Got a talent? Show it off for a good cause.
Okotoks' Got Talent, presented by the United Way & Okotoks Partnership in collaboration with the Town of Okotoks, is a new fundraiser set to support local non-profits in style.
"Can you sing? Can you play the guitar? Juggle? Dance? It doesn't matter what it is," said Shari Hutchison, United Way & Okotoks Partnership committee chair. "I think it's just a very fun way to get people in the community to be able to support the community and support the United Way."
Those interested in performing are invited to create a video three to five minutes in length. Detailed instructions are available here.
The video quality is not nearly as important as the talent being showcased.
"We're looking to get as many submissions as we can," said Hutchison. "It doesn't have to be perfectly polished because the actual talent show isn't until the new year, but right now we're just looking for video submissions."
Videos can be submitted until Sunday, Sept. 15, after which videos will be vetted and those performers who pass will be invited to live auditions at the Old Church Theatre on Nov. 20 and 21.
The talent show, which will feature contestants that pass both rounds of auditions, is slated for March 7, 2025 at the Viking Rentals Centre.
There are no residency requirements for Okotoks' Got Talent, meaning that contestants from outside Okotoks and area can enter. While the event supports local initiatives, the lack of a residency requirement for contestants keeps the event open for as many people as possible to participate, according to the committee.
The United Way & Okotoks Partnership, part of the United Way of Calgary and Area, supports non-profits and initiatives that address the social needs of those living in Okotoks and area.
"The Town provides the administrative support to the [United Way] committee, so we're able to help to support the amazing volunteers we have in their efforts to raise additional funds, and then we're also able to help to bring in agencies for the funding process and help to bring us to those pieces," said Sian Anderson, Town of Okotoks community wellness team lead and staff liaison to the partnership committee.
The 2023 funding totalled approximately $79,500, according to the Town of Okotoks, while the goal for 2024 is to raise $90,000.
"That is money that we then can distribute out to the community," said Anderson.
Recipients of last year's funding included the Foothills School Division, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, Foothills Country Hospice Society, Nurtured by Nature Mental Health and Wellness Society, Okotoks Family Resource Centre, Rowan House Society, Solace Grief Support Society, Inclusion Foothills Association and KidSport Okotoks.
Okotoks' Got Talent will raise funds through ticket sales and sponsorships, with all funds going towards supporting local non-profit organizations, programs and initiatives.
"Every dollar that is raised in Okotoks will actually stay in our community, which is a huge advantage," said Hutchison.
Learn more about Okotoks' Got Talent, including submitting an audition, on the Town of Okotoks website.
