Phoenix

For: IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CELEBRITIES GATHER TO BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO SENIORS AT 25^th ANNUAL LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES:

October 18, 2006 (Canoga Park, Ca.)-On December 03, 2006, Celebrities, carolers, musicians, puppies in training for ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’, and Santa Claus with his big bag of 2,000 fresh flowers will once again stroll the halls, rooms and dining area at three retirement homes to bring a little holiday cheer to residents this holiday season. Celebrities joining in this year include the legendary Alex Del Zoppo (original members of Sweetwater Band that kicked off the Woodstock Festival in 1969 and there bands journey was the basis for the VH1 original movie "Sweetwater: A True Rock Story,"); Bill Dempsey actor who portrayed Alistair Craine on “Passions” and a variety of roles on “General Hospital”, “Days of Our Lives”, “Young & Restless”, “7^th Heaven”, and “Unsolved Mysteries”; Chelsea DiBlasi singing voice from Harry Potter and Peter Pan movies; Don Peake guitarist for Everly Bros., Ray Charles, recorded with Marvin Gaye, Jackson Five, & Barry White; Don Sweeney  famed drummer, band leader, concert producer, and author of book ‘Backstage at the Tonight Show’; Florence LaRue singer for The 5^th Dimension; Joseph DiBlasi guitarist recorded with Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd, Charo, and Chicago; Prescott Niles bassist for "The Knack".  Pop singer/artist Alan O'Day will perform his former #1 hit "Under Cover Angel", plus, a special rendition of "Please Be Home for Christmas" with all the prominent musicians and "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" with all the children participating in the festivities.                                                                                                                                                  Organizer of the 25th annual holiday caroling event, Vincent J. Leinen is seeking singers and musicians of all talent levels to help entertain residents at this heart-warming event. According to Leinen, choral director, event organizer, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, "We want to bring happiness and joy to the elderly residents and at the same time instill a heightened awareness in the carolers that they should be more appreciative of what they have in life and what they might take for granted." Leinen added, "Its important not be so concerned with what we don't have in life, but to feel more blessed and happy with what we already have for example health and family."..... The carolers will visit West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center, 7940 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park at 4:00 p.m.; Topanga Park Retirement Center, 7945 Topanga Canyon Blvd. at 5:30 p.m.; and Wilshire Retirement Center, 6833 Fallbrook Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments and music booklets will be available to all participants. Carolers wishing to participate may join the group at any of the retirement homes.... This event is free and open to the public with an estimated 200 participants. Immediately following the caroling activity all participants are invited to socialize and dine at Home Town Buffet, 6705 Fallbrook Avenue, Canoga Park, Ca. 91307.  . Leinen’s tradition of caroling for the elderly began as a youngster while singing at rest homes with the St. Mary Catholic Youth Organization in Dow City, Iowa and continues in Los Angeles, CA. (25^th Annual H.C.F.-12/03/06), Omaha, NE. (32^nd H.C.F.-12/10/06), Dunlap, IA. (2^nd Annual H.C.F.-12/14/06), and Scottsdale, AZ. (3^rd Annual H.C.F. -12/17/06).. For further information, contact Vincent J. Leinen at (818)-342-9336 and/or BD754@LAFN.org  or visit website at www.ReachForTheStars.com/Caroling/ .