On Saturday, Nov. 4, Ability Tree celebrated its second annual “Ability Tree’s Got Talent.” Tears and laughter adorned the faces of the audience throughout the night. The acts truly displayed the whole-hearted commitment and passion of Ability Tree students.
Ability Tree is a faith-based program that aids people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. The “Ability’s Tree Got Talent” event celebrated the talents and skills of their students while also raising funds to support the continuation of their outreach.
The majority of the performances were presented by members of Connections University. Connections University is a program that Ability Tree partners with John Brown University to offer. Geared towards adults with disabilities, the students take John Brown University classes and spend time with John Brown University students.
The performances at the talent show included dancing, gymnastics, singing, piano playing, and comedy.
“What did Tennessee (Tennis-see)? The same thing Arkansas (Arkansaw),” Matthew Vanetta said during his comedic routine.
This upset the entire audience into laughter. His act was finished with a dance to the song “September” by the music group Earth, Wind, and Fire, further entertaining the audience. At one point, the audience was brought to tears by Nate Gilmour’s rendition of Keith Green’s “There is a Redeemer.” Throughout the different acts, the talents and passions of the students deeply influenced the audience.
Judging the performances were Mayor Judy Nation, Dr. Charles Pollard, president of John Brown University, and Rich Katzfey, a former KNWA meteorologist. With glowing reports of each performance, the judges faced a difficult decision. They reached the verdict to appoint Caleb Cooper, with his fantastic dancing act to “Feel It”, the winner. This act included a top hat, moonwalking and audience participation.
After the performances, the night concluded with several impact stories from parents and volunteers. Tina Fish, a mother of a Connections University student, expressed the remarkable support of Ability Tree to her family. Dealing with the death of her husband, Tina Fish found help and comfort from the Ability Tree program for her son.
Krystian Bradley, a John Brown University student and Ability Tree volunteer, voiced the deep impact of Ability Tree upon his own life. When he first met the students, he expected them to be different and was unsure whether he would develop relationships with the students. However, it was obvious throughout the night that he had indeed built true friendships with the Ability Tree students. The students continually pointed out to him from the stage or hugged him after their performances.
“They love so well. In the differences they have, I found beauty,” Bradley said.
The entirety of the event highlighted this unique love and beauty.
Delivered by Chris and Joy Henson, the last impact story dealt with the challenges and reality of having a child with disabilities. Their son, Sawyer Henson, another Connections University student, sang “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis at the event. The Henson’s thanked Ability Tree for the connection and love Sawyer had received from the people involved in the program.
The “Ability Tree’s Got Talent” event was a smashing success, made possible by the hard work of the students, faculty, and the donations of sponsors. According to Maddy Schultz, executive director of Ability Tree, preparing for the event took them five months. Their hard work paid off. As each student mounted the stage, they displayed their wonderful, God-given talents and were the true embodiment of joy.
If you would like to continue the development of these students’ community and celebrate the beauty of their differences, support Ability Tree by volunteering or donating. You will not regret it, and your impact will most definitely be felt.
Photo courtesy of Lainey Funk