Boys and Girls Clubs showcase talent at ‘Greatest Show’ fundraiser
Many children performed at the Greatest Show event put on by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Anderson County in the Clinton Elementary School’s auditorium. (photo:Ben Pounds )
At Clinton Elementary School, judges and the public alike tried chili from different institutions around the county.
The Judges’ Award went to Anderson Coun- ty Schools while the People’s Choice Award was given to Melissa Bingham with Reality Executives.
Afterwards, everyone gathered in the auditorium for a variety show featuring students of the Boys and Girls Clubs. Children from all of the
county’s clubs audi- tioned and the selected ones performed.
Maggie McCulloch was master of ceremonies, accompanied by Bob the Clown (Daniel Tupper) and pianist Carter McCrary. McCrary later performed Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.”
The BGC Tumblers Cora Brintnall, Lila Brintnall, Sadie Butler, Bell Cooper, Penny Darnall, Lakelee Leab, Madeline Osborne, Harper Robinson and So- phie Wyatt entertained the audience with their flips. Ashlyn Newman, London Wahl, Gracie Smith, Callie Bridges, C.J. McCulloch, Teddy Darnall, James Darnall, Hannah Bents, Brinley Edwards, Paisleigh Phillips, Peyton Allen, McKenna Duncan, Ava Wilmoth, Marie Webber and Amariah Smith performed.
Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Boys and Girls Clubs, but Executive Director Nikki Swisher said it was more than a fundraiser.
“It really is more of an opportunity for us to just cultivate relationships here in the county,” she said. The group already operates several clubs: 6th Street in Rocky Top, Lake City Elementary School, Clinton Com-
munity Center, Clinton Middle School, North Clinton Elementary School and South Clinton Elementary School.
Swisher said there will be a new club at Claxton Elementary School after the new school opens.
She said she wanted to raise awareness of these clubs and their values with the Greatest Show.
“It’s going to take a community to keep our
clubs running,” she said. Swisher said she
hadn’t been aware of all of the children’s talents. For example, she described Tupper, who was a quiet child but wanted to be a clown. During the show, he introduced, and in one case, interfered, with different acts, but did not speak except by writing things on sheets of paper and honking a bicycle horn.
“He was actually very funny, and I had never seen that side of him before,” Swisher said. “And we have several tumblers too that are just blowing me away.”
Other chilis besides the winners came from UBS, Stephen McNally, Clinton City Schools, Lake City Elementary School, Main Street Baptist Church, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton City Fire Department, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, Clinton City Mayor Scott Burton, city of Clinton Parks and Rec, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Clinton Police Department, Lake City Police Department, Michael Foster, Powell-Clinch Utility District, 6th Street Teen Center and Clinton City Councilwoman and candidate Wendy Maness.