|
Phenomenal!
It was a great show, the best we've ever had. If you were there, you already know. If you weren't, you missed a top notch show. In fact, you missed two shows. (See the pictures.)
First, you should have heard the teens. Fun, energetic, and great singing. Your Brandon Idol Teen Senior is Amy Bueno who sang "Greatest Love of All." Brandon Idol Teen Junior is Kristin Ann Corpuz who sang "New York, New York." And WOW...what voices.
Dare I say Brandon Idol Teen was better than any previous Brandon Idol? Yes, I dare. We heard some great singing.
Then the adults took the stage in the evening, and they made it a competition. Everybody there said it was the best Brandon Idol yet, they'd hate to be the judges, it was a tough decision. But decide they did, and the title of Brandon Idol 2007 goes to Stephanie Merkling who sang "I'm Just a Girl." The People's Choice Award went to Chris Halfman.
It's hard to put in words. You have to hear it for yourself. We asked the performers to up the game, and that they did. It was an incredible show. Make sure you get to next year's show. We're already planning.
Aubrey Makes an Appearance
| |
 |
| |
Aubrey Moore wins the crowd and won second place in the adult People's Choice Award. Julie Duncan of The Dream Factory swells with pride in the background. |
Aubrey Moore, the 11-year old who is the first recipient of a Dream Factory Florida dream, performed in the Teen show in the afternoon and then made a surprise appearance in the evening during the adult's show. After Robert introduced her, she asked if she was going to sing. A quick flurry of activity to cue up the CD and off she went followed by the only standing ovation of the night. What a moment. That's what it's all about.
Over $6000 for Charity
We raised $2,774 for Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and $2,774 for The Dream Factory. With $700 for the Elks Lodge, a charity itself with scholarships for local kids, we raised over $6200.
Big Thanks to So Many Who Made it Possible
I don't know where to start. So many people donate time, money, prizes, performances and their personal dedication to give back to the community. We have a great crew. A few noteworthy individuals include:
- Dusty Amatangelo of the Tampa Tribune who took the initiative to organize and drive the Brandon Idol Teen. Without her, it wouldn't have happened.
- Debbie Walton and PakMail Brandon who handled a range of details including the all-important ticket sales.
- Robert Horning, our emcee extraordinaire from Cards-&-Stuff Magic, who emceed both shows, kept it all running smoothly, and made it look easy...it isn't easy, but he makes it look easy.
- Julie Duncan from The Dream Factory and Dede Grundel from Kids Charity of Tampa Bay
and all the helpers they brought, especially Madonna Abruzzese of Wacovia Bank who got many donations for prizes and the silent auction.
- Tracy Halfman and Chris Halfman from Drug Screen Solutions who are not only sponsors, they volunteer and set up all the sound equipment. They always bring an enthusiastic gang, and Chris sings to raise money for the charities.
- Mark Maynor of Monster Mix Productions who travels across town every year to run the sound equipment. He's been a part of it since the first show in 2001.
- Arlene Waldron from BankAtlantic and mortgage broker Pat Magruder who arranged the food and John Waldron who spent the day barbequing in the parking lot.
- The rest of the commitee including the Brandon Chamber's Judy Gay, our score keeper; Carol Kempter; Randal Munsters;and Kathy Brogli. And lots of show-day volunteers.
- All the performers. They put themselves on the line in front of a big crowd.
- And, of course our sponsors.
|
