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“Mohigan Idol” fundraiser back as a virtual event

COVID-19 doesn’t care about charitable causes, but Morgantown High School’s student council does.

That’s why “Mohigan Idol” is back, after being pushed off the stage by the pandemic last year.

“Mohigan Idol” is the homegrown revue that raises money for WVU Medicine Children’s.

It features the talents of Monongalia County students from all grades.

String quartets. Metal bands.

Tap-dancers and those who sway to ballet or interpretive jazz.

Solo vocalists belting it out to backing tracks from the Great American Songbook to Memphis blues.

Students have to nail the audition to get on the bill.

While Morgantown’s iconic Metropolitan Theater is the traditional venue for the event, the 2021 edition is being streamed online due to COVID considerations, organizers said.

People may view the proceedings at www.mohiganidol.com from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., said Reece Taylor, a member of the 2021 MHS council.

Donations may also be made by clicking on that link, Taylor said.

“Mohigan Idol” has brought more than $100,000 for the hospital since its founding in 2011.

The 2019 edition raised $35,000.

Taylor said he likes the idea of being associated with an event, that, in a fun way, raises serious money for a serious endeavor.

Young patients from all 55 counties in West Virginia undergo specialized treatment there.  

They come there from surrounding states and even across oceans to get well.

WVU Medicine Children’s is known for its specialized neonatal care. Its physicians regularly receive national and international accolades for their work and research.

This summer, workers are expected to complete a free-standing, $215 million new hospital to hone even more the mission keep children healthy, while conquering the maladies that make them patients in Morgantown.

A highlight of “Mohigan Idol” is always the presentation of big (size-wise) Publisher’s Clearing House-styled check to hospital administrators.

Call it “Mohigan Idol” and more, Taylor said.

“It is an MHS tradition,” the student added.

“But more importantly, it is a point of pride for the Monongalia County community as it brings the arts together in support of our local children’s hospital.”

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