Community Venture Idol 2012

Winnipeg, MB – It was a rocking good time Friday, May 11, 2012 as The Salvation Army Community Venture program held its annual CV Idol competition finale at 17 Wing Theatre on Whytewold Road.  The atmosphere was electric. The theatre was filled to capacity by an exuberant audience cheering on the forty-seven contestants as they performed their musical routines. Many people in the audience held handmade signs for their favorite singers and cheered wildly as they came on stage.  When the music started, everyone in the audience cheered, clapped and danced along.  The enthusiasm was infectious – everyone was having a grand old time.

“For many of our members, this event rivals their Christmas activities,” said Kim Park, Program Coordinator Community Venture Booth, “Auditions begin in January of each year with the finale taking place in May of each year.  This year around 175 people auditioned and we have forty-seven finalists in today’s finale.  Contestants progress through the CV Idol competition by first earning a golden ticket and then performing in elimination performances following a similar format to what is seen on the television show, American Idol.  Our members pour their hearts and souls into their performances.  It is so very exciting to watch them perform.”

The Salvation Amy Community Venture program provides developmental day programming, residential, transportation, outreach, and respite services to adults living with intellectual disabilities.  It challenges members to thrive by promoting active participation in community and supporting choices that increase independence and develop natural talents.

When American Idol began back in 2002, staff at Community Venture decided this would be a great format to use to engage members with each other and the community at large.

“Community Venture is all about showing the talents and developing the skills of the members,” explains Park, “when American Idol first came on the air, staff thought this would be a great way in which we can showcase our members, who love to sing, amongst themselves. This is how it started, but it has grown so much over the years!  We now have people from the whole community of Winnipeg out participating, we have family and friends coming out and supporting our members.  It is just a wonderful event.”

Bruce is a member of Community Venture South.  For his performance, he sang the song “Open the Eyes of my Heart” by Paul Baloche. Watching his performance, it was evident that his heart was in it all the way.  He moved about the stage with lots of energy and the audience responded in turn.

“I have been involved in Community Venture Idol for four years.  Every year I have made it to the finale,” explained Bruce, “I am in the praise and worship team at my church.  I enjoy doing this.  I do it in honor of my grandfather.”

Winners of the CV Idol finale were:

A Division:

1^st Place – Ryan: Gonna Getcha Good by Shania Twain (Portable DVD Player)
2^nd Place – Vanessa: I Think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany (MP4 Video and Audio Player)
3^rd Place – Mary Jane: Man! I Feel Like a Woman! by Shania Twain (MP3 Audio Player)

B Division:

1^st Place – Sammy: Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen (Portable DVD Player)
2^nd Place – Brenda: If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher (MP4 Video and Audio Player)
3^rd Place – Foster: Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison (MP3 Audio Player)

C Division:

1^st Place – Kelly: It’s My Life by Bon Jovi (Portable DVD Player)
2^nd Place – Shawn: Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO (MP4 Video and Audio Player)
3^rd Place – Margaret: Black Velvet by Alannah Myles (MP3 Audio Player)

To learn more about The Salvation Army Community Venture programs, please visit www.communityventure.mb.ca.