Last Saturday, members of the Emerging Leaders Program hosted BC Idol, the final event in a series of fundraisers providing money for the New England Floating Children's Hospital. The third annual BC Idol had more than 170 people in attendance, raising more than $1,029 for the charity in that one night alone.
The ELP has hosted two fundraisers earlier in the year, "Extreme Bingo" and "The Price is Right," with the proceeds of both these events going to the Floating Children's Hospital. While the night focused around the talent of nine Boston College students, the spirit of giving carried through the entire night.
"Last year, Timothy Padulsky, an ELP member, was diagnosed with leukemia. That inspired us to donate the New England Floating Children's Hospital, which specializes in cancer," said Colleen Stellato, ELP member and LSOE '10.
Members of the ELP who had organized BC Idol held auditions back in December and January. Unlike the original Idol, the ELP opened BC Idol to any musical talent on campus. From beat boxers to guitarists, all were welcomed to try out.
"We had a really good turnout. It was extremely competitive. A lot of different types of people came out with different skills," said Joseph Forgione, ELP member and A&S '10.
The night began with some playful banter between co-hosts Jim Gordon, CSOM '09, and Mark Maglio, CSOM '09. "I just like to support any kind of live performance at BC. I feel as a top-40 institution, it is something that we don't put nearly enough emphasis, time, or money into," said Gordon, a member of the comedy group Hello, Shovelhead.
In typical Idol fashion, a panel of three judges commented on each act. Pat Bittorf, LSOE '09, Jenniffer Castillo, the Undergraduate Government of Boston College president-elect and A&S '08, and Dan Sievers, the UGBC vice president-elect and A&S '08 , assumed the roles of Randy, Paula, and a much nicer Simon Cowell.
"I think it's most important to get a range of performers that have different styles and different backgrounds; to bring a lot of different people together," said Bittorf. "Events like this are beneficial to the campus in that way."
The show consisted of eight acts, ranging from a cappella to contestants playing various instruments. Third place was awarded to Alycia Kennedy, A&S '10, for her singing of Christina Aguilera's "Hurt" with piano accompaniment. Second place went to Anna Kim, A&S '10, for her rendition of Aguilera's "Somebody, Somebody." Duo Mike Dinet, A&S '10, and Brian MacKenzie, A&S '10, won the top prize. Dinet played violin, with MacKenzie on vocals and guitar, playing their versions of Martin English's "Melt with You" and Tupac's "Life Goes On."
"Any chance you get to help kids, you definitely have to take advantage of that," said MacKenzie. The ELP would like to thank all who attended for their support of BC Idol and the New England Floating Children's Hospital.
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