At this month’s Charity Karaoke: Sing for a Cause event, 20 local nonprofit representatives will compete on stage with a live band at The Canyon, Agoura Hills on August 11, each vying to win “Best Performance” and a $1,000 prize for their charity. Before the on-stage event, contestants are collecting donations for their nonprofits, with the aim of winning the “Most Money Raised” competition, with a $1,000 prize for their charity. Conejo Community Outreach, the winner of last year’s “Most Money Raised” competition, returns this year to defend their championship title.
Contestants include Center4SpecialNeeds CEO Gina Giambi Peters singing “I Love Rock n’ Roll” by Joan Jett, Conejo Unified School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Victor Hayek singing “Little Red Corvette” by Prince, “American Idol” Season 7 finalist David Hernandez singing “Purple Rain” by Prince, and Firefighters Brian McGrath and Nick Cleary, with a surprise song, not to be missed.
“This is a fun way for nonprofits to raise money and awareness and having 20 different nonprofits team up for one big fundraiser benefits everyone,” says the event’s Creator/Producer Laura Conway.
Charity Karaoke: Sing for a Cause is hosted by Conejo Senior Volunteer Program, which provides opportunities for adults age 55 and older to use their life experience and skills to meet community needs.
Contestants representing 20 area nonprofits, including the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Conejo Schools Foundation, Rotary Club of Conejo Valley, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, Play Conejo, Conejo Community Outreach, Hospice of the Conejo, Harbor House, City of Hope, Community Conscience, and the VC Fire Dept’s Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund, compete in two categories: "Most Money Raised" and "Best Performance." Audience members and online viewers determine the winner of Best Performance by voting for their favorite via text-voting.
“I think it’s great way to raise money for a great cause,” says CVUSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Victor Hayek. “The Conejo Schools Foundation does so much for our kids. It’s fun for the participants and it’s fun (or funny) for the audience. I went to the event last year and made up my mind that I would do it next year,” he adds.
For “American Idol” finalist David Hernandez, participating in the event allows him to raise awareness and money for Paw Works to support animal rescues, a cause close to his heart.
“I love Paw Works and everything they stand for. Having recently adopted a dog (Jaxson), I encourage people to adopt, don’t shop. There are so many homeless dogs out there and it’s a shame that some people still buy their animals from stores. So any way to support animal rescuers, I’m there!”
By stepping out of their usual routine and into the limelight, the Charity Karaoke performers can feel great about having a good time and helping local nonprofits.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing the other performers,” says Hayek. “As a charity event, most of the performers would not likely do this on their own, so it gives our friends and coworkers an opportunity to see us in a different light.”
Adds Conway, “Charity Karaoke brings us all together to support our local nonprofits and we have fun doing it. We can make a big difference when we do it together.”
To learn more about the event and donate funds, visit CharityKaraoke.org/singers, where each contestant has a video link and a green donation link.
Purchase tickets at CharityKaraoke.org or at The Canyon Club Box Office, 28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills.
For event updates, follow @conejovolunteer on Twitter.