Habitat for Humanity of Barton County is busily preparing for their upcoming “Barton County’s Got Talent” dinner theater on Saturday, January 19th.  
In addition to the delicious homemade meal and one-of-a-kind talent competition, the event also features two unique amenities this year. A bonus concert following the talent show will highlight the talents of professional musicians Blake Aaron Guthrie and Jake Gill. Guthrie was born and raised in Great Bend, graduating from Great Bend High School in 2002. After spending the last ten years working with Grammy award winning producers and record labels, he is excited to return to his hometown to help raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Jake Gill is a CMA recording artist that recently signed with Red Ridge Entertainment of Nashville. Gill’s impressive musical background includes balancing his country music performances with his career in chiropractic medicine. Both artists will be signing autographs and selling merchandise following the show.

The second unique aspect of the growing fundraiser is a silent auction, composed entirely of donated works of art from local craftsmen. Beautiful items such as photography, pottery, paintings, carvings, stained glass, and more. The items donated are the works of Barry Bowers, Liz Bowman, Cynthia Clark, Henry Conner, Kelsey Couture, Colleen Delp, Debbie Deutsch, Heather Enochs, Paul Grauer, Liston Marsh, Joyce Rose, Judy Reed, Petr’s Frame House, Rosewood Services Clients, Sharon Sullivan, Kim Vink, Kandi Wolf, Alice Young.

“A lot of people think that Habitat for Humanity builds these houses so that we can give them away, but that is definitely not the case.” Mawhirter says. “Once the home is built, our partner family purchases the home from us like they would from any other lender. The difference is that we don’t charge them interest, and we don’t have minimum credit requirements. And then, when those payments start coming in, our board can use those funds to help yet another family. It’s like the donations just keep on giving.”

Two types of tickets are on sale for the unique fundraiser. Individuals can come at 6 p.m. for $25 per person and enjoy a delicious meal prior to the show. The three-course meal will be accompanied by live string music.

For those who just want to get in on the competition at 7 p.m., tickets for the show only are just $15 per person. “This fundraiser is a fun spin-off of the America’s Got Talent television show,” Habitat board president Rachel Mawhirter says. “Our acts compete for the Judges Choice and People’s Choice Awards, but the best part is helping raise money for a worthy cause.”

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets to the “Barton County’s Got Talent” dinner theater on January 19th should contact Rachel Mawhirter, 620-786-4896 or habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com. Tickets are also available at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.