SWFAS to host annual talent show for kids
Southwest Florida Addiction Services is looking for some talented elementary, middle and high school students to participate in the “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show” in November. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 7.
It’s the fifth consecutive year SWFAS has coordinated the talent show to provide children and families an afternoon of entertainment and education on the dangers of substance use and abuse. This year’s talent show will be Saturday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd. There are no entry fees and cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to first place winners in elementary, middle and high school categories.
“We are looking for singers, dancers, painters, acrobats, all talented youth, ” said Martha del Valle, SWFAS talent show coordinator. “We are trying to encourage kids to build the skills they want to develop. Many of our kids always hear about the negative doings involving our youth in the community. It’s important for us to promote events that are beneficial to our youth and provide a safe alternative to drugs and violence.”
To be eligible to participate in the talent show, participants must:
n Be between the ages of 6 and 19;
n Limit performances to no more than three minutes with no bands allowed;
n Have no more than three people per act;
n Have permission from a parent or guardian to participate.
Registration for auditions must be received by Friday, Oct. 7, at SWFAS, 3763 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Forms and releases can be found at www.swfasprevention.org. Please print the form and return by the deadline.
SWFAS is Southwest Florida’s leader in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. More than 6,000 people per year, from ages 9 to 90, start on the road to recovery with the nationally acclaimed programs of SWFAS. SWFAS offers state-of-the-art residential and outpatient facilities for both adults and adolescents from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses. All treatment programs are evidence-based and accredited by CARF.
SWFAS services are not free. Payment plans are available and, in many cases, private insurance may cover some of the cost of treatment. SWFAS also offers assistance for income-eligible residents. SWFAS is a United Way agency.
For more information about the talent show, contact del Valle at 244-4221, or visit www.swfasprevention.org.