Salvation Army ‘Unmasking the Singer’ fundraiser set for April 28

QUINCY — The Atrium on Third will be the site for The Salvation Army’s “Unmasking the Singer” fundraiser on April 28. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner by JJ’s Catering being served at 6 p.m. The opening act will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Unmasking the Singer is a head-to-head singing competition fundraiser where Quincy and Hannibal area celebrities/community members will don area mascot costumes and sing for votes and the title of champion.

Proceeds will allow The Salvation Army to continue providing shelter to the homeless in Quincy and Hannibal. This fundraiser will benefit those living in Adams, Pike and Brown counties in Illinois, and Marion, Ralls, Lewis, Shelby and Monroe counties in Missouri.

Emcees will be Director of Development Matt Schmidt and Donor Relations Coordinator Chad Douglas.

“This is a night all about fun, entertainment and spotlighting a serious issue within our community.” Douglas said in a press release. “If we can make people laugh, smile and have a good time while keeping our friends and neighbors off the street, then it’s a success. You may not see the faces of those you help with your donations, but you have a huge impact. Keeping the faces of our performers hidden just re-emphasizes why we have to unmask the serious issue of homelessness in Quincy and Hannibal.”

Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. They are available online at bit.ly/umts-tickets or by calling The Salvation Army at 217-231-5626. A cash bar will be offered.

Before each act takes the stage, clues as to who is behind the mask will be read. During each round of performances, audience members will be encouraged to vote by donations ($1 = 1 vote) for their favorite act. All eight acts will perform one song, then votes will be tallied. The five performers with the lowest amount raised will be unmasked.

The top three acts who raise the most in Round 1 will then move to Round 2. Audience members will again be voting for their favorite act to win. At the end of Round 2, votes will once again be tallied, and the act with the most votes will be crowned the People’s Choice winner.

The race to be the top fundraiser begins. Each participant will be given an additional nine days (through May 7) to see who can raise the most money. Each contestant will be given an online Red Kettle. Contestants can fundraise in other ways, accepting cash or checks personally or dropped off at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. All online fundraising will stop at midnight on Sunday, May 7.

For more information, contact Douglas at 217-231-5647 or Chad.Douglas@USC.SalvationArmy.org.