Since 1915 Kiwanis Clubs have worked to bring communities together through service. Kiwanis Clubs 04-24-13-kiwanis-talent-night.gifare dedicated to improving their cities and working together to make a positive difference in the lives of as many people as possible. One of the biggest ways that Kiwanis is known for making an impact is through its support of children. The Fayetteville Kiwanis Club supports this community’s kids through its annual talent night, which takes place on May 10 at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Admission is $5, and the tickets are available at the door.

For 62 years, the Fayetteville Kiwanis club has invited the young talent of the area to come out and perform for a chance to compete for cash prizes, trophies and scholarships. The competition and prizes are broken up into divisions by age. The first place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $100. The second place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $50. The third place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $25. Additionally, there will be four music scholarships awarded for the categories of voice, strings, piano and band instrument. These scholarships are $150. The overall winner of the competition will receive a trophy and $200.

Talent night supports the community in many different ways. It brings the community together to celebrate the young competitors and their abilities. It gives the children a chance to step out and try performing. Events such as these often spark a lifelong love of performing and often inspire the youth to further pursue their passions. One of the prizes that Kiwanis offers is a scholarship, so it goes directly to furthering the education of the Talent Night winners. Education is the key to the future, and the Kiwanis Club has always been dedicated to creating a brighter future for the entire community. Perhaps most important, from the contestants’ perspective at least, is that the Talent Night Showcase is fun.

Jason Poole is a Talent Night Committee member and has been a part of this event since 2003. “I like that this gives kids a chance to showcase what they can do — to get on stage and perform,” he said. “This is a great place for young people to get the experience of being on stage in a friendly environment. We all want to see these young performers do well. In fact, there are a few people who have done this and are now performers on Broadway.”

All performers are welcome to try out. Dancers, singers, entertainers and musicians of any kind have a chance at winning funds for school. It’s not too late to take part in this year’s event. Kiwanis Talent Night auditions will be held on May 4 at the Honeycutt Recreation Center, which is located at 4665 Lakewood Dr. The deadline for submitting an application is May 1. The application can be found online at upandcomingweekly. com or fayetvillekiwanis.org. The categories are preschool - 2nd grade; 3rd - 5th grade; 6th - 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade.

To all those potential contestants deciding whether or not to take the stage, Poole says, “Go out and do it — take the chance don’t be shy.”

The competition takes place on May 10, and starts at 7 p.m. Contestants must arrive 30 minutes early in order to prepare. For more information, visit fayettevillekiwanis.org.

Photo: Kids preschool through high school are invited to participate in the Fayetteville Kiwanis 62nd Annual Talent Night Showcase.