Benefit show will aid fight against Alzheimer's disease

BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

Donna Ogle lost her mother, Patricia Moss, to Alzheimer's disease. The debilitating condition robbed Moss of her ability to walk and to recall members of her family.

After almost four years of suffering, Ogle's mother passed away three years ago. But out of tragedy came a program that touches older people and brightens their spirits.

For three years, Ogle has directed "Stars on Stage," a theatrical and musical group which is comprised of middle school and high school students from Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro and other communities. The students work under Ogle and sing for residents of retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

"Each year we've done it, more and more people want us," Ogle said. "We have gotten a lot of people on board."

The group's latest event is a bit different, however.

At 7 p.m. June 8 at the Main Street Bistro, East Main Street, Freehold, the current "Stars on Stage" students, returning alumni and some musically inclined adults will perform a benefit cabaret performance for the Alzheimer's Association. Tickets are $30 and a maximum of 150 tickets will be sold. A 50/50 raffle will be held during the event.

Ogle said this will be the second annual Patricia J. Moss Cabaret Night, a benefit for Alzheimer's disease, in honor of her mother. Last year the group raised $2,000. Ogle, who lives in Howell and teaches fourth grade at the Frank J. Dugan Elementary School, Marlboro, said she expects a rousing series of performances on June 8.

"It's a special group of kids" who become part of "Stars on Stage" by invitation only, she said. "These kids are so giving and selfless. We like to think they are coming out of this better people. They see what it means. I thought [that since] they work all year for me, this night is about them."

Ogle's only stipulation was that the group members perform a Broadway tune.

After the June 8 benefit show, the "Stars on Stage" cast will return to its performances around the area. Ogle said the response to the shows is often emotional.

"When you see someone in a wheelchair tapping their foot and singing all the songs, it means something," she said. "It means something to see who they have touched."

Ogle described one instance when an elderly man was crying during one of the group's performances.

"It was a happy song, but it was the song he used to sing to his children," so it inspired fond memories for him, she said.

For Ogle, that is gratifying, especially after her mother's experience with Alzheimer's disease.

"I spent three-and-a-half years with my dad and my daughter, seeing what was going on," she said. "A lot was lacking in her nursing home," so she (Ogle) wanted to do something about it.

"Alzheimer's is such a horrible, horrible disease, it affects the family the most. Try to imagine when your own mother doesn't know who you are. It starts out frustrating, but then you're just sad. We need to find a way to cure this," Ogle said.

For tickets, call (732) 577-8480.