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With storyteller audio

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - They laughed, they cried. And most importantly, they told some really good stories.

More than a dozen people took a break from the Black Friday frenzy to share their personal stories with the Press of Atlantic City during a four-hour event at Boscov's at the Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township.

The Press published the first crop of tales today at PressofAtlanticCity.com. The stories were collected as part of the second annual National Day of Listening. The nonprofit StoryCorps launched the event on the day after Thanksgiving last year in an effort to multiply the reach of its oral history efforts.

Some people spoke alone and quickly. Others told their stories with the help of a relative or friend, or notes they brought along for guidance.

Daniel Flori, 28, of Somers Point, referred to his prepared scribblings when the pull in his voice grew strongest as he talked about how losing his job three months ago made him realize how much and why, exactly, he appreciates his family and friends.

Others allowed their emotions to take over. Egg Harbor Township resident Lisa Buttari's eyes filled with tears while talking about the great need she has seen while volunteering at a local cat shelter with her 12-year-old daughter.

Gianna Huffner, 7, of Ventnor, stopped in next to talk about her Christmas list. At first glance, the choice may lead some to peg her as yet another youth driven by consumerism. But in talking about her most highly desired item, she quickly revealed her intellectual curiosity and the high academic bar she has set for herself.

Desperation drove 65-year-olds Michael and Marie DiGuglielmo, of Mays Landing, to the event. Diagnosed with kidney disease five years ago, Michael DiGuglielmo has failed to find a donor and is nearly out of time. Marie DiGuglielmo said she hoped getting the word out en masse would uncover the person whose gift could save her husband, whom she has known since kindergarten and was her first - and only - boyfriend.

Gina Procaccini could probably relate. The 42-year-old Brigantine resident recalled her sister's suffering from reflexive sympathetic disorder. Since its onset 10 years ago, the chronic condition has drained and saddened their family. But recently, an experimental treatment resulted in what Procaccini described as a miraculous transformation.

"To see her deteriorate like that and then how she is now, it's just amazing," Procaccini said.

Additional stories will appear online Wednesdays and Sundays.

Contact Emily Previti:

609-272-7221

EPreviti@pressofac.com

Ralph Gary Brauner, 71

Hometown: Ocean City

Occupation: Retired from City of Philadelphia streets department

"I don't consider myself a genius by any means, but let me take the test and let's see how I do."

Bernard

Russell, 62

Hometown: Lake George, N.Y.

Occupation: School bus driver for special-needs children.

"When I got him, he couldn't say one word. Now, he can say my name. It's just amazing to see how he's evolved."

Gina Procaccini, 42

Hometown: Brigantine

Occupation: Wardrobe manager for Harrah's Entertainment

"It's just a miracle to see something like that. Especially this time of year, you think of Christmas and the gift of giving. Well, she was given her life back. There's nothing more our family could ask for."

Mercedes Hernandez, 57

Hometown: Atlantic City

Occupation: Part-time clerical employee; Spanish teacher

"My dog was born in my hands. Her name is Travy. … She was in a position, the wrong position in her mother's belly. And then I helped her mother to push. In Spanish, travisado … means 'the wrong way'."

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