They danced, they sang, they wowed the crowd and, in the end, the young entertainers who took to the stage Sunday, January 18 showed the real meaning of caring -- giving every last ounce of talent and energy to raise funds for three children’s homes.

The show was the 5th annual BOB Love That Child musical extravaganza. Held at the St. Andrew’s Performing Arts Auditorium, the event drew hundreds for a celebration with a cause, to show those children and teens who call the Children’s Emergency Hostel, Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home and Ranfurly home that they are loved.

From co-choreographers from Nassau and Philadelphia to entertainers ranging from the jaw-dropping stunts of Emanji Circus to the 5-foot-high splits of 10-year-old Justin Hudson, from the agility of dozens of dancers to the stunning voice of little Rachel Thompson, the show was a fast-paced, action-packed two hours emceed by Funky D along with a multi-talented human pretzel named Mouse.

But it was a small performance by the youngest group of all, the Children’s Emergency Hostel, that stole hearts and left hardly a dry eye in the crowd.

“A few weeks ago, we did not even know if we would be able to have this show this year,” said Karen Rawlings, producer. “But it’s been amazing how everything came together. When we didn’t have a venue after they said the Rainforest Theatre would be closing earlier than anticipated for renovation as part of Baha Mar, we had to scramble to find a new venue. St. Andrew’s not only came through, but a member of the St. Andrew’s family paid the rental fee for this beautiful auditorium and we are so grateful. One thing after another fell into place and this has been one of the best shows ever!”

The name Love That Child came from a song written by a young man who grew up at the Hostel and Ranfurly. Now a manager at Atlantis and a sought-after singer, he returns to Ranfurly to teach music as often as time allows. He composed the song to help raise money for the home. A friend of Ranfurly who heard him playing piano introduced him to a visiting group of teens and the directors and producers of a ‘tween movie, Standing Ovation. The director and producer of the movie that turned out to be a surprise success treated their ‘stars’ – children from modest backgrounds but brimming with talent -- to a trip to The Bahamas. For most, it was their first trip out of the U.S. and when they were introduced to the children at Ranfurly, there was a connection, says Rawlings, that has grown stronger with each year.

“The youngsters who come to The Bahamas to perform – and bring their families – are raising their own money for the trip and many of them have to work little odd jobs to get here so it is a year-long effort for some and an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone,” said the woman who has spent her own vacations pulling the show together for five years, working with Bahamian dance studios and schools. “We could never have done this without Bank of The Bahamas which has believed in everything the show stands for and has provided corporate support in a hundred ways from promotional efforts to donations to ticket sales to working at the show on performance day. This year, the BOB volunteers helped make the extravaganza a reality.”

Photo Caption

LEAP FOR JOY -- Tiara Josey of Caribs Pro Dance leaps into the air at the 5th Annual Love that Child Benefit.