More than 150 came to Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Saturday to see nine-year-old singer Julia Futch of Marion win the first Cedarhurst's Got Talent show.
Futch received a majority of the votes from three judges and 20 tables, besting second-place pianist and composer Terry McAlexander of Mt. Vernon, who played an original piece. Mt. Vernon Township High School students Bethany Brown, Kendall Kaskie, Michaela Lamczyk and Brady Bodine won third place for their skit, "Barbie and Ken Break Up."
Futch, who sang "Pia Jesu," won $300 for being voted best of eight acts in the fundraiser, which benefits 2012 Cedarhurst programs.
"We ended up selling 160 tickets, which is great for our first year," said Cedarhurst Director of Development Hillary Settle. "We hope to increase that in the future."
Settle said the event's other facets were successful as well: a surf and turf dinner provided by Cindi's Catering, as well as a silent auction including watercolors, etchings, photography, ceramics and gift baskets that raised more than $4,000.
"We had a wide variety of items," Settle said. "A lot of local businesses contributed."
While a final fundraising total has yet to be determined, Settle said she was thrilled by the proceeds of the auction and ticket sales, as well as the show itself.
"It was a really successful evening. There was a lot of positive feedback. People are already asking me about next year," she said. "We hope to have the same quality of food, as many or more items for the silent auction and a lot of talent to showcase from the Southern Illinois area."
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