‘Nose’ for talent

Youth acts to perform in Charlottetown in benefit for CMHA

Holland College’s Florence Simmons Performance Hall will be a hub of activity on Oct. 14, beginning at 7 p.m., as 12 youth acts perform for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize in the Red Nose Talent show.

This is a new winner-takesall event with proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s P.E.I. division.

Kate Flanagan, the event’s producer, said the idea to host this fundraiser was inspired by a friend who recently passed away.

“This event is organized in memory of Lisa Carragher,’’ Flanagan said. “Lisa was an educator who often used a red clown nose to incorporate humour into her lessons with my son Jack.

“She loved children and music, so it seemed fitting to create an event in her memory that encompassed both and incorporated a fundraising component for a cause near and dear to her heart – mental health.’’

Music isn’t the only talent that will be showcased at the Charlottetown event. So far, the lineup will see gymnasts and dancers take the stage as well.

Island youth aged four to 21 were encouraged to throw their hat in the ring although the deadline for auditions has passed.

In addition to revenue generated from ticket sales, the event will host a 50/50 raffle, an online silent auction and red noses will be available for purchase.

Staff with the P.E.I. division of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be on hand to take donations and issue tax receipts.

Holland College is joined by other community partners/ sponsors Arbonne Canada, D.P. Murphy Inc. and MacKenzie Zver Inc. The organizing committee is still looking for additional sponsors. If interested, contact Bianca McGregor at b.mcgregor@cmha.pe.ca, by calling 902-628-3668 or visit www.rednosetalent.ca for more details.