Holiday Talent Showcase
Friday Night Live members at Savanna High School diligently worked on a project that not only allowed the members to become better leaders, but also benefited children living in poverty worldwide. They wrote, designed, staged, and performed a Holiday Talent Showcase where they raised over $500 for the Save the Children charity. These monies will be used to promote a better future for many disadvantaged children. The event took place in the Savanna High School Auditorium on December 10th at 3:00 p.m. and December 11th at 6:00 p.m.
Before the show began, a five minute clip was played for the audience in which the Grinch (played by an FNL member) was contacted by a fellow Rebel (the Savanna High School’s mascot) begging him to join the celebration at the Holiday Showcase. After much pleading, the Grinch finally gives in and is seen running to Savanna to make it on time. When the clip finishes, the Grinch can be heard outside and then the audience sees him come into the auditorium only to find the stage empty. Outraged, the Grinch plots to disrupt the Holiday Showcase by stealing items the performers had left on the stage. He begins to steal the items until Cindy (played by the FNL vice-president) catches him. This leads to a friendly conversation between them that changed his outlook on the holiday season and the Grinch gives back all the items (this mini-play continues in between each of the talent show performances). The talent show performers included: two dance routines, a guitar soloist, five singing groups, one band, and special guests, including the Grinch and Santa Claus. The chapter also provided free snacks (some donated by Food 4 Less) which were given out during intermission.
After the event, many spectators, performers, and FNL crew members gathered onstage to celebrate this amazing show. Linda, one of the singers, was absolutely thrilled with the experience of doing what she loves best – singing – while also making a positive difference in the life of children worldwide: “I never expected to have so much fun while participating in a project that would make a difference to children.”
This project took many weeks of planning and organizing with all the FNL chapter members participating in some way; cheerfully taking part in different committees and brainstorming ideas. The FNL members involved found they enjoyed every part of the hard work even though the days prior to the show were chaotic and stressing. Everyone’s effort aided the project from start to finish in making the evening a success. As a result of this successful project, Savanna High School FNL chapter has decided to dedicate the rest of the school year to include fundraising for the Save the Children charity to continue to make a bigger difference. They have set a goal to raise $1,000 by the end of this school year.
