Doo-Wop and Dancing for a New Boiler at Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit parishioners, New Hyde Park residents and friends were jamming to some doo-wop tunes Saturday evening to help raise money for the church's boiler.

Father Joseph Nohs, pastor at , explained the dire need for a new boiler at the church.

“The boiler was corroding on the inside," Nohs said. "Over the summer, we had to replace it with a new boiler. Now, it’s a new, cost-efficient boiler and pipes are breaking so this concert is a great to help with the campaign.

Nohs said the oldies concert, which brought in about 320 people, is just one of the many fundraiser events that are a part of the Holy Spirit Boiler Campaign.

“Dolores Santangelo came up with the idea for a 50’s night because her uncle, Don K. Reed, offered to help,” he said.

Santangelo, director of the event and New Hyde Park resident since 1990, assembled a plethora of talent with the help of her uncle, longtime WCBS/FM personality Don K. Reed. Reed, former host of the widely popular “Doo Wopp Shop," hosted the charity event while bringing along the entertainment for the concert.

“My niece Dolores asked me if I can get some acts tonight," Reed said. "It’s a good cause. The turnout was great."

Reed explained how the event came together, saying, “In mid-January, Dolores came to me and wanted to sell 250 tickets in four weeks... I give her a lot of credit. I don’t know how she did it. It turned out very well on such short notice.”

Doo-wop groups Twin Gold and Street Corner Review donated their time and talents for the benefit concert with performances of hit sounds from the 50s. The Louise Benes Dance Company created dance interpretations to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and other memorable tunes from the era.

“This event is going to help a tremendous amount,” said Frank Blennau, a resident of New Hyde Park and parishioner for 42 years. “This is just another example of how people can help the church.”

According to Santangelo, the ticket sales alone for the benefit concert raised $6,000 towards the Boiler Campaign. By the end of the night through raffles, the church estimated that $8,000 was raised for the cause. Santangelo called the turnout “phenomenal” and had to stop selling tickets Thursday because of capacity concerns.

“It’s a great turnout and it’s for a very good cause,” said Joan Clavin, resident of New Hyde Park for 29 years. “It looks like enough of the parishioners are concerned enough to come out for this cause.”

Nohs attributed the overwhelming response to the residents and parishioners in the community.

“The people love the community," he said. "It’s more about the community than it is about raising the money. The turnout was fantastic.”

If you’re interested in donating towards the Holy Spirit Boiler Campaign, call 516-903-6630 or e-Mail handlewithprayer@holyspiritchurch.com.

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