NASHUA, NH – The United Way of Greater Nashua held its second annual Care-E-Oke fundraising competition at the Nashua Center for the Arts. Soloists and groups of singers took the stage in front of a crowd of about 300 to help support the community safety net the group provides
The United Way of Greater Nashua is a nonprofit organization that brings donors, volunteers, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and government together to address community challenges. The event raised more than $25,000 and proceeds will help support grants to local organizations.
A panel of local “celebrities” formed the Judges Panel. The judges were John Jurczyk, President of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Scott O’Connell, Best Ford Sales Manager, Danielle Marshall, Branch Manager at Service Credit Union, Wendy Hunt, President of Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Dean Shaloup, Union Leader reporter, Tanya Gavel, the 2023 strongest soloist winner and Al St.Louis, National Anthem singing record holder.
“We’re so proud of this second year of Care-E-Oke and the incredible growth we’ve seen,” said Mike Apfelberg, President of United Way of Greater Nashua. “Bringing together the community for a night that’s light, fun, and filled with purpose has been rewarding. It’s amazing to see people having such a great time while doing so much good for our community. We’re pleased with the event’s success and the difference we’re making together.”
The winners of the 2024 singing competition are:
- Strongest Soloist – Lori Gilcreast singing Janis Joplin, Piece of My Heart
- Shining Soloist, runner up – Armand “AJ” Prescott singingn Chris Young, Voices
- Greatest Group – Nashua’s Own Pistol Annies, Elaina Bedio, Alyssa O’Mara, and JoAnne Halloran – singing Hell on Heels
- Rhythmic Crew, runner-up group – Ledgers for Life, Principal, and Teachers from Ledge St. Elementary School – singing Justin Timberlake, Can’t Stop the Feeling!
- People’s Choice winner – Jon Duhaime – singing All by Myself by Celine Dion
- People’s Choice runner up – Armand “AJ” Prescott, singing Chris Young, Voices
