SING! karaoke event Saturday will aid Advocates for Children

The trio of Denton Haight, Carla Janikowski and Matthew Rust are shown in the roles of Peter, Paul and Mary at last year’s SING! fundraiser

Jaclyn Vanosdol is impressed with the harmony that already has made the annual SING! karaoke-style fundraiser a noteworthy success.

“Everybody loves karaoke, right?” she said. “Except this is just karaoke on a larger scale.”

The event slated for 6 p.m. Saturday that raises money for the work of the nonprofit Advocates For Children is officially sold out for its 350 seats at The Common at 300 Washington St. But those still hoping to attend may check with organizers at (812) 372-2808 to see if there might be tickets available from purchasers now unable to use them.

Plus, whether people attend the event or not, they can vote for their favorites with monetary donations for the cause through 9 p.m. Saturday, according o organizers, including Vanosdol, director of development for Advocates for Children. To vote, visit www.apowerfulvoice.org/singvoting.

Of the five teams competing in the friendly competition, Jim Roberts and Friends with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation were leading the voting at press time. The teams are:

  • Jim Roberts and Friends with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.
  • The Blue Crew (Bartholomew County Democrats)
  • Jon Schafer — Cummins Inc. LiveWell
  • Carla Janikowski and Friends with Century 21 Breeden Realtors
  • Pastor Mitch Harrell and Kaitlyn Harrell

Each team sings a song to a backing track at the show. Last year’s event raised $66,000, according to organizers. The goal for this weekend is $70,000.

The show funds the agency’s Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which involves trained volunteers speaking for children in cases of abuse and neglect. In 2023, Advocates For Children assisted 498 children in such cases in Bartholomew, Jennings and Decatur counties. A total of 48% of such cases involve children under the age of 5, according to Vanosdol.