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Talent show raises funds for Sparrow child

Melissa Macy and her mom Chablis.

Sisters Middle School students showed their stuff in the second annual Talent Showcase held Tuesday, May 21.

The program, sponsored by the middle school student council and the school's Sparrow Club, was a benefit for "sparrow" Melissa Macy. Barbara Haynes organized and served as faculty advisor for the event.

The Sparrow Foundation, which sponsors the Sparrow Clubs, is a "youth-based charity organization of kids helping kids."

The non-profit organization's mission is to promote compassion by helping local children with medical needs.

"A Sparrow Club's job is to see that their sparrow's needs are taken care of," eighth grader Rose Slavkovsky explained as she welcomed the audience. "This year we adopted Melissa, who is six years old and lives with her mom and sister in Bend. Melissa has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and is legally blind."

Melissa and her family attended the event, and enjoyed the wide variety of talents from their front-row seats.

"I heard about Sparrow from the nurse at Jewell Elementary where Melissa goes," said Melissa's mother, Chablis. "I filled out some forms, and about a month after school had started, she was adopted. The kids have been great -- they've shoveled snow and chopped wood to raise money for Melissa."

Through their sponsor, Rhino Ranch & Realty, the middle school Sparrow Club has received $10 for every hour of community service they provide. Through a variety of events the club has raised over $2,600 for Melissa's medical needs.

The talent showcase brought in another $427. In addition to the modest $2 admission fee, the students sold refreshments and raffled off a quilt. Haynes said that her husband had donated the quilt as his contribution to the fund-raiser.

Karen Francis, who works for the Sparrow Foundation, captured the evening's fun on video.

"It's been awesome working with these kids--it is very rewarding," said Francis, who serves as the Central Oregon Program Director for Sparrow. "It is inspiring to see kids get excited about someone else. And this is so real for them, they can see the benefits of their actions."

Why would a middle school student want to take time out of his (or her) busy life and become involved in a Sparrow Club?

"I just wanted to do something," said Cory Bigelow. "It was fun to meet Melissa."

"I thought it was a good idea," said eighth grader Jenna Perry. "It is a good thing to help someone in need."

All of the funds raised by the middle school Sparrow Club go directly to Melissa Macy.

"Some of the money we raise will help improve Melissa's transportation situation," said Francis. "If anyone would like to make a donation, they should make the check out to 'Sparrow for Melissa.'"

Checks can be sent to: The Sparrow Foundation, 4192 N.W. 61st St., Redmond, OR 97756. For more information on Sparrow Clubs, visit their website: www.sparrowclubs.org.

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