THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 1, 1995 TAG: 9508310246
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Everyday they toil in open cubicles, working on projects, talking to customers and going to meetings.
But on Sept. 10, employees of Sentara Alternative Delivery Systems will break out of their office personas and transform themselves into Broadway stars at Bayside High School.
Singing and dancing in the spotlight for a night is their one chance to shine as well as raise money for homeless shelters. Paula Beckett, coordinator of the third annual Goodwill Follies, said the employees look forward to the talent show/ fund-raiser every year. This year's theme is ``Welcome to Broadway.''
``There's so much talent in this building,'' said Beckett, a direct marketing representative for Sentara Medicare Choice. ``The Sentara employees are taking time out of their busy schedules and are so willing to help.''
Beckett has been working tirelessly for months in preparation for the Goodwill Follies. In addition to the employees, Beckett managed to entice members of the Hurrah Players, the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach and the Norfolk State University dance and drama departments to perform at the show.
Susan Browney of Golden Slippers Dance Academy donated her time as choreographer for several numbers. Many local businesses donated items to be raffled off the following day. The show features 11 numbers and is expected to last about 1 1/2 hours, with a short intermission.
``The lineup is real exciting,'' said Beckett, 35, a personable woman whose energy level seems to rival that of the ``Energizer Bunny.''
``It's just snowballed every year. We're not professionals, but we try to put on a hell of a show. Each year, more people come and more want to get involved. It's working the way I want it to work.''
The Goodwill Follies was born when Beckett had to find someone to speak with for a homework assignment at Tidewater Community College a few years ago. She chose a homeless person, and the interview touched her deeply. The money raised from this event goes to The Dwelling Place homeless shelter in Norfolk and the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center in Virginia Beach.
``It's harder for the children,'' Beckett said. ``They think it's their fault that they're homeless. It freaks me out to see people eat out of cans when I can eat whatever I want. I wanted to help in some way.''
Altruism has always been a part of Beckett's life. She has volunteered her time at nursing homes and worked as a counselor at Camp Kennedy, a camp for underprivileged youths owned by the Kennedy family, for three summers.
When Beckett and her husband, Lawrence, moved to Virginia Beach from their native Connecticut six years ago, they had nothing but the clothes on their backs. No car, no furniture, no jobs. Beckett said that those early days, when they had no money, taught her a valuable lesson.
``We swore that once we got on our feet we would give something back to the community,'' she said. ``We worked hard, stuck together and here I am.''
The first year, the Goodwill Follies brought in $1,000. Last year, the event raised $2,000. Beckett's goal this year is to raise at least that amount. But she doesn't want to count on that, for fear of disappointment. Whatever the amount, the people running the shelters will be grateful, she realized.
``It's going to be a great show and the proceeds are going to a great place,'' said Beckett. ``I know I'm not taking care of everybody, but maybe this money can help kids get a new jacket or book supplies or something.
``You have to help others. You never know what can happen in your life,'' she added. ``You could be homeless someday, too.'' MEMO: The Goodwill Follies will be Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at Bayside High School.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $1.50 for children. Senior citizen centers
may be able to receive a discount. Call Paula Beckett at 552-7259 (work)
or 463-0208 (home) for tickets or more information.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by CHARLIE MEADS
Sentara employees who will be singing and dancing in the Goodwill
Follies talent show at Bayside High School are (from left):
coordinator Paula Beckett, Sheila Talley, Stacy Viles, Kathy Rice
and Mike Smith.
by CNB