The Tribune

ONCE just a song, Love That Child has grown into an annual major musical production benefitting three children’s homes.

On January 18 at 3pm, local and international talent will come together at St Andrew’s Performing Arts Centre to dance and sing for hundreds of supporters.

“Thanks to Bank of the Bahamas’ (BOB) sponsorship in past years and this year to the BOB volunteers, we have been able to make significant and positive changes at the Ranfurly Home for Children, Children’s Emergency Hostel and the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home,” said Karen Rawlings, co-producer of the acclaimed musical benefit. “More than $25,000 have been raised to benefit these homes and Love That Child has built awareness of the ongoing needs as well as bringing so many children together to show support for other children.”

The National Dance Company, HD Dance Crew, Emanji Circus, St Andrews, the Children’s Junkanoo Group, Eurhythmics Dance Studio, Passionate Dance Expressions, Jubilee and Soulful Feet will headline the show. For the first time, the Children’s Emergency Hostel will participate with music and dance performances.

“HD Dance Crew is a popular dance group and they never disappoint. Their high-energy and passion for performance is bound to get the crowd going. Our line-up this year will be like no other and the international guests will once again be delighted by depth of young Bahamian talent,” Ms Rawlings said.

According to Dominique Thompson, BOB marketing manager, the show brings out the best in performers, guests and recipients, uniting all in a meaningful way.

“Love That Child has morphed into so much more than a concert for the children of The Bahamas,” said Ms Thompson.

“It has become synonymous with hope and positive change.”

Noting the impact on children, the US Embassy has committed to the project and will be offering a scholarship at the benefit. The opportunity to study with a choreographer in Philadelphia will become a reality for one lucky participant.

“It’s sometimes hard to believe that Love That Child came to be by chance,” Ms Rawlings explained. “Damien Davis, a young man who grew up at Ranfurly, happened to meet someone connected with BOB and who knew of the group of us visiting from Philadelphia wanting to find a cause to support in the Bahamas. From there, the rest is history.”

Mr Davis often visited Ranfurly to teach music and mentioned that he wrote a song titled, “Love That Child,” to raise money for the home. He was introduced to the young stars of the “tween” hit movie ‘Standing Ovation’ who were eager to perform with local youngsters and Davis quickly found a way to produce, play and distribute his song.

Upon hearing the song “Love That Child,” BOB, a bank known for its community outreach, was eager to be involved in a benefit helping children.

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

Bringing the community together each year, Love That Child remains a strong partnership, selling out shows in the Bahamas and abroad.

Tickets are available at the Ranfurly Home for Children and St Andrew’s School, among other locations.

The event starts at 3pm on Sunday.