By SUE ELLEN ROSS Staff Reporter

NORCO – Twelve years ago, Kathleen Landry came up with the idea of a fundraising event that would have many benefits, in addition to raising funds for the Norco Adult Day Care Center.

The event was a summer talent show, presented by volunteers, and offered to the public.

“There are so many senior citizens that don’t get to see these types of performances,” said Landry, administrator of the center. “I also wanted to have a daytime show.”

Landry solicited performers those first few years, and welcomed about 10 acts. The first audiences were comprised of about 100 patrons.

After two years in operation, the name of the event was changed to ‘Variety Show’ instead of ‘Talent Show’ because there was no competition involved, according to Karen LeGlue, a nurse at Norco Adult Day Care Center.

It went over so well that the program continued to grow each year, and the center’s 12th Annual Summer Variety Show 2004 took place July 23, offering 25 acts. “We try to add new acts each year, this year we have more than half a dozen,” said Landry

Those performers joined 19 other routines for a two-hour presentation of afternoon fun in the cafeteria of Sacred Heart School. Singing, dancing, and tumbling were among those listed on the program.

An intermission, with refreshments available, also was included during the afternoon; giving audience members a chance to socialize with each other.

Metarie resident Brenda Coleman has attended the Variety Show for the past three years. “It impresses me how much talent there is in St. Charles Parish, and how well this is put together,” she said.

Approximately 250 people were expected in the audience count Friday. And more than 1000 tickets were sold, according to Landry.

Announcer Joe Points of Metarie has volunteered his services to the show for the past eight years. “This (fundraiser) is a wonderful opportunity for everyone,” he said. “It’s an extra frill for those people using the center.”

Community and church bulletin boards, newspaper ads and flyers announced the yearly fundraiser, which is very popular in the community.

Mary Lee of New Orleans came to the show with a former neighbor who lives in Destrehan. “My friend Martha bought five tickets, she likes this show so much,” laughed Lee. “It’s just me and her today, but the money goes for a good cause.”

The committee that put together this year’s show included Landy’s staff at the center. “Everyone helped,” she said. “We planned this together.”