The Catskill Chronicle

Compilation and photos by Carol Montana

LIBERTY / MONTICELLO – Despite the first snow of the season, Thunder 102’s ThunderBlast, the holiday celebration and collection event for “Toys for Tots,” held at Monticello Casino & Raceway on December 5, collected hundreds of toys for the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” campaign.

Rocking this year’s event were hometown boys and Nashville singers/songwriters, Somerville and special guest Alyssa Startup who performed The National Anthem during the US Marines’ special presentation of the colors prior to the event.

Paul Ciliberto of Ciliberto & Friends on Thunder 102 and New York Region Market Manager for Bold Gold Media said, “We are proud that our ThunderHeads braved the weather for a chance to help out Toys For Tots.” Mike Sakell of Sakell in the Afternoon added, “Our ThunderHeads donated several hundred toys to this worthy cause.” ThunderHeads is the name the radio station gives to its legions of fans.

This Toys For Tots concert even had the participating bands getting into the spirit of the holiday season by donating their time, talents and toys to be part of ThunderBlast. “It’s was all about the kids,” said Barry Somerville, “and whatever we could do to make their Christmas a little happier.”

The hundreds of toys collected at ThunderBlast — ten 30 gallon garbage bags worth — were picked up from Monticello Casino and Raceway by the Marine Corps Reserves on Friday, December 11 for distribution to Sullivan County children. On hand to assist with the pickup were (left to right): Cindy Nolan, Revenue Verification Clerk and Eileen Cavanaugh, Manager of Human Resources both from Monticello Casino and Raceway; Regina Hensley, Marketing and Promotions Director, Michelle Semerano of Ciliberto & Friends, Mike Sakell of Sakell in the Afternoon, and Paul Ciliberto of Ciliberto and Friends, all of Thunder 102; James Meyers, Commandant Catskill Detachment Marine Corps League, and Cliff Ehrlich, President and General Manager of Monticello Casino and Raceway, who also presented a check to the grateful Marines.

Following the toy pickup Bob DeMan, Catskill Detachment Paymaster and James Meyers explained that Marine Corps League distributes the toys to large charitable organizations, I.O.U. in Callicoon, CASA, Cache and all other individual parents who call 252-3549. 

Meyers explained that the program is running short right now for items for teenagers and children 10-12. Suitable items for older children include: MP3 players, CDs, sports gear, make-up and personal items for girls, and anything that an older child would enjoy. Items will be accepted through approximately December 19. Call the number above to donate. 

About “Toys for Tots”:

Since 1947, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” Program has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U.S. Marines the unchallenged leaders in looking after needy children at Christmas. If you would like more information on Toys For Tots, please go to www.toysfortots.org.

About Thunder 102:

Serving Sullivan, Orange and Ulster Counties in New York and Wayne and Pike Counties in Pennsylvania, Thunder 102 is a community-focused hot country station that has taken its listening area by storm through it promotions, concerts and fundraising efforts for local events. Thunder 102 is on Facebook and Twitter and streams live. To listen live, or for more information on upcoming events, please go to www.thunder102.com.

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