Abigail Cowan and Bailey Larmore with show host Telly Leung. Photo by leafophoto
Who would think that two little girls tap dancing to Disney’s “Tail Spin” would be a part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition‘s latest project? Abigail Cowan and Bailey Larmore, dancers with Delaware Arts Conservatory won the audience over with their contagious smiles and enthusiastic tap performance, proof that even the smallest among us have talents that can be shared to accomplish great things.
As sweet as these two were, all of the performers deserve major kudos for volunteering their talents to last night’s benefit concert which followed Extreme Makeover: Home Edition‘s kick-off Pep Rally in Lewes, Delaware.
Several performances were particularly notable, however, for their relevance to EMHE’s mission of reaching out to help others through volunteerism and a steward-like sense of community. Jerry Birl, a self-professed “Fan-ilow,” performed Barry Manilow’s inspiring song “Help is On The Way,” and dancers from Vineland Regional Dance Company treated us to a portion of “Shine,” choreographed by the late Jonathan Phelps, that reminds us, “We’re all meant to shine.”
Sussex County certainly shines in their fundraising efforts! Proceeds from both events garnered about $20,000, pushing the current fundraising total over $150,000 in donations from the community. Charged with the mission of organizing local talent into an evening of high-end entertainment, Director Autumn Schneider rose to the occasion, assembling a variety show of dedicated, passionate artists, willing to share what they could in the name of community. “When Schell Brothers contacted me regarding this project, I was honored that they felt I could be counted on to help achieve such an admirable objective. Of course, simply put, I could not do it alone. This has truly been an overall team effort.”
This is an ever-present theme of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition projects. Every person, no matter how big or small, can make a difference by offering their time, talent, or treasure. We can all be heroes, just for one day, and our involvement will have lasting effects on those we share it with.
Photos by leafophoto
