A few weeks back, the NK Blog reported on a night of music with local North Kingstown teens.  These talented teens played guitar, drums, sang, and did sketches in front of a lively crowd, showcasing to all how talented our North Kingstown teens are.  The night was also about cultivating civic pride and generating donations for a local organization, the North Kingstown Special Olympics.  The teens raised $205.50 that night with Coach Lisa McKay in attendance.  When I mentioned the donation amount to Lisa the next day, she was ecstatic.

Coach Lisa and I wanted the teens to present the donation check in front of the athletes of the North Kingstown Special Olympics, their friends, and families at a special ceremony.  And then, Coach Lisa had the great idea of inviting the teens to sing at their annual Christmas party.  My son, Spencer, and his friend Abby agreed to play and quickly learned about 10 songs for the party.  My family drafted a “BIG CHECK” for the donation presentation.  It was the perfect way to present the donation, listen to these talented teens perform again, and be part of one of the most amazing organizations in the world, Special Olympics.

Friday night, December 2nd, a large crowd of Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, coaches, friends, and families gathered at the Cold Spring Community Center, which was the location of the NK Teen Open Mic Night a few weeks back.  Spencer and Abby set up their musical instruments, microphone, and amps in a corner section of the room to allow for dancing and merriment in the community center.  Tables with pizza, desserts, waters, and more were set up for the guests.  With the anticipation of Santa Claus and all his wonder, the party got started about 6:00.

From the onset of Spencer and Abby performing, there was a magical feeling in the room.  Athletes, friends, and Coach Lisa sang and danced with the band.  Classic songs like “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bells” resonated through the room.  Myself, I was the roadie, so I took care of getting the music set up, making sure the microphone and guitar were not too loud, and just generally helping out.  I was so emotional throughout the night watching my son and these athletes and these volunteers just live it up to the fullest and be a community.  It was a feeling I will never forget.

After a few songs, Spencer and Abby presented the donation check to Coach Lisa of the North Kingstown Special Olympics.  The donation in the amount of $205.50 will go to programs, equipment, services that help promote a positive message to all of these incredible athletes and their families.  It meant a lot for Spencer and Abby to be there to present the check and to see how the crowd cheered for this.  This donation will go a long way in the hearts and souls as they grow up in this town.

After the donation, the party got right back to the music.  Several of the Special Olympics athletes took to the stage and sang their own songs.  We had a great group of singers, dancers, and parents all helping make this Christmas party one to remember.  One by one, the athletes got onto the dance floor or grabbed a guitar and sang or took the microphone and belted out their favorite song.  To close, Spencer and Abby played “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and lo and behold, guess who walked into the Cold Spring Community Center, but Santa Claus himself.

It was a magical night.  Spencer and Abby were amazing.  Coach Lisa’s energy is just incredible.  The athletes, their friends, and families were in a great mood all night.  It will be a night I will never forget in this great town of North Kingstown.

IN THE COMMUNITY LOCAL EVENTS