Branson's Got Talent raises money for 4 Ozark Seniors

On the evening of August 23, Hamner Variety Theater was the place to be for all the fun. A group of twelve finalists showed amazing talent. The twelve finalists came from a pool of one hundred performers trying for the famed spot of twelve finalists. 

From those twelve, the top three were chosen with the winner receiving the honor from last year's winner, Luke Acker of Nixa, MO. Luke came onstage while the auditors talked the final numbers and performed a couple songs for the audience and visited about how the honor of winning last year has helped him this part year. 

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Photos submitted by Luanna Fullerton

Winners 

First place: Lilyanne Curtis 

Second place: Lauren Pledger 

Third place: Abigail Sundahl 

The judges were none other than performers themselves:

Stephanie Zeligman: "Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis"

Joseph Pokorski: "The Texas Tenors"

Shawn Barker: "The Man in Black” show

Performers/contestants were:

Lisa Marie - Branson, MO 

Silas Blume - Strafford, MO

Lilyanne Curtis- Branson, MO 

Xia McElwee - Branson MO 

Rich Owen - Branson, MO 

Lauren Pledger - Branson, MO 

Kelly Robinson - Branson, MO 

Ethan Rogers - Springfield, MO 

Rob Halley - Branson, MO 

Abigail Sundahl - Branson, MO 

Shelbi Wolf - Forsyth, MO 

In Motion Dance Alliance - Branson, MO 

Roxi Wenger, Branson, MO, started the evening off with the opening of the National Anthem. The show was kept at an upbeat pace by very upbeat emcees. Michelle Varisco and Tanner Rambo.

Before the show got underway, there was a silent auction in the entry of some fabulous gifts. You could stop by the booth and talk with the sponsor, Devoted Health Plans. 

In visiting with Tanner, the following interview shares the impact this fantastic competition was as a fundraiser for the 4 Ozark Seniors. 4 Ozark Seniors has a board of six people that helps and volunteers time and guiding of this wonderful organization. 

Luanna: How much was raised?

Tanner: We raised a little over $18,000. The funds raised through this event help fund the programs and services offered at the 4 Ozark Seniors Center.

Luanna: What will the seniors accomplish with the funds?

Tanner: Free haircuts, free clothing, free medical supplies, free hygiene products, social events, BINGO, arts/crafts and more. In addition, we help seniors with the more intangible needs that can be much harder to navigate: Medicaid, food stamps, LIHEAP, LIS, Medicare, Social Security questions, just to name a few. We are designed for seniors to have a place to have fun and socialize, while also getting needs met of which they may not even be fully aware.

Luanna: How else can the community support this organization throughout the year?

Tanner: There are several ways that people can help out: Visit www.4OzarkSeniors.com and become a monthly or one-time donor. We have one paid employee and the rest of our folks are volunteers.

Luanna: Are you looking for volunteers to help?

Tanner: We can ALWAYS use volunteers. Whether just for events, or helping out at the center in Reeds Spring.

Luanna: When will the announcements go out for next year's BGT?

Tanner: As for BGT 2027, posts will start going out on our Branson's Got Talent Facebook page VERY SOON about auditions times and dates for 2027. We are not yet releasing the BGT show date for 2027, but stay tuned to our Facebook for all of the updates, pictures, behind the scenes facts and more!

Luanna: Anything else that you would like to share?

Tanner: And as for me, I would just love to thank the Taney and Stoney County communities for welcoming 4 Ozark Seniors so warmly! The funds raised from the show will be a huge boon to our local senior friends and our entire team is so very grateful. So, from us at Branson's Got Talent and 4 Ozark Seniors, thank you so much and we can't wait for you to see BGT 2027, EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER!

Please don't forget to check out their media for continued support of 4 Ozark Seniors.