Who's got talent? Bring it on

Area residents are invited to showcase their talents during “You've Got Talent,” a fundraising event for Memorial Hospital's Capital Campaign. The contest winner wins a $500 prize, donated by local banks, while helping pay for the new hospital complex at the same time.

“This event is open to the talented, the not-so-talented, and people who can perform interesting, funny, or just downright bizarre acts,” said Memorial Hospital talent committee chairman, Greta Wetzel. “Clubs, church groups, scout troops and other organizations should consider participating. That $500 prize could help fund a project or trip.”

As in some television reality shows, the winning person or group doesn't need to possess the most actual talent. All performers' names are on large jars and whoever has the most cash in their jar at the end of the evening is the winner. Three judges will be on hand to add to the fun, but their opinions will have no bearing on the outcome. The top 20 money-earners from the preliminary round compete in the finals on April 4.

The Talent Event Committee began distributing contestant forms in February, and all entry forms must be submitted by March 14. Any individual or group interested in participating as a contestant or volunteer should contact Wetzel at 217/357-6859 or 309/221-7286.

The preliminary talent event is 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Peter & Paul School in Nauvoo. The finals are the following Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. in the University of Illinois Extension Center in Carthage. The winner will be crowned that night.

The $500 prize is a donation from Marine Bank & Trust, First Community Bank, State Bank of Nauvoo, First State Bank of Western Illinois and First Bankers Trust.