A ‘Spectacular’ way to help

Dr. Sanford Wright, a neurologist with the Everett Neurological Center, wanted to pay tribute to his parents. His father Sanford grew up in impoverished circumstances and, as an adult, gave hours of support to the Volunteers of America. His mother Dorothy Jayne was a dance teacher who became a hero to many of her students. Throughout Wright’s life, images of his parents’ humanity influenced him.

“When I moved back to Washington, I joined the Volunteers of America board,” Wright said. “It’s through my father that I got to know the VOA.”

In 1991, the terrorist attacks deepened Wright’s concerns for those in need.

“I learned of a program offering assistance. I wanted to help.”

An idea formed in his mind. In 2001, “A Christmas Spectacular” was born.

“We put on the first show and had a great time. I felt really good about it,” Wright said.

“A Christmas Spectacular,” filled with dancing, holiday music and dramatic presentations, provides an opportunity to share the VOA’s efforts to meet the basic needs of deserving individuals.

“This is my private effort, in memory of my family and in support of the VOA,” Wright said. “It’s not just a staged show. It’s a community-minded effort to help our neighbors.

“The specific theme for this year’s show is ‘Heroes Fighting Hunger,’” Wright said. The performance will emphasize the common person’s ability to be an unsung hero, helping stamp out hunger in our communities.

“It’s a very emotional show because freedom and food are very emotional subjects,” Wright said.

This year’s program features the talents of Dehner Franks, Victor Benedetti, Katie Tomlinson, Megan Chenovick, Carl Kelly, Jimmy Sheider, Josh Wingerter and Ksenia Popova. Shelley Logan will lead the Snohomish Children’s Choir. The Imagine Children’s Museum Singers will also perform. Brian Tracey, former “Evening Magazine” host, plays a recurring role as master of ceremonies.
Richard Eeks of Puget Sound Video has played a substantial role, recording performances and preparing three albums that will be used as a fund-raising tool.

“For the past six years the show has been aimed at bringing awareness and food donations to the VOA,” Wright said. “This year there is a new initiative. We will be fund-raising for the VOA Food Bank through public donations for three new CD albums recorded by the ‘Christmas Spectacular’ cast. Our goal is to recruit 20 local businesses to offer these CDs and receive the donations.”

If they are able to sell 100 CDs per site, the Volunteers of America Food Bank would get a $30,000 boost, he said.

The CDs, available for a minimum $15 donation, are available at J Matheson Gifts, Third Street Interiors, Wicked Cellars, Burkett’s Fashion, Gianni’s Ristorante, Smashed Tomatoes Restaurant, The Dorothy Jayne Studio and The Everett Neurological Center. All donations will be given directly to the VOA.

More than 350,000 families were helped in the past year by the Western Washington VOA. The organization helps people overcome fundamental gaps, empowering them to live independently, self-sufficiently and with quality.
Wright’s efforts to bring in support will effect the lives of children, the elderly and the disabled. Your efforts can do the same.