America may have talent, but South Whidbey has its share of talent, too!

In the fashion of the popular television show “America’s Got Talent” Good Cheer will present “The Mother of All Talent Shows” Saturday evening, May 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the South Whidbey High School auditorium.

This venue is very special as you can see by the photo. The challenge will be in filling all of the seats to make this truly a special event. An annual talent show would restart a great tradition for the community and will be lots of fun.

With more than 20 acts signed up to perform, the May event is looking like it might just be the reincarnation of South Whidbey’s old-time talent show held annually until three years ago.  The annual talent show was coordinated by Jean Shaw, well known South Whidbey school teacher, and became a community institution.

JoNoah Spratt and State Representative Norma Smith

The idea of a hosting a talent show started when Good Cheer volunteer, JaNoah Spratt was giving State Representative Norma Smith a tour of the Food Bank.  JaNoah is a young man who has done many projects to raise funds for Good Cheer, including his own garden at his house near Langley.  On the tour, he and Norma came up with the idea of having a talent show to earn money to support Good Cheer Programs.

Damien Cortez

I loved the idea and knew right away that Damien, our Food Bank Coordinator, needed to be involved in this effort as he has a strong background in theater and performing arts. Both Damien and JaNoah are movers and shakers, and I had full confidence that this new idea would be a GREAT addition to our fundraising effort.

Our lineup of entertainment includes dancing, singing, varieties of musical talent, a martial arts demonstration, a fire-spinner, and even an artist painting on stage.  “If you have talent, we will put you on stage,” says Damien who will also be the emcee of the show.

JaNoah and some of his Martial Tiger Arts friends

To more fully resemble a television talent competition, there will be a panel of five celebrity judges from our community, including Jean Shaw, Mike McInerney, Lynn Williford, Mary Mathews and local personality Jim Freeman, who will be the spokesman for the judges. I’m hearing that the judges and others from Good Cheer will be dressing up as if it were an Oscar event. We’re trying to get a red carpet:)

Jim Freeman

We wanted to give everyone attending a chance at winning a prize; so we are having a raffle event. You will receive a raffle ticket with your event ticket. You can also buy raffle tickets separately; you don’t have to be in attendance to win a prize.

JaNoah and his mother have been working overtime to secure some great prizes. They have secured more than $4,000 in prizes!

The Green Car Company has donated a Europa eBike valued at $1499.

Leave your worries at the gas pump. This Light Electric Vehicle powers up with a simple cord and leaves you charged up for fun. The Europa provides environmentally friendly economic commuting for all. Its lightweight construction, front suspension and comfort gel seat give riders the thrill of a powerful ride with easy handling.

The Inn at Langley and Spa Essencia have donated a Spa Package and Hotel Stay valued at $650.

Lawrence Stapleton painting; the painting above is a sample of his work.

This is the painting that will be donated to the event; value is $650.

The Half Link Bicycle Shop is donating a Norco Scrambler valued at $409.

The Island Athletic Club has donated a 3 month membership in their Club a $350 value.

Tiger Martial Arts donated one month of classes at their Dojo.

Promoting the event has been a collaboration with students at South Whidbey High School’s graphic arts program who designed the posters and the tickets. Well done Watermark Design! Watermark Design is the name of the school’s graphic department!

Tickets for the talent show are available at all Good Cheer locations for $10 and include a raffle ticket for people over 18.

You can also purchase raffle tickets separately: one ticket for $2; three tickets for $5; seven for $10; or 20 for $20 (the best deal).  You need not be present to win. The money from the sales of event tickets and raffle tickets will be used to support Good Cheer Food Bank programming.

Good Cheer!