Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent Crowns 72-Year-Old Jeffrey Wells Winner; Event Raises Nearly $40,000

A sold-out audience of more than 500 people filled the auditorium last night for the Sixth Annual Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent, and the performances left the crowd moved, inspired and on their feet.

Jeffrey Wells, 72, of Harrison, captured first place with a show-stopping opera performance. Tina Fielder Gibson, 68, earned second place with a deeply felt performance, and Kim Binkley, 64, secured third place with a stunning piano solo.

Mr. Wells, a renowned opera singer who spent 25 seasons performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, brought the house to its feet with his rendition of “They Call the Wind Maria” from Paint Your Wagon. His powerhouse vocals earned him not only the top spot from the judges, but also the People’s Choice Award, having raised over $2,000 to support the Morning Pointe Foundation.

“I got the People’s Choice award, and I pretty much just assumed that was going to be it,” Mr. Wells said. “When they called first place, I couldn’t believe it—it was pretty shocking, because I really didn’t think you could win both.”

Mr. Wells, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight and a half years ago, had once believed he’d never sing again. “About five years ago I swore I would never sing again—but God had something else in store for me,” he said. Now a proud member of the Trembling Troubadours Choir, Mr. Wells continues to uplift others with his story and his voice.

Tina Fielder Gibson, 68, singer, earned second place with a moving and energetic rendition of “Get Here” by Oleta Adams. With radiant charisma and a dazzling voice, she engaged and uplifted the audience from the very first note. Her presence on stage brought out the heart behind every lyric. “I kept seeing this come up on Facebook,” Ms. Gibson said. “I thought—there must be a reason. I’ll be 69 in October, and this is the last of my 60s. I said, 'why not?'” Her heartfelt performance left a lasting impression on both judges and guests.

Kim Binkley, 64, took third place with a masterful and moving performance of "My Tribute" by Andraé Crouch, arranged by Dino. Demonstrating extraordinary talent on the piano, Ms. Binkley transmitted the sublime message of the song, not only through her fingers, but through every chord and note she played. “It has been decades since I’ve been in a talent show,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute of it, and everyone was so kind. I just think it’s amazing what the Morning Pointe Foundation does.”

Officials said, "With performers ranging in age from 60 to 79, Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent once again proved that talent has no expiration date. Each year, the show continues to grow—not just in audience size, but in heart, skill and impact."

“It’s amazing to see how Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent continues to grow—not just in talent, but in heart,” said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “Every year, the show becomes more meaningful, and this time we raised nearly $40,000. That means more scholarships, more support for caregivers and more lives touched across the Southeast. It’s truly something special to be part of.”

All proceeds from the event go to benefit the Morning Pointe Foundation, which funds scholarships and caregiver education to enhance the quality of senior care across the Southeast.

“This isn’t just a talent show—it’s a celebration of life, resilience and the belief that every chapter can be a stage,” said Greg A. Vital, co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “It’s a powerful reminder that purpose and potential don’t fade with age. We are honored to support caregivers and healthcare professionals who are helping our seniors live with dignity and meaning.”