Community event raised more than $10,000
The show which reportedly snags Backus Community Center’s largest audiences has done it again.
Friday’s Hooked on Talent fund raiser by United Way which serves Koochiching County, saw 950 seats filled with anticipation for this year’s talent competition — and raised approximately $10,500 to help local charities help local people.
International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason made introductory remarks which included a nod to United Way advisory board member and show coordinator, Lori Lyman, for her recent designation as Citizen of the Year. Master of Ceremonies Paul Nevanen prepared the audience for a “big show” which was delivered in two sets on an impressively decorated stage featuring an outdoor recreational theme including a gigantic real bear, in taxidermy version, borrowed from the International Mall.
Top winners for Hooked on Talent went to vocalist Katelyn Shortreed and guitarist Jeff Gustafson of Fort Frances who won $400 for their stirring rendition of “Autumn Leaves.” Borderland newcomer Jessie Kirschenman won $300 for his crowd-wowing delivery of the spiritual “I Bow On My Knees.” Third place and $200 went to Brittany Hayes for a powerful presentation of “When a Man Loves a Woman.”
The top audience pleasers in each set, measured by an applause meter, were awarded People’s Choice Awards and $200 each. One award went to Kirschenman, and the other to Falls band “Icebox,” a rock band which performed U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
United Way’s VIP (Very Important Performer) Award of $100 went to Teresa Rom of Littlefork for her dedicated support to fund raising; but Rom also captured the delight of the audience with a sultry portrayal of the prison matron “Mama Morton” from the play “Chicago,” when she sang “When You’re Good to Mama.” Queen Latifah played the role in the movie version.
Raffle tickets were sold at the event for donated prize packages, which were awarded while judging was tabulated. Judges for the event were Tony Cole, Donna Frederickson and Faye Whitbeck. In all, 18 acts from multiple musical genres including rap were enjoyed by those who attended.
One presenter commented that she had been moved by a range of emotions, “tears, laughter and goose bumps,” through the musical numbers which were performed that evening.
Lyman said that she continues to be amazed not only by the talent with which the area is blessed, but also by the new talent that shows up progressively. There were nine new performers in the recent show.
In addition, Lyman said it is rewarding that the border audience turns out so impressively for the fund raiser. “It has truly become an event that people look forward to each year,” she said.
