Beth-El annual holiday musical event expands to include dance performance by Lee Lund Dance Companies.

The annual “Spirit of Love” concert to benefit the Beth-El Center will take place on
Saturday December 11th at the Parson’s Center. This year’s Committee decided it was time to “mix it up a little” according to event chair, Teresa Cavaliero, “We see this as an opportunity to showcase an outstanding dance troupe, located right here in Milford.”

The Lee Lund Dance Companies was started in 1985, by Lee Lund with 10 professionals & 4 students from the New Haven area. Still family run, it has grown to a group of 50 student, pre-professional, & professional dancers. The dancers’ ages range from 8 yrs. in the youngest company to 29 yrs in the NYC/Milford based company.

The Lee Lund Companies started performing through the Milford Fine Arts Council in "Jazz + More", continued performing at the Ct. Post Mall, local schools, "The Lamp Light Stroll" in Milford, Pink Tent Festival, Sturbridge Dance Festival in Mass., & their annual concert at Jonathan Law High School. The companies have performed in music videos: "Say No to Drugs", Brenda K. Star's "I Still Believe", Lisa, Lisa + The Cult Jam's "Head to Toe", as well as 8 To The Bar- shot at Amity High School in Woodbridge. The Lee Lund Dance Studio was voted the #1 Dance Studio by the New Haven Advocate's Readers Choice Award.

In addition to the Lee Lund Dance Companies, the program will include the Coastal Chordsmen and Steve D’Agostino, Singin’ and Swingin’ the Great American Standards.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a Balloon raffle of exquisite theme baskets which include gift certificates from area jewelers and restaurants. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Local radio personality, Brian Smith will be the Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $15 for 17 years and under; under 6 years- free are available at The Canvas Patch, Milford Photo, and Somethin’ of Bev’s. .

For tickets or to place an ad in the program book contact Teresa Cavaliero, Event Chair at 203- 882- 8649 or Maria Tomasetti , 203-988-8598.

The concert, sponsored by Briarpatch Enterprises and Milford Bank, will benefit the Beth El Center in Milford. For over 25 years, Beth El has served the needy by assisting them on their way to independent living. The Center provides shelter and case management services to homeless individuals and families. Many people who are homeless today are likely to be single parents with children who have fallen through the social services safety net. Residents are admitted for a 90-day period. Case managers assist residents to obtain work, education, and treatment that will assist them with meeting life’s daily challenges.

The Center also operates a Soup Kitchen. Staffed by volunteers, it serves 50 to 60 hot, nutritious lunches each day, Monday through Friday.

Beth-El Center is located at 90 New Haven Avenue in Milford and is a faith-based program supported by a coalition of 15 Milford/Orange churches.