Students from Savannah Arts Academy’s Making A Difference group (MAD) helped gather an enthusiastic and generous crowd for a talent show at the Sentient Bean May 25 to benefit the organization Invisible Children.
Considering themselves storytellers, Invisible Children is an organization that calls people to action through documentary videos. Invisible Children has worked with the government of Uganda to apprehend Joseph Kony, who is responsible for kidnapping over 3000 Ugandan children and turning them into child soldiers. The group is also rebuilding schools and working to give the children whose lives have been destroyed a new beginning.
“The money raised from the talent night is going specifically to what’s called the Legacy Scholarship Fund,” says Elle Karbassi, a member of MAD.
“The Legacy Scholarship Fund helps children get into schools and gives them each a mentor because they have gone through awful things; their parents have died, or they’ve been child soldiers in war. So, they will have a mentor to help them with their emotional issues. They will be able to go to school and have housing and food provided.”
This year’s was the second talent night put on by SAA students in the five years that SAA has been raising money for Invisible Children.
If you’ve ever been in the Sentient Bean, you know how warm it is inside due to the summer temperatures of Savannah, but even the sticky heat couldn’t stop people from coming out for this night of talented acts and charity. The place was packed, not leaving any available seating. I was lucky enough to find a spot to sit on top of a table, while others snuggled in closely with strangers on the couch.
There was a broad range of talents involved in the show, including juggling, singing, tap dancing, acting, poetry reading, and even beat boxing. The talent night had over 20 participants with very entertaining acts. The participants included SAA students and alumni and various local artists and young talent.
“It feels really good to work with Invisible Children. When we work with Invisible Children, they really show you where your money is going. So, it’s really nice to be able to send your money and see the difference you’re making in the lives of kids,” comments Karbassi.
In addition to the talent night, MAD is also selling Invisible Children T–shirts and taking up donations. The talent night alone raised exactly $1,005.63, which is a great step in making a difference in the lives of children in war-torn Uganda.
To make a donation visit www.invisiblechildren.com. To buy a T–shirt, contact Elle Karbassi at [email protected]