The halls of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre were filled with cheers and laughter as seniors from across the Tennessee Valley demonstrated a wide range of unique talents before a panel of judges and a live audience at the Second Annual Morning Pointe “Seniors Got Talent” showcase.
First place and the $250 cash prize went to Ms. Barbara Dooley playing a Johannes Brahms song on the piano. Second place went to pianist Ms. Ernestine Eldridge playing gospel hymns. Rhonda Atkins took third place with a hilarious comedy routine. Calvin Sneed, longtime Chattanooga television anchor, was the esteemed emcee for the evening.
“I was very surprised, pleased, and excited!” said Barbara Dooley, regarding her first place finish.
In all, over $10,000 was raised to support the Morning Pointe Foundation’s mission of providing nursing scholarships at schools like Chattanooga State, Cleveland State, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology, in addition to funding caregiver support programs for seniors.
“These performers really brought down the house tonight," said Morning Pointe Foundation Executive Director Audra Hopkins. "It is such an honor to be able to spotlight them. Thank you again to all of our sponsors, including RBA, Edward Jones Financial, Yardi, Heritage Funeral Home, Guardian Home Health, Hearth Hospice, Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Alzheimer’s Association, and CHI Memorial. ‘Seniors Got Talent’ would not be possible without each one.”
The returning judges’ panel for the event brought back some familiar faces, such as Carla Pritchard, owner of Chattanooga Presents; Nina Coppinger, retired longtime music teacher; Rodney Van Valkenburg, executive director of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre; and newcomers Steve Darmody, award-winning Christian recording artist; and H. Buddy Shirk, professional organist and pianist.
All proceeds from the event benefitted the Morning Pointe Foundation and its work providing nursing scholarships and caregiver support programs across Tennessee and the greater Southeast.
“Each year as the Morning Pointe ‘Seniors Got Talent’ competitions grow across the Southeast, the Morning Pointe Foundation remains committed to celebrating the talents of local seniors while supporting caregivers and nursing scholarships,” added Morning Pointe Senior Living president and co-founder Greg A. Vital. “This is such an important cause, and we look forward to continuing to grow ‘Seniors Got Talent’ in the years to come.”