There's a lengthy list of talented performers slated to take center stage at this year's Telemiracle event and making the cut is a Yorkton group of pow wow dancers.
Local Aboriginal Community Worker - Shanon Crook - from Dr. Brass School has been working with her students and a number of other area residents - including drummer Robert Serveright from the Keeseekoose First Nation - to make a dream become a reality.
Having personally benefitted from the Kinsmen organized initiative, Crook says Telemiracle has helped support she and her daughter in the past and it's a cause that's near and dear to her heart. Crook's daughter has a medical condition that has meant she has needed the care of the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Montreal. This means costly travel. Telemiracle funds helped make the trips possible.
Involved with Native pow wow dancing for a number of years, Crook thought, why take her group of children and audition for Telemiracle? It's an opportunity for a cultural experience local children won't soon forget, and also a chance to raise funds for, and give back to a cause that has helped her so much.
When she was 19 Crook spent time training in the art of Aboriginal dance at the Centre for Indiginous Theatre near Prince Albert. It's a cultural staple she wanted to pass along to her students as well as a skill she likes to share with the public. Telemiracle will provide the perfect forum for that.
When auditioning, Crook says those watching couldn't get over the energy the group brought to the stage and she says they are extremely excited to be a part of the upcoming event.
The goal, is to raise as much funds as possible before that time arrives. That means fundraising events, which are busily underway. A taco in a bag sale already took place at Dr. Brass School and numerous other happenings are planned.
"February 14 we're having a bake sale at the school. February 20 we're having a merchandise bingo... and then on February 22 we're having a steak supper at Pockets."
The bingo begins at 1 p.m. and the group is looking for new and gently used items that can be used as prizes. Anyone who can help out can call the school or Crook's direct line at 306-786-5523. Tickets for the steak supper are available through Crook and at the main office or from Pockets.
Crook hopes local residents will get out and support the cause as much as possible.
This year's Telemiracle event takes place March 1 and 2. Crook says her group will perform on the Sunday. As of press time the exact time was not known so stay tuned and keep watch!
