By Mary O’KEEFE

If anyone thinks that the holidays have become too commercial and cold, all they have to do is attend a very special party that, for 44 years, has brought the real meaning of Christmas to so many.

This year’s Christmas party is being held at Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Dec. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. and is only for a group of very special invited guests.

“The group is comprised of disabled men and women who range in age from 25 to 70,” explained Grace Chase, organizer of the party.

The annual Christmas party began when Chase’s father Vito Cannella noticed that many programs meant to help the mentally disabled weren’t particularly active at Christmastime. Cannella’s daughter Anna, Grace’s sister, is autistic and was with Tierra del Sol Foundation in Sunland for over 30 years. Cannella decided to organize a Christmas party that included dinner, dancing, a visit from Santa and presents for everyone at Tierra.

“My sister is on the autistic spectrum,” Chase said in an earlier interview with CVW. Her sister was diagnosed when she was 2 years old.

“Back then there was a stigma attached to the [developmentally disabled]. Parents were told to put their child in an institution, but my dad and mom didn’t do that,” she said.

Cannella fought all his life for services for his daughter. While he was researching how to get help for Anna he said he met a lot of sad and lonely people. He also found that some of the people with disabilities had families that left them alone during the holidays. Some parents, he found, did not know how to deal with their child’s disability.

Over the years, his Christmas party grew and now they host about 200 guests. The Cannella family soon became family to others.

At the start, Cannella just wanted to have a celebration like others do over the holidays, with everyone gathered at the dinner table, sharing stories and opening presents. For over 40 years, that is exactly what happened. Over the years, the party included dancers from Revolution Dance Center in Montrose performing for the audience, which, by the end of the program, had everyone – party guests included – up and dancing.

“Revolution Dance will be there and has been working with the Pasadena Pioneer Group to perform a dance,” Chase said. “[RDC owner] Julie Kay has been volunteering her time there with this group since she got involved with this party years ago. The performances and then the group dance with everyone are highlights of the day.”

Each year Chase sends out an email to friends, asking for help.

“For many of these individuals, this is their only holiday celebration, and they look forward to it all year long,” stated Chase.

Vito died earlier this year and the goal of the Cannella family is to continue what their father started, to provide those at the party with a wonderful afternoon that finishes with a visit from Santa.

“The week before my dad died we had a few conversations about things he wanted me to know,” said Chase. “One of those things was this Christmas party. He asked me if it was within my means to keep this party going because it means so much to the people we serve. He also asked me to continue to help raise money for Tierra Del Sol in his name. I promised him that I would do it as long as I was able to and our family intends to keep that promise to him.”

Chase said that to honor her dad during the party there will be a time when everyone can recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I know that his presence will be felt that day in our actions and in our hearts,” she said. “He taught us to believe in our ability to positively help others and to accept everyone for who they are. Those are lessons that we will carry on.”

Every year, party organizers give each person a shopping bag full of gifts; for many, this will be all they receive this Christmas.

Chase is asking for donations and volunteers to help.

“If you can’t come, you can help by providing us with one new wrapped gift that could be given that day to one of our guests,” she said.

Anything appropriate for a man or woman is welcome.

“The cost of the item is insignificant, as I have learned from my many years with this special group. They are truly happy with anything,” she stated. “This will be the first Christmas party without my dad, Vito, and we will honor him by serving others.”

To donate, email Chase at chasermama@aol.com.

  Mary Okeefe