Laurel Highlands High School, located at 300 Bailey Ave., Uniontown.
The benefit features local performers, including Uniontown native Gary Carolla, a cancer survivor who is premiering his new Christian CD “Heaven is You’ this evening.
“Everybody’s working together and giving whatever they have to give for their community and the people around them,’ said Jane Rakas, a member of Bosom Buddies who created Shining Stars with her daughter, Olivia, 9.
The Rakas house in Uniontown is a testament to the excitement that Shining Stars is generating. The dining room table is filled with paperwork. The living room is filled with gifts from businesses and supporters that will make up 18 baskets to be raffled off that evening. The phone rings constantly.
“People have been wonderful,’ Rakas said. “I can’t think of anybody who refused anything we asked for, and they’ve given us more than we asked for.’
Rakas and Olivia came up with the idea for Shining Stars during Rakas’ treatment for breast cancer. She was diagnosed June 13, 2003, and spent two years in treatment.
“Whenever she was sick, she couldn’t be around anybody,’ said Olivia, remembering her mother being confined to a bedroom. “I came in everyday, and I said I know what makes you happy. I’d do a cartwheel.’
Rakas smiled at the memory, explaining she could only see Olivia a few minutes a day. She noted her daughter’s dancing classes and religious (CCD) classes at their parish, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, helped Olivia deal with her mother’s illness.
Together, they decided when Rakas was well, they would do something to help others. They came up with the idea of Shining Stars.
“I’ve been blessed. God’s given me a healing, and I want to give back because I could have been gone from this earth,’ Rakas said. “It’s time to share my health, to give back. When I go, I want to know I made a difference.’
Olivia, who is a home-schooled fifth-grade student and dances at Larraine Susa’s Dance Unlimited, said she wants to do Shining Stars because “it helps other people.’
It’s become a family project with Tim Rakas assisting his wife and daughter as announcer for the evening.
And the list of participants – performers and donors – covers several pages.
The performers include Larraine Susa’s Dance Unlimited, Houck Dance Studio, Katy Lyon Dance Center, Koza and Co. Dance Studio, Fayette School of Ballet, all in Uniontown; Carmichaels Center for the Performing Arts, The Cramer Performing Arts Studio, Uniontown; Hopwood Shotokan Club, The Dutch Treat Barbershop Quartet, based in Uniontown, The Bells of St. Therese, a handbell choir from St. Therese Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown; vocalist Douglas Wright of Uniontown, cousins Aaron Sproul of Pittsburgh, who plays piano, and vocalist Racole Sproul of Uniontown; St. Paul’s Solid Rock God’s Choir from St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Uniontown; vocalist David Mahokey of Dunbar, musician Emily Powell with Jessica Dubois, Debra Powell, Susie Powell and Nick Mattie of Hopwood; Suzuki School of Music, based in Greensburg; and Carolla.
Rakas called attention to several acts, including David Mahokey, a cancer survivor who attends Geibel High School in Connellsville, and Aaron Sproul and Racole Sproul who will sing “Angels Among Us,’ with children who have immediate family members with cancer joining in the chorus. Racole Sproul’s mother is a cancer survivor.
A dance will be performed by Olivia and seven members of the Laurel Highlands Cheerleaders to honor Margaret Franko of Smock and Janet Cunningham of Uniontown, members of the Bosom Buddies who were lost this past year, as well as Joanne Work of Uniontown in whose memory the Uniontown Chapter of Bosom Buddies was started.
The finale will have Bosom Buddies members appear on stage, including a 40-year survivor.
Another special feature is Carolla, a songwriter and music producer who played a vital role in the success of many groups including NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys and Aaron Carter.
According to information sent by Carolla to Rakas for Shining Stars’ program, “When Gary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he was told there was a 1.5 percent chance of survival and that, more realistically, he had six months to live. When recovering from a very painful surgical procedure, Gary made a promise to God: If he could be healed and continue to live, he would write and produce six songs for him and use his God-given musical abilities to spread the word.
“Three years later, Gary is still cancer free and has completed 10 songs to reflect his powerful testimony. His first solo album, ‘Heaven is You,’ will be available for the very first time anywhere, tonight. Not surprisingly, he is more proud of this CD than any other project he has worked on during his illustrious career.’
Gary states, “The album has something on it for the whole family with great messages for life. I will be releasing the album within the coming months, but I wanted to be able to share it here first in order to benefit the Bosom Buddies.’
A portion of his CD sales will be donated to Bosom Buddies and another portion to Johns Hopkins Hospital to help fund pancreatic research.
Rakas said she originally considered doing Shining Stars for research but then decided instead to help the Uniontown Chapter of Bosom Buddies, which was formed Jan. 13, 2005.
“Bosom Buddies,’ according to its brochure, “serves as an outreach to women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The mission is to share in the education, support and encouragement of women and their families throughout the community who are suffering breast cancer.’
The group now includes women with uterine and ovarian cancer.
And Rakas said, “We won’t turn anyone away.’
Bosom Buddies provides information and resources, including a lending library of books and videos, prayer and speakers. Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Morgantown and Fayette streets in Uniontown.
In addition to performers, the benefit is receiving other support to make it a success. Art Gabriel of Gabriel Brothers offered full sponsorship of the program. His wife, Millie, is a survivor.
Rakas told story after story of the help that has been received, such as art teacher Melissa Pasqua who worked with Olivia to design the poster. Graphic artist Kari Homistek helped create the poster, program book and a slide show. Spellman Studio printed the poster.
“Laurel Highlands from the principal on down has been great,” said Rakas, giving name after name of people affiliated with the school who helped.
She gave descriptions of the fabulous baskets that will be raffled off, including donations from celebrity survivors such as actress Susanne Somers and singer Olivia Newton-John.
Other donations include tickets for sporting events, museums and coupons for restaurants as well as merchandise and services.
There are also overnight stays for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington and the Marriott hotel in Pittsburgh. The benefit also will sell a program book and a DVD of the show.
Rakas also told stories of people involved in the benefit who have family members who have suffered from breast cancer.
“It seems everyone has been touched in some way with cancer,” she said.
She also noted the kindness she received from people during her illness.
“When I was sick, it meant so much to me to have a card, people take Olivia to her activities, bring me food and make a phone call,” Rakas said.
“That’s what we’re doing with Bosom Buddies – bringing support to other people,” she added.
And she urged people to do the same to people they know who have cancer, commenting, “Don’t ask. Just tell them what you’re doing because people are proud.
“Tell them you’re bringing them food or sending them a card,” she continued “It’s the little things.
“I’ve kept all my cards and still read them,” she added. “It helps uplift you anytime you need it.’
Even Shining Stars is creating good feelings for those who participate and those who will benefit from it.
Rakas said, “We’re excited. They’re excited and Bosom Buddies is thrilled to know someone cares enough to think about them.’
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the basket raffles.
Tickets to Shining Stars are selling fast.
For the latest on ticket information or how to buy a basket raffle ticket if you cannot attend the show, call Rakas at 724-438-3113.