NFM, Cape kids to shine in third annual SWFAS talent show
It’s a free night to watch talented local elementary, middle and high school students who will take to the stage Saturday, Nov. 7, in hopes of winning the annual “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show,” produced by Southwest Florida Addiction Services.
It’s the third year SWFAS has coordinated the talent show, which is sponsored by the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation and the H.J. Heinz Company. The show will be from 3-5 p.m. at First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd., in Fort Myers.
There is no admission to attend the show and the public is invited.
Why free?
“So people can come, enjoy and see these kids for free,” said spokesperson Susan Bennett.
“The H.J. Heinz Company provided some funding because of a relationship to the program of SWAFs – The Challege Ropes Course – which is an adventure-based program offered by SAWAFS for everybody,” Bennett said.
“There was also an event in February with the Bobby Nicholes Cup when they selected SWAFS as one of their beneficiaries two years ago.”
Three cash prizes of $75 each will be awarded for each category of talented kids that night (elementary, middle and high school).
From North Fort Myers, students from J. Colin English Elementary School include Trenton Minor, Shomari Mason and David Laboy. They are a gymnastics team – to do an acrobatics routine.
Also from North Fort Myers is Amberly Humes, a 7-year-old second grader at Tropic Isles Elementary School who will sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland. She lives in Cape Coral .
“We have 18 acts that will be competing with a wide variety of talent. They were selected in auditions from among 23 who registered to participate. We are very pleased with the level of talent our community has in its young people and invite the public to come see for themselves,” said Martha del Valle, SWFAS talent show coordinator.
The performances include everything from singing and dancing to a magic act and gymnastics. Contestants represent nearly every area of Lee County, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Sanibel, East Fort Myers and Alva.
The talent show will open with a roller skating demonstration by Jammin’ The Net Skate Team. A video presentation on the dangers of prescription drugs also will be shown during intermission.
“Our goal is to provide teens with a fun, safe venue to express themselves without using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,” del Valle said.
In addition to the talent show, the afternoon will include a silent auction of themed baskets such as movies, sports, and bath-body products.
The “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show” offers the community an alternative event for children that doesn’t include drugs and alcohol. This year’s focus is to bring awareness about the dangers of using and abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
SWFAS is the most comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention program in Southwest Florida, serving 6,000 people per year from ages 9 to 90.
SWFAS offers outpatient and residential programs for both adults and youngsters from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses.
Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income. In many cases, private insurance is accepted. SWFAS is a United Way agency.
For more information about the talent show, contact del Valle at 332-6937, ext. 111, or visit www.swfas.org.
“What other people don’t know is that we have a prevention department,” she said. “With the prevention department we are always trying to empower and educate the community and we wanted them to have a fun event. It gives us the opportunity to provide information on the dangers and consequences of substance abuse. We already have a lot of programs in the schools, but we wanted to have an event for the kids – not only to educate but to give an opportunity to show off their talent.”
Last year, she said, they had a lot of families turnout, but invited the community to the event this year.
“We have free hot dogs, soda, chips and great entertainment,” she said.
The event is free, with no reservations necessary. Call 332-6989 for more information.