Talent show raises awareness about Adopt-a-Grandparent

    On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Adopt-A-Grandparent program invited GCSU students to a talent show held in Russell Auditorium at 7 p.m.
    The Adopt-A-Grandparent program began as a way to provide local senior citizens and college students with the opportunity to meld and create long lasting relationships as well as strong bonds between community and college.
    Denise Chambers, GCSU Senior and servant leader of the Adopt-A-Grandparent program, discussed her own desire for joining the program.
    “I joined because of the relationship with my great-grandmother. When I moved here from California, although I was with my family, I still felt really alone. The companionship she provided and the friendship I built with her really meant a lot to me,” Chambers said.
    “I became involved by registering with The G.I.V.E. Center, and I was informed of leadership opportunities within the program. As soon as I heard about it I took advantage without hesitation,” Chambers said.
    The the show included the talents of several GCSU students. Break dancing by Devin Richardson, group stepping preformed by the Phi Mu Sorority, live music by The Blind Poets and the voice talents of Chambers were just a few of the talents featured to raise awareness for the program.
    Volunteer Megan White spoke between performances about the Adopt-A-Grandparent volunteering process she experienced at Chaplinwood Nursing Home.
    “The volunteers get to pick who they want to be with. They don’t just stick you with somebody. The Adopt-A-Grandparent program wants you to build a personal relationship with these people,” White said.
    White was partnered with an elderly man and woman at Chaplinwood.
    “You just don’t understand what you do for these people. Every time I go they tell me at least four times how much this means to them and how much they look forward to seeing us every week,” White said.
    “It is so rewarding for the senior citizens, meeting someone that has such a passion and interest in getting to know them,” Chambers said. “That’s pretty much what it’s all about, making a friendship and making it mean something.”
    At the end of the show Chambers announced the winners. The Blind Poets, a band comprised of Cody Fox and Chris McKenzie, won the $50 first place prize.
    GCSU Junior Beth Sytsma enjoyed her evening in Russell Auditorium.
    “The show was awesome. It was a great way to raise awareness for the program. The Blind Poets were amazing and they need to put out a CD,” Sytsma said.
    Chambers was pleased with the overall turnout of the event.
    “It was great. Better than expected. Our volunteers worked so hard, the audience was amazing, and the talent was insanely incredible,” Chambers said. “A lot more people know about the Adopt-A-Grandparent program now so hopefully they’ll get involved, continue to support our mission of service and companionship to senior citizens.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 30 2007. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry