Third annual Grizzposé showcases talent, raises money

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The Residence Hall Association held its third annual Grizzposé variety show Saturday night to help raise money for student autism awareness group OUCARES.

The show, held in the Banquet Rooms is the Oakland Center, had a Roaring 20’s theme and was free to all. Doors opened at 6 p.m.

The event was hosted by a cappella group Kazual, who participated in the third season of America’s Got Talent.

Kate Bergel, an e-board member of the RHA, was one of the event’s key planners.

“Basically we have students perform this whole different variety of different talents,” said Bergel. “Each act has a receptacle. People put money in there to vote for People’s Choice award – that’ll give money towards our charity.”

A different charity is chosen by the e-board each year, according to Bergel.

“This year we wanted to bring it back close to home,” said Bergel. “We found this on-campus organization that we thought was just absolutely amazing.”

James Buzzo, also on the e-board, said the RHA began planning for the event since the ending of last year’s Grizzposé.

“It makes me happy to see all our hard work culminate into this,” said Buzzo. “All the long nights and hard work and sweat and stress – it’s worth it right now.”

Taylor Williams, executive secretary of the RHA e-board, was one of three judges that would decide the winner of the Judges’ Choice award.

“I love the music, I love the atmosphere, and I’m really happy,” said Williams. “We like to showcase our talent.”

Performers were judged based on their originality, entertainment value, audience appeal, skill level and aesthetic appeal, according to Williams.

Student talents included dancing, singing and comedy.

Olivia Miller won first place for Judges’ Choice with a comedy monologue.

Musical act Molly Todd Acoustic won first place for People’s Choice and second for Judges’ Choice. Singer Natalee Baetens won second place for People’s Choice.

Kathy Sweeney, director of OUCARES, got on stage before the show to thank the RHA and the audience.

All the money will be going towards scholarships for autistic children to use for summer camps and other programs, according to Sweeney.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of their life,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney also encouraged students to volunteer for OUCARES.

“We’re a resource for you too,” said Sweeney. “You will all be in the employment lines one of these days. You will be working with somebody that has autism – learn about it, because you will be the one to change how you work with these individuals to make this successful.”