Sing Your Heart Out

A Karaoke Extravaganza

By Cassie Johnson

If you love to serenade, sing in the shower or enjoy a fun night of karaoke, you may be the perfect competitor for Sing Your Heart Out. After canceling their main fundraiser the last two years because of the pandemic, Child Watch Counseling & Advocacy Center is ready to pick up the mic where they left off! Make plans to attend Sing Your Heart Out on May 6.

Nearly 300 guests attended the 2019 event, and this year promises to be bigger and better! Elvis and Dolly Parton were among the special guests, so you never know who may show up this year! The event is held at Blooms n’ Gardens, located off exit 3 in Paducah. This beautiful garden setting is casual but fun and will become the ultimate karaoke stage. Join the fun at this unique event taking place May 6 from 6 -11pm.

DJ Mandy Vixen will play the best tunes and keep the crowd hopping while they support their favorite singer or group. The Catering Company is providing heavy appetizers and a cash bar will be available. You must be 21 years of age to attend.

“This will be a memorable evening filled with great talent and a fun atmosphere,” said Event Chairperson, Sarah Judd. “We are excited to come together once again after two long years. It’s a wonderful way to support the critical counseling and advocacy work that our teams do in the community.”

Nine acts and two auctioned Instant Karaoke Performances will take the stage. The auction allows the two highest bidders to join the party. Each act must raise $1,500 to perform at the show, whether an individual or group. The cost includes general admission for the participants. Performances are karaoke only, no live music.

Don’t wait, sign up now because it is limited to just nine acts. The act that raises the most money will win the Golden Microphone Award. Awards will also be given for Fan Favorite and Best Costume.

“The crowd and competitors really get into the Fan Favorite and Best Costume awards,” said Janie Criner, Executive Director of Child Watch.

Like many organizations, Child Watch is experiencing decreased funding at the same time they have an increased demand for services.

“Fundraising revenue with individual and corporate donations has a tremendous impact on the services we can provide in our community,” said Criner. “There are still sponsorships available to pull this fun night together. Please be aware that the final date to have sponsors recognized in printed materials is April 18. However, each sponsor will be recognized the night of the event and on social media.”

Event, Gold and Silver sponsors will each have a reserved table for eight.

Event Sponsors will also receive recognition in all printed and digital materials including social media, and the sponsor's name on the table for $2,500. Gold Sponsors get a reserved table closest to the stage, recognition in the program and on social media, and the sponsor name on the table for $1,000. Silver Sponsors have their names on the table for $600.

If you have questions about sponsoring or reserving your table, contact Child Watch.

General admission tickets are just $50 each. You can purchase tickets online at childwatchcac.org Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours today! All proceeds raised will go directly to the Child Watch mission of stopping child abuse in our community. For questions about tickets or sponsorship, call Child Watch at 270.443.1440 or visit their office at 1118 Jefferson Street in Paducah. Virtual CASA training is ongoing, ask about enrollment and class options.

Child Watch has been serving western Kentucky for over 38 years. They provide CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) advocacy for children in McCracken, Ballard, Livingston, Lyon, Trigg, and Caldwell counties. Child Watch offers free mental health therapy at locations in Paducah and Benton for any child victim of abuse or neglect in Western Kentucky. It also provides prevention education in 30 area elementary schools. 