The music is ready. The costumes are pressed, the Newport Opera House is decorated and the National Champion Red Star Dance-Twirlers are waiting for the curtain to go up. It all comes together on Saturday night, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. for the Willey-Perra Community Giving Program. All ticket sales, raffle basket proceeds and 50/50 raffle go to the program. There will be refreshments, a surprise visitor and the youngest “elves” to come to Newport for the show. Most of all, it will usher in the holiday season with a cast of talented performers from age three to adults to help children in the Newport area.
Meanwhile at Willey-Perra headquarters in Newport, the elves are hard at work wrapping and packing to be ready for the “Give” on Dec. 15. While The Red Stars are rehearsing, several of their parents will be helping as well. It takes many hands to wrap more than one thousand gifts for almost three hundred families.
President Donna Mahair reports that, while there are many people involved and much generosity, there are still needs. The Christmas trees throughout the area have tags for specific children. Within two weeks, any tags left on the trees will have to be filled by the volunteers at Willey-Perra. The process is very simple. Take a tag, purchase the needs and return them unwrapped with the tag attached to the same tree. Volunteers retrieve the gifts, check them and wrap them for delivery. This is an excellent opportunity to get children involved. Donation of money or toys can be dropped off at The Petal Patch at 2 Main Street, Newport.
Tickets for the show can also be purchased at The Petal Patch at $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children six and under are free. Flyers are being distributed in Newport schools this week good for a free student ticket when accompanied by an adult. This show is perfect for all ages and provides a holiday event for a great cause. The Willey-Perra Program has been in existence since 1989, but it really started in 1981, when Jimmy Willey solicited donations to help needy children . On his passing in 1989, his family decided to continue his giving with the help of Ron Perra and the staff at the former Dartmouth Motors. The program has grown exponentially over the years, from a few children in the beginning to an average of 280 over the last 15 years. During the recession of 2009-2013, the numbers were over three hundred each year. Which meant that more people were needed to help. They did. From volunteer wrappers to those who donate time, money or toys each year, the program is a beacon for others across New Hampshire. Donna Mahair and the board of directors that includes Ron Perra and Willey’s sister, Gina Hutchinson, guide this program all year.
Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday night. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.
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