HANCEVILLE – For more than 20 years, the For Kids’ Sake Variety Show has brought a wonderful opportunity for youth in the Cullman area to showcase their talents. Children and teens from every corner of Cullman took the stage at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre on Saturday.
The For Kids’ Sake Variety show was founded in 1993 by Dr. Eugene Bownes, a loved and respected pediatrician, when he noticed that many of his patients possessed immense talents.
“Dr. Bownes felt that their talent and enthusiasm should be shared with the community,” said Maria Stanford, executive director of the Cullman Regional Medical Center Foundation. “And the idea for the For Kids’ Sake Variety Show was born. The first show featured 19 talented performers, and just like today, proceeds from the show benefit the nursery and pediatric care at Cullman Regional Medical Center.”
The 2015 show featured talents from across the county. Dance routines from Cullman Dance Academy, Cullman Ballet Company and The Factory Dance Productions, as well as numerous singers and the Fairview FFA String Band, participated. Young ladies and gentlemen twirled, leapt and belted beautiful notes for an adoring crowd. Not only did performers have the opportunity to show off their talent, but to also raise money for many other children who come through CRMC.
Since the beginning, this show has raised almost $100,000 for the nursery and pediatric care units. This year we are hoping to have raised $10,000 and we hope to hit our mark. The money this year will be used to buy new equipment like a new phototherapy light and telemetry system for the pediatric unit.” – Maria Stanford
The show was sponsored this year by generous companies like MedPlan Recruiting Inc., Wallace State Community College, Wallace State Future Foundation, Shirley Quattlebaum State Farm, Cullman Primary Care Multi-Specialty Group and many others.
“The For Kids’ Sake Variety Show continues to be both a great opportunity for kids to have the experience of performing before an audience and a successful fundraising event for CRMC,” said Stanford. “The financial support from this show allows the Foundation to purchase specialized nursery and pediatric equipment. We are grateful to all of our sponsors, volunteers and performers.”
Contact Chelsea Sparks at chelsea@cullmansense.com
This story was originally published in the February 23 issue of CullmanSense print edition
