‘Shining Stars Talent Show’ showcases performers of all abilities

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Saturday, a talent show for people of all ages and abilities was held in Wilmington. 

The Shining Stars Talent Show at Freedom Baptist Church gives those with intellectual or developmental disabilities the chance to showcase their talent. 

WWAY’s own Hannah Patrick returned this to emcee this year’s event. Performers sang and danced, with one dancer even getting audience members to come up on stage to do the ‘Cupid Shuffle.’ 

The event is a fundraiser for the annual Christmas Giftaway, which gives people with intellectual or developmental disabilities the chance to get presents for family members free of charge.  

Pat Wiegand organizes the event each year. 

“I have two children with down syndrome who are adults, and a lot of their friends couldn’t give gifts to friends, and it just got to a point where they couldn’t give gifts and stuff, and they couldn’t entertain,” Wiegand said. “Nobody welcomed them. So, I started a beauty pageant, and then we noticed that there was so many boys that we turned it into a talent show.”
  
Pat added that she is glad to see attendees and participants grow every year.