Showdown 2018 turned out to be the surprise hit of the season, exceeding attendance projections and leaving the audience, entrants and sponsors calling for more.
Photos Provided by Tony Turner and Wil Young.
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence, MFEE, and it’s seasoned Executive Director, Masiel Rodriquez-Vars have once again reimagined the fundraiser successfully, rounding up much-needed donations and drawing in new members in the community to the ever-growing ranks of MFEE supporters. Long-standing supporters of the MFEE were joined elbow to elbow with new members of the community on Saturday night at the Women’s Club in Montclair to enjoy live local talent, locally sourced beverages, and delicious eats.
The MFEE’s Communications Director issued this brief statement shortly after the event and accurately sums up the feelings of everyone who attended.
“We are overwhelmed by Showdown Montclair! Overwhelmed by the sold-out attendance. Overwhelmed by all you amazing donors who supported our acts. Overwhelmed by our generous local sponsors. And certainly overwhelmed by the incredible talent that took the stage on Saturday night. We could not have asked for a more fun and warm-hearted group of performers – every single one of them excited to raise funds for our schools.”
Georgette Gilmore, Communications Director for MFEE
The 2018 MFEE Showdown kicked off Montclair’s annual spring celebration season, coming on the cusp of the Montclair Film Festival, April 26 through May 6th, 2018 which will be followed by the plethora of graduation events.
The MFEE Showdown 2018 was a talent contest with 18 entrants of all ages and talents competing for bragging rights and more importantly to help raise funds for the MFEE. The MFEE supports all the public schools in Montclair. Ms. Frances Aboushi, House Leader and Teacher at Glenfield Middle School eloquently handled the master of ceremonies duties for the event.
The winners are:
Montclair’s Hidden Talent Gem: Lia Flannery
Montclair’s Hidden Talent Gem Runner Up: Megan Reilly
People’s Choice Winner: Claudia Nketia
Lip Sync Battle Champions: ABeyC Hive (MHS Principal James Earle, Nishuane Principal Jill McLaughlin, and MHS Football Coach John Fiore)
Winners were chosen by our amazing panel of talented judges — Dalton Ross, Alison Scott-Williams, Stearns Matthews, & Samad Savage —
The Talent Coaches were: Matthew Davis, musician. Erika Insana, mary kay Executive. Ghana Imani Hylton, master poet, and Dean Schansinger, MHS senior.
Nearly 40 local business followed Studio042 in supporting the event.
Attendees voted with their wallets for the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
If you would like to help support the MFEE please donate here.
All proceeds from Showdown Montclair directly fund the resources and programs that make our schools extraordinary! You also help MFEE support new initiatives like our Life After High School Conference for teens.
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