Record Success for "Southern Oregon's Got Talent"

This weekend an annual fundraising event to benefit children in need  truly lived up to its name.  The third annual "Southern Oregon's Got Talent" showcased some of the hottest up and coming performers from the Rogue Valley to the Klamath Basin.  

More than 50 contestants competed this year to get the opportunity to perform live at Medford's Craterian Theater.  They were whittled down to the top 24 contestants.  Those performers' videos were aired during the Semi-Final show on NBC5 and viewers called in to vote their favorite act into the Finals. 

On Saturday, the top 10 finalists took center stage, performing acts  in song, dance and even magic tricks.  They were all vying for the title of most talented.

The event is also a fundraiser for  CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, who help promote the safety and well-being of children who have come under the care of child protective services due to abuse or neglect. 
  
The always entertaining talent showcase was hosted by NBC5's Laura Cavanaugh and  KISS-FM's DJ Gemineye.

And in a record turnout,  organizers report more than
$40,000 was raised for CASA Saturday night. That's the most in the history of the three year event.

Placing in the top three of the People's Choice were Kenny Witte and Andre Hunter as well as Epitome by E.T.E.

In the end, the People's Choice winner went to South Medford High students, Tim Smith and Ben Anderson.  They won $1,000.

The Judge's Choice winner was Joy Weems, who takes home a generous prize package.  Weems will also get the opportunity to audition for NBC's America's Got Talent.

Congratulations to everyone who participated.