DLE'S BIG GIVE - Oh What a Night for Gabrielle LaVerde!

For more information about Gabrielle LaVerde, Neimann-Pick Type C, and Deltona Lakes Elementary School, visit http://www.GabrielleLaVerde.com

Mr. Housley was announced as, the Master of Ceremonies, and he started the show!

First, Clayton Cullaton played his guitar and sang "You Are Everything" and "How I Know". I think at that point, we were all pretty dumbfounded. His voice carried far beyond the next building, and his choice of music made everyone sit at attention. I could've listened to Clayton's singing for hours!

Then, the Hispanic American Youth Group of Deltona danced. I saw people stand up and clap, parents cheer, but still, even at this point, I believe we must have looked like deer starring into the headlights. I do not believe we were prepared for what was yet to come. It was as if someone needed to pinch us!

Then, Kristin McCollough appeared dancing to "So Long Deary". Well, my daughter jumped with joy as we watched Kristin executed her routine with class and precision.

After Kristin stunned us with her talent, a little princess, Malave, sang "Su Nombre Es Cristo". What a living doll she was. Cameras flashed throughout her performance.

What I never expected out of a community like Deltona was the performance by Jesse Hayes. Jesse, from the Focus Dance Group, danced to "Moon River". I had just witnessed a jazz dancer, a Latin dance group that made the audience scream with pride, a precious singing angel, and now I was watching a real live ballerina. Her performance was beyond description, but more importantly, the diversity of the evening was starting to hit me. How could so many youngsters deliver such a diverse show of talent? And they were not finished yet!

I hadn't quite caught my breath after Jesse's performance (neither had my daughter) when Tristan Leahy played a piano solo, "Minuet". He may have been one of the youngest performers, but his delivery was serious, and his performance wonderful. It was obvious that this young man "Practiced!". Thumbs up to you Mr. Tristan!

We were all still in a state of awe when the Hispanic American Youth Group of Deltona appeared again. Geez, I hadn't recovered from their last performance. Could they do it again? Yes, they could and they did! "Wow!" They were adorable, professional, and focused. The crowd went nuts, but there were still more surprises in store.

Matthew Pallady appeared and played a piano solo called "Goblins Ride". Little Matthew delivered beyond anyone's expectations, and his music choice was wonderful, for he played every note with creepy crawly enthusiasm!

Of course, after Matthew, there was more applause! But were we prepared for the next performance? No Way!

Mr. Housley warned us all that Erik Moore would bring the house down, and he did. There was nothing left after Erik but rubble and dust. People didn't know whether to sit and watch or stand and scream! Eric was more than just a hit. His performance appealed to those of all ages. He made me remember the days of tap dancing, when it was the next best thing to sliced bread, and I didn't realize how much I miss tap dancing until I saw Erik perform. He intertwined his routine with Michael Jackson's Bad for an entirely different generation to appreciate, but it wasn't just a copy cat of Jackson's Bad. No, not at all. Tap dancing his way into our hearts, he burst out into a back flip, performed moon walking and spins that would make any ballet dancer cry, and more moves I can't even describe. By the time Erik was finished, all I could think about was New York and Broadway—Erick simply lives is the wrong town.

I thought to myself, how can this talent show continue after a performance like that? Yet continue it did. Young Zachary Owen presented two piano solos, "Appaloosa Pony" and "Hoe Down". I thought to myself, I've seen it all now!

As the evening began to wind down, I watched two tiny little dancers, Ashleigh and Abigail gracefully flutter and prance on the stage, and I stood in amazement at the thought of the hidden talent that our city possess.

After the two little angels left the stage, the Focus Dance Group returned, and performed their dance to the song "Fire". Once again, catching all of us off guard, and performing their hearts out. There was no time for us to catch our collective breath between presentations -- just as the applause quieted from one, another began.

Last but not least, Ms. Shari Farmer commanded the stage and performed "Good Day". After just a few seconds of hearing the strength in her voice, watching her delivery, and feeling her enthusiasm, I remember thinking if only someone like Bette Midler could see what I'm seeing, Ms. Farmer would be packing her bags! Shari finished the evening's performance with "Since You've Been Gone". Her poise and confidence was that of an experienced professional, yet Shari is a recent Pine Ridge High School graduate.

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• Gabrielle
• LaVerde
• Deltona
• Lakes
• Elementary
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• DLE's
• Big
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• childhood
• alzheimer's
• fundraiser

[Derm777]

What a great time to celebrate the life of Gabrielle's friends as they love on her and show their support

[gabrielle824]

It really was such a wonderful night. The support we have received from our community blows our minds. They are so awesome and we are so thankful for their support!

[breasmom36]

Sounds like you had a great time!!

[gabrielle824]

It was amazing. So many amazing young people who were willing to give of their time and talent ... it was beyond incredible!

[kaslash]

one of my best friends played the piano(tristan leahy)!

[GiseleVeilleux]

Great! Gabi is doing good, thanks! She has her good days, and her bad days!

[Travven]

hi the third 4th picture of that kid is sammy witch is me.hope you get better gabbi your friend sammy