Fingerstyle LB band overall winner of Youth Talent Search

The winners, organizers and judges.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu’s UNICEF Check Out for Children Challenge 2012 Youth Talent Search attracted 24 outstanding young talents at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, recently.

The event proved a runaway success with an audience turnout of around 350 people.

Fingerstyle in action

Overall winner was Fingerstyle LB band  who brought home a trophy and cash prize of RM1,000 nett. The first runner-up was Curious Fish group  who received a trophy and cash prize of RM800 nett while the second  runner-up was keyboardist Jayrin Jahimin who received a trophy and cash prize of RM600 nett.

Meanwhile, third runner-up was singer Karen Ambrose (trophy and cash prize of RM500 nett) and fourth runner-up was Urban Groove dance group (trophy and cash prize of RM400 nett).

Hotel Marketing Communications Manager Jocelyn Banding said that the Volunteer Committee was honoured to welcome the youths from Emmanuel Home, Kudat, who more than anyone else here represent UNICEF’s efforts in educating the world’s underprivileged children.

“These 42 youths come from families who lack the financial resources to support their tertiary aspirations, yet they are determined to have a better chance at life through education. “

She added that Emmanuel Home with the help of several NGOs and good Samaritans has opened up the opportunity for them. “And for their determination to gain an education, we salute the children.”

The talent search opened with a Gangnam Style dance performance by the hotel’s staff. The majority of the talents were solo singing performances, many of whom stood out for their exceptional vocals.

The crowd was clearly enamoured by the eventual top 10 winners. Among them were Ukulele soloist Isaiah Majinbon, dance group Urban Groove, and high school group Curious Fish, whose uniquely creative performance wowed both audience and judges.

In addition to food and beverage sales, a garage sale was also organised, with all proceeds going towards the Check out For Children Fund.

The team raised sponsorship for a number of lucky draws, and gave away guitars as well as 3 days / 2 nights accommodation vouchers at affiliate Starwood hotels and resorts in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bangkok.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has partnered with UNICEF in the Check Out For Children initiative to support the global humanitarian organisation’s immunisation and education programmes for 17 years.

Under the Check Out For Children initiative guests at any Starwood hotel, whether a Le Meridien, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, St Regis, W, Aloft or Luxury Collection, are asked to contribute one US dollar to the fund.

It wasn’t until 2003 though that Starwood’s 145,000 employees were challenged to organise an annual event or activity to raise funds towards the programme.

At Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, this 100 per cent voluntary project by the associates was the third, and the first time a contest was organised instead of a concert.

First runner-up - Curious Fish wowed everyone with their unique act

Second runner-up - Jayrin Jahimin

Third runner-up - Karen Ambrose

Very entertaining dance group Urban Groove

Judges (from left) Suhaimi, Esther Applunius, Dr Mahadi and Sabah Miss Earth 2012 Joanna Faurillo.

A section of the audience.

Congratulations guys!!!