The Tribune

IT STARTED as a song and now it’s become a movement. On January 19 some of the best local and visiting talent will take centre stage at the Rainforest Theatre to perform and delight in the 4th annual Love That Child musical production to benefit three children’s homes.

“We are excited to return for the fourth year straight and very grateful to Bank of the Bahamas for making this possible,” said Karen Rawlings, co-producer of the acclaimed musical benefit that will feature several local dance schools and well known Bahamian entertainers along with dancers from the United States.

“We have a dynamite show in store for the Bahamian public. The Philadelphia 76ers Pre-Pro Dance team was a big crowd pleaser last year and they are back again along with our kids from the Philly Connection and, of course, wonderful young dancers from a number of local Bahamian schools and studios.

“Additionally, for the first time we have Power Surge, an exciting new dance group in the line-up so this year’s Love That Child is going to be a non-stop, thrill-a-minute, high energy production and all proceeds will assist The Ranfurly Home for Children, The Children’s Emergency Hostel and The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home,” she said.

The musical show that has mushroomed into a highly anticipated annual event for youngsters and their families grew out of a chance meeting between someone connected with BOB, a bank known for its community outreach, and a young man who grew up at Ranfurly.

The young man, now a manager at Atlantis, had returned to the home, as he often does, to teach music and mentioned that he had written a song to raise funds for Ranfurly but did not know how to get it produced, played or distributed.

At about the same time, a group from the New Jersey-Philadephia area was bringing young stars of the ‘tween movie hit “Standing Ovation” to the Bahamas. These young movie stars were eager to perform with local youngsters. Putting the two together with the song written by former Ranfurly resident Damien Davis seemed a natural.

Upon hearing the song “Love that Child” and the idea for a benefit of children helping children, BOB committed to the project.

“That beautiful song and the cause it represented touched our hearts,” said a bank spokesman.

Since then, Love that Child has developed into a strong partnership, held several sold out performances in Nassau and Philadelphia and raised thousands of dollars to assist local children’s homes.

“Love that Child is not just a fundraiser. It’s an event that brings the community together for a great cause. It’s a great model and example that demonstrates the power of partnerships and the fact that even the smallest among us, our children, can be a force for good and that is why we are so proud to support this annual production,” said Vaughn Delaney, senior deputy managing director, Bank of the Bahamas.

Tickets for Love that Child are now on sale at all five BOB branches in New Providence, the Ranfurly Home for Children, The Meridian School, Oasis Chic Living, Phillips Sailmakers and Diane Phillips and Associates.

The performance begins 3pm on January 19 at the Rainforest Theatre at the Wyndham Nassau Resort.