When Makena Fosdick was nine years old, she noticed her elementary school didn’t have a talent show. Through her own determination, Fosdick proposed the idea to the student council and principal, and Simpson Elementary School officially got a talent show in 2014.
From the very beginning, the students are at the forefront to develop and organize the show to develop leadership skills. Additionally, to make the show impact the community at large, each year the student council votes and selects a charity to donate all the ticket sales and concession sales to. This year it was St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
“We have a fun time each year with Simpson’s Got Talent and the event gives our students the opportunity to use their creativity and talents to help others. It’s a special evening that brings everyone together,” said Principal Bron Gayna Schmit.
This year’s talent show raised nearly $2,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event involved participation of more than 70 students and staff with acts ranging from singing, skits, musical instruments, dance, karate, tumbling and more. The record attendance of 400 helped the school break their fundraising goal of $1,500 for St. Jude.
Now a seventh grader at Pinckneyville Middle School in Peachtree Corners, Fosdick returned to Simpson the past two years to watch her younger sister, Liliana, in the show.
“With my mom’s support, our principal and the student council, my idea came to life and blossomed into a huge event for our school and fundraiser for various charities,” said Fosdick. “Don’t think that just because you’re a kid, that you’re too young to make a difference. Be fearless, be confident and whatever ideas you have — believe in them!”
In the past, Simpson’s Got Talent has benefited “Pennies for Patients” (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In its four years, the talent show has raised over $6,000 for charitable organizations.
In other news: The Kroger Atlanta Division's annual charity golf tournament raised more than $226,420 to benefit the ALS Association of Georgia. Held on May 1 at Eagle's Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Ga., the record-setting fundraising achievement will go directly toward the association's programs including: Sally Panfel In-Home Care Program, Medical Equipment Loan Program, Care Grant and Support Groups.
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