SPES Variety Show Puts The Fun In Fundraising

On April 24, Severna Park Elementary School (SPES) students stepped onto the biggest stage of their lives – the theater at Severna Park High School – where they danced, sang, played instruments, performed magic tricks, and so much more in the 20th annual variety show to benefit the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC).

First-time parent directors Monica Gentilcore and Kristen Berthelotte said friends, family and the community came out to applaud 134 performers, including 13 SPES staff members and teachers, for the event that raised $5,381. Additionally, 30 student alumni served as backstage and front-of-house crew, a testament to the event’s popularity. The proceeds were presented to the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center and hospital staff on May 19 by four fifth-grade event emcees: Thomas Peery, Lawton Bloomfield, Stella Pinning and Zoe Gentilcore.

More than 20 years ago, former SPES parent Loretta Wilson envisioned an event to give every student a “shining-star moment,” and the variety show was created with proceeds to benefit the breast center. Sadly, Wilson died from breast cancer before the first event was held. Since then, two other SPES moms, Jennifer MacFarland and Jennifer Sovern, have also died from breast cancer.

Fifth-grader Andrew Kraft loves performing at the variety show with his twin brother, Cameron, and his friends, and not just because they dance and sing onstage. “Of course, it’s fun to perform something silly with my brother and buddies,” Andrew explained, “but what really feels good is knowing that our fun is helping to raise money for a very good cause.”

All students are invited to present a proposal to the directors for a 90-second performance. Forty-nine acts were submitted.

“The trickiest part as a director is to keep things moving as quickly as possible and keep the kids focused,” Gentilcore said. “Ninety seconds may seem like a very short amount of time, but it’s just long enough to show a little jewel of an act onstage.”

New this year was an all-fifth-grade act of 34 students who performed the finale, entitled “Evolution of Bobcats,” their own special take on the evolution of dance. The act was choreographed by Gentilcore.

Addy Merkel and her fellow fifth-grade friends danced a fun number to NSYNC’s 2000 hit “Bye Bye Bye” as a farewell song to the elementary school they love.

Jennie Merrill, an SPES teacher for the past 27 years, has been involved with the variety show since its inception.

“It’s my favorite event of the year because it reminds us that every child has a talent to share. Sometimes the quietest child steps onstage and sings the most beautiful song or tells jokes that make our sides hurt. We never know what they have hidden inside them,” Merrill said. “I’m always amazed by their excitement and confidence as they embrace the moment and simply become themselves.”

To prepare for their performances, students rehearse and receive feedback. Berthelotte said the students learn how to be onstage and hold a microphone. Everyone loves to see the kids showcasing their talents and feeling good about themselves.

Gabby Fitzmaurice has a unique perspective as both an SPES parent and director of donor engagement and events at LHAAMC. She knows that philanthropy plays a vital role in helping nonprofits like LHAAMC provide exceptional care. At the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center, philanthropic support helps sustain meaningful programs like the nurse navigator program, ensuring patients have personalized guidance, support and advocacy throughout every step of their care journey, and she’s thrilled her children are learning to support the community.

“It’s always an honor to help connect our community to the meaningful impact they can have on their hospital. Seeing children understand the difference they can make in the lives of others is especially powerful,” Fitzmaurice said at the check presentation. “As a Severna Park Elementary School mom myself, having the opportunity to bring together a community I care so deeply about with the passion I have for my work at Anne Arundel Medical Center made this a truly special day.”