Salt Lake City’s first “Twilite Cabaret” variety show will debut at South City Campus’s Grand Theatre on June 29, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. The event, designed to raise money and awareness for the Volunteers of America (VOA) Homeless Youth Resource Center, will provide non-stop entertainment and be hosted by Klein Sisters Productions.
According to Klein Sisters Productions president Darryl Woods, there are between 300 and 500 youth living on the streets in Salt Lake City. The youth center works to alleviate the stress of homeless youth by providing hot meals, showers, laundry, camping equipment and hygiene items—to name a few. There is also the opportunity for homeless youth to obtain a GED through the center.
“The show is not only about raising money, but for me, it’s about raising awareness,” said Klein Sisters Productions president Darryl Woods. “If we can pack that house with 1,100 people, we can talk about this issue that nobody has talked about.”
In addition to the two-hour variety show featuring talent like BallroomUtah Dance Studio, Serendipity and Travis Tate, a live auction will take place for the audience to purchase packages provided by donors—such as Healing Mountain Massage School and Hatch Family Chocolates. All proceeds will go to help the homeless youth.
Since December 2012, Woods estimates that he spent more than 340 hours preparing for this event and is pleased with the feedback.
Countless sponsors and volunteers have provided their time and money to make this event possible. Salt Lake Community College’s Coloring Outside the Lines helped the planning committee save $3,000 in preparation for the show.
Although the planning process for the show has run quite smoothly, there were still some struggles involved. After booking the show at the Grand Theatre, Woods found out from theatre specialist Meredith Entrikin there would be construction taking place on the east side of the South City Campus building. This meant the entrance would be blocked for attendees, and there would be no access to dressing rooms—both vital for the show. At one point in the process, losing the space at the theatre was considered. But even despite this issue, the show will remain at the Grand at its scheduled time.
“It’s working out, and I’m sure there’s going to be more hurdles between now and show time, but luckily, I’ve got a good team of volunteers,” said Woods.
There are various ways to donate throughout the night of the fundraiser.
One is to purchase a $12 admission ticket, which could add up to $13,000 if every seat is full.
Live auction packages include one package for a girl’s night out consisting of hair and make-up by Bibbiti Bobbiti Boo for six women, chocolate from V Chocolates and flowers from Especially for You.
As part of the show, a vase will be passed around to everyone in the audience to donate money. The vase will then be auctioned off. Each member of the audience will also receive an envelope to donate money toward the cause. People can choose to donate by cash, check or any major credit card. At the end of the night, a box provided by VOA will be available for depositing the envelopes.
“We should all do our part; even if that’s just a $12 admission ticket, you are making a difference,” says Wood. “No one should be homeless, especially kids.”
