Christmas in July for the Veterans
Former Miss USA Mary Therese Friel brings a very special video presentation to the Veterans at the Canandaigua, Bath and Batavia VA Medical Centers for the Fourth of July.
Friel collaborated with Paul Root, the Author of “S.O.S. Save Old Santa,” from the Steven James Media Group, to produce a video presentation to thank Veterans. In the video, models and actors from The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency bring Root’s wonderful book to life.
A presentation of the video and books was recently made to representatives at each of the three VAMC’s. The video will be screened for Veterans to enjoy during the Independence Day holiday, and each will also receive a copy of Root’s book to accompany the video.
Hank Riegel is the Recreation Therapy Supervisor for the Finger Lakes VA Health Care System. He dressed up as Santa Claus to receive the video and books.
“For 22 years now, Mary Therese has been producing a talent show to entertain Veterans on Independence Day at the Canandaigua VA,” said Riegel. “Since 2020, pandemic restrictions have prevented their group from visiting us in person, so we are so thankful that they are finding creative ways to continue sharing their appreciation for Veterans.”
During Friel’s time as Miss USA, she participated in the USO with Bob Hope. Years later this experience served as the inspiration for the talent show with models and actors from Friel’s modeling agency, performing for Veterans annually on the Fourth of July at the Canandaigua VAMC. This video project is an extension of this ongoing effort.
“This video project took months of planning and hard work from a very dedicated group of creative professionals,” said Friel. “I am so happy to bring this wonderful story to the Veterans and to keep our Fourth of July tradition of honoring those who preserve our freedoms.”
“S.O.S. is a heartwarming story of friendship, asking for help and learning to accept it,” said Root. “When Mary Therese asked if she could use the book in a project for U.S. Veterans, I couldn’t say yes quickly enough.”
The “S.O.S. Save Old Santa,” video production was a collaborative effort between Steven James Media Group and The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency. Production credits are as follows:
Executive Producer: James Pavone
Writer & Director: Paul Root
Co-Director: Thom Georgia
Producer: Luci Breuer
Director of Photography: Chris Hart
1st Camera Operator: Nate Mancini
2nd Camera Operator: Kate Christ
Editor: Katie Christ
Sound Engineer: Nate Mancini
Post Production Manager: Nate Mancini
Graphics: Hailey Grove
Graphics: Erika Johnson
Casting: Mary Therese Friel & Kent Friel
The cast of models and actors in the video from The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency are listed here (in order of appearance): Ella C., Riley D., Anthony Z., Dakota P., Collin C., Dianne H., Aurora C., Arwen G., Kelly F., Zoila V., Ethan N., Sebastian C., Rachel A., Leilani R. and Johanna S.
The Christmas in July event was started in 2022 when Friel brought hundreds of holiday cards filled with messages of hope and gratitude to the Veterans at the Canandaigua, Bath and Batavia VA Medical Centers for the Fourth of July. These cards were made by Goodwill Ambassadors from her Modeling Agency.
Media inquiries please contact Kent Friel at The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency. (585) 624-5510 | mail@mtfmodels.com