Lip Sync Battle takes place August 18

The third annual Lip Sync Battle fund-raiser to support people with disabilities will take place Friday, August 18, at Shawbucks in downtown Jamestown.

Money raised through the Lip Sync Battle will be donated to TRC Foundation’s Mark Pacheco WOW Fund. The WOW Fund (WOW stands for Working on Wonders) awards money to people with special needs so they can do things they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as attend a sporting event or a concert.

The fund was created in memory of Mark Pacheco, an employee of The Resource Center who died in 2010 of injuries sustained in an altercation on a Jamestown street. Pacheco’s family and friends suggested the establishment of the WOW Fund as a tribute to him and to create something positive from his death.

“I took this opportunity to make a bad situation into something I know Mark would love,” said friend and event organizer Marcos Figueroa. “The money raised goes to individuals with developmental disabilities to grant a wish or a dream that they may have or want but just do not have enough funds.”

The lip-syncing competition is open to anyone. People can participate as solo acts or as a group. The cost to compete is $10 per act. Performers should bring a CD of their music. Acts will be judged on how well they lip sync; the creativity of their performance; and their “WOW” factor. The prize money has been increased, with $300 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third. The winner also will receive a trophy. It is common for patrons to tip the contestants as they perform, and contestants may keep their tips. The performer earning the most tip money will receive bonus points in the competition, which will be scored by a panel of guest judges.

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Rachael Pfeiffer, left, and Danielle Chase celebrate after winning the 2016 Lip Sync Battle for their performance of a parody of Adele’s song “Hello.”

For those who want to attend the Lip Sync Battle but don’t wish to perform, tickets are $5 pre-sale or $10 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at TRC Foundation’s offices, located in the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown, and at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

The doors open at 9:00. Professional lip-syncing performers Sabrina Williams and Keke Valasquez-Lord will entertain the audience before the competition begins. There will be drawings for gift baskets and other items. Shawbucks staff will make a WOW signature drink that patrons may purchase.

“You do not want to miss this evening of fun and impressive entertainment,” Figueroa said.

For more information or to sign up to compete, phone Figueroa at 951-6118. Additional information about the Lip Sync Battle can be found on its Facebook event page.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]