Carla Clark | For The Republic Carla Janikowski, at left, Lynn Dole, Crystal Anderson, Maribel Valencia, and Tara James part of Carla and the T-Birds group, pose for a photo during SING! A Karaoke Event benefiting Advocates for Children! at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Saturday, April 13, 2024
Carla and The T-Birds won the karaoke competition at Advocates for Children fundraising event SING! held at The Commons on Saturday. The group sang a rendition of “Summer Nights,” originally performed by John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John.
The event raised just over $75,000 in support of Advocates for Children, which provides advocates for abused and neglected children. In 2023, the organization served 498 of our community’s most vulnerable children involved in the court system due to abuse and neglect. The organization said 48% of those children served were under 5 years old and 76% were under age 12 years.
Approximately 300 people enjoyed the sold-out event for the second year in a row. Enjoying live performances of five groups performing karaoke.
The organization thanked people and local businesses who came out to give and invest in a better future for our kids. “We are proud to serve and couldn’t do it without them”, said Elise Yoder, president of Advocates for Children’s Board of Directors.
Teams and Participants
1. Carla and the T-Birds, Century 21 – Carla Janikowski and Friends
2. The Blue Crew, Bartholomew County Democrats – Ross Thomas, Steve Schoettmer, Paul Hoffman
3. John Shafer, Cummins LiveWell Center
4. Johnny and the Total Eclipse – Dr. Jim Roberts and Friends
5. Team PB&J – Pastor Mitch Harrell and Kaitlin Harrell
Top Sponsors
Duke Energy
Kenny Glass, Inc.
Bob and Mary Orben
Enterprise Holdings
Indiana University Columbus
Old National Bank
Elwood Staffing Services Inc.
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
First Financial Bank
Shepherd Insurance
Agresta, Storms & O’Leary, PC
