The stage at Logie Hall was full-to-overflowing with local talent on Sunday, March 3.
The chairs were also full for the second fundraiser concert for a program that creates opportunity for children and youth with financial barriers to participate in art and cultural activities.
The fundraising gala and dutch auction was in aid of Creative Kids, a Saskatchewan-wide initiative that provides financial assistance for children to participate in the same art and cultural activities as their peers.
Jane Zielke, chair of the local Creative Kids committee, told the audience, "Studies indicate that encouraging children to be creative has measurable positive impact on learning and behaviour."
The Battlefords Creative Kids committee hopes to give children and youth in the community to flourish intellectually, emotionally and creatively, she said.
"Lisa Hornung is our champion for Creative Kids here in the Battlefords and the force behind the event here today," she added. Hornung is the director of the Community Youth Choir, which was among the entertainment for the afternoon.
Since the middle of 2010, when Creative Kids was launched, to the end of 2012, the local committee had over 150 applicants, said Zielke. In 2013, the committee has already had 70 applicants.
"It's amazing to see it grow but, in another way, it's a big challenge for the committee to come up with funding for the kids that have started through Creative Kids."
Last year's concert raised $2,000, and Zielke hopes this year's will be even more successful.
"We've added some things and we have more support now, too."
With Heath Gabruch emceeing the event, entertainment featured everything musical from Chopin to gospel, Ukrainian and Highland dancing - plus soliloquies from Shakespeare.
Creative Kids is supported administratively by SaskCulture, so 100 per cent of all donations and sponsorships to toward Saskatchewan youth.
Families can apply to Creative Kids for up to $750 per child, per year to participate in creative activities, helping to fund things like registration and lesson fees, musical instrument rental, supplies, and instruction books. Applications are assessed individually based on a family's financial need and other program criteria.
Creative Kids relies on volunteer committees to help guide and administer the program in their own communities.
