Talent shows raises $2,600 for two local youth in need

By Rob Vogt
Claresholm really has talent – for performing, and for pulling together to help its own.
On Saturday night, Feb. 24, Claresholm’s Talent Competition took place at Casa Roma Pizza and Steak House Restaurant.
Eduardo Fuentes took first place with his magic act; Chris Slevin and Ruby Koevort were second with a roof-raising duet; and Jude harrison was third, performing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, a song from “Les Misérables.”
The event raised $2,600 for two worthy individuals, as proceeds from the event went to support Dakota Henshall and Tristen Mackin.
Henshall is a local woman involved in a head-on collision before Christmas with a semi-truck, while Mackin is a local man recovering from serious injuries sustained during a recent rollover truck accident.
Both are making amazing recoveries as Henshall recently had all her IVs taken out and walked out of the hospital.
Mackin recently visited his surgeon who was absolutely stunned Mackin walked into his appointment without the use of a cane, walker or anything else.
Both individuals were also at the talent show.
George Douros, the man behind Casa Roma Cares, the charitable arm of his business, introduced the event.
“It brings me great joy to see so many of you gathered here tonight ready to lend your talent, your support, and your generosity to a cause that is truly deserving of our attention,” he said.
He asked everyone to remember the power of unity.
“Let us remember that no act of kindness is too small, and no gesture of support goes unnoticed. Every word of encouragement and every ounce of support makes a difference,” he said. “Through this talent show, we have the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of two people and be able to contribute towards the assistance and resources they need to heal and rebuild.”
Then he turned his attention to Dakota Henshall and Tristen Mackin.
“Although I can’t directly speak to your personal journey, I can understand the impact that something like this has on a person and their family. I can respect the challenges that are being faced daily, and sometimes hour by hour,” Douros said. “I am happy to see you both here tonight. I believe I speak for all of us in the room that it is our privilege to stand by you.”
Douros joked his hair is not gray enough for wisdom, but he would try his best.
“In the face of uncertainty, hold on to hope, finding courage within,” he said. “And remember that with each passing day, you’re stronger than before.”
The talent show attracted a wide range of performers: Aaron Cheshire; Eduardo Fuentes; Cassandra Navratil; Cassidy Wynia; Charlie Navratil; Gaven Moore; Kim and Spencer Smith; Sydney Slevin; Shelly Hughes; Rod Venables; Jude Harrison; Arden MacDonald-Thomson; Athena Lane; and Chris Slevin and Ruby Koevort.
The judges were Mariya Stokes; Charlie Ewing; Emilea Harrison; Jennifer Kewley; and Craig Zimmer.
Stokes, an up and coming music sensation from Stavely, offered words of encouragement to both Mackin and Henshall, paying tribute to the power of community and how people come together to support their own.
She also said she had come full circle.
It had been 20 years, but she got to play for her Grade 3/4 teacher Mr. Don Mackin.
Don is the father of Tristen Mackin.