‘Celebration of Abilities’ raises funds for park completion, showcases talent

ST. GEORGE – The green room of the newly renovated Electric Theatre, 68 E. Tabernacle St. in St. George was buzzing with nervous energy Friday evening. It was almost curtain call and performers of all abilities were getting set to showcase their talents.

The “Celebration of Abilities” variety show brought together a truly unique group of performers who graced the stage with energy and enthusiasm all in an effort to raise funds for the new All Abilities Park set to open this fall at 1851 S. Dixie Drive next to the Tonaquint Nature Center.

"Helping Hands." Hand prints that will create a mosaic to be displayed as part of the All Abilities Park on display at the "Celebration of Abilities" variety show, St. George, Utah, Sept. 25, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
“Helping Hands.” Hand prints that will create a mosaic to be displayed as part of the All Abilities Park on display at the “Celebration of Abilities” variety show, St. George, Utah, Sept. 25, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

Performers included the “Don’t Laugh at Me Players” from the Red Rock Center for Indpendence; violinist Cindy Wade; pianist Ben Alder; vocal soloist Ellie Stark; ballroom dancer John Bates and his partner Olivia Moyle; country-western line dancers from the Children of Hope Academy; and hip-hop dancer Chad Saxon.

St. George Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins served as master of ceremonies for the evening’s event introducing each act individually and giving the audience a virtual tour of the new park.

The park has been a labor of love for city planners as well as members of the community as they have designed, broken ground, raised funds for and begun construction on the facility that will provide a safe and accessible place for people of all types of abilities to enjoy.

The primary focus of the fundraising efforts now, Perkins said, is to make sure that all of the park features are completed when the park opens and they are looking to raise an additional $700,000.

Perkins called particular attention to the need for shade structures that will keep the play areas safe and comfortable.

The President of the St. George Exchange Club, James McFadden, was also in attendance Friday evening. The Exchange Club has already donated $100,000 dollars to the All Abilities Park project and the club hopes to donate $50,000 more by the time it opens, McFadden said at the event.

McFadden urged attendees to dig deep as well as to tell their family and friends about the amazing facility and the many opportunities they have to donate and support completion of the project.

“Construction is coming along. It’s going slow by my standards but it’s coming along,” Perkins said. “By mid-October there will be a lot of things going on.”

To learn more about the All Abilities Park including how you can donate, visit the website.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.

 

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