Spring Break
Students showcase talents for cause
Jessica Nalbandian
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: News
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The Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation hosted the event to get the word out about epilepsy, which is a widespread disease of the brain.
Siravo, known as Matty to his parents, died from epilepsy when he was 5 years old. Since then, his parents have dedicated themselves to raising awareness of epilepsy through the foundation.
The auditorium was packed and the line to purchase tickets extended out the door until the moment the curtains opened.
The show began with a tap dance performed by Jackie Borelli to "Say What You Need to Say," by John Mayer. The judges lightheartedly awarded her "best so far."
From original songs and choreography to lip-syncing 'N sync song the show was a hit. Dancer Catalina Snape demanded the audience's attention with her open arms and gestures throughout her performance, parading around the stage to ensure an enthusiastic response.
Another act took a more serene approach. Singer Brooke Leonhardt and guitarist Rachel Hacken recreated Michelle Branch's "Everywhere," after introducing themselves and their song, saying "epilepsy is everywhere." The performance was met with tremendous applause.
The night's judges were talk radio host John DePetro, Rhode Island comedian Charlie Hall and college of business dean Mark Higgins.
First-place winner Matt Franco won tickets for a round-trip flight on Southwest Airlines. Franco joked that he would go to Las Vegas, since he won the tickets playing the part of a magician. Franco's act included pulling cards out thin air and making balls disappear and reappear. The audience appeared to be impressed the most by a trick that involved pulling a live dove from a handkerchief. At the end of his act, someone in the audience flatly stated that Franco had won the contest.
Second place was awarded to Merita Nezai and Gemma Downey, and third place went to Shaun O'Laughlin. Prizes included an iPod and a flat screen television.
In addition to supporting the show, URI 101 classes have raised more than $8,500 for the Help Rhody Raise Epilepsy Awareness project since September. The URI 101 group The Dalai Lamas was acknowledged for the largest contribution to the awareness project. The group will be awarded four tickets to an upcoming OAR concert, as well as a pizza or ice cream party for their class.
These students, as well as students from 18 other URI 101 classes, were positioned throughout the auditorium in purple T-shirts. Sales of the T-shirts and tickets benefited the Siravo Memorial Foundation.
Help Rhody Raise Epilepsy Awareness is supported by the Feinstein Enriching America Program and the URI College of Business, as well as the Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation.
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