The Quad Cities Variety Show celebrated its fifth year in production and featured guest appearances and performances by some of the most talented youth from across the Iron Range. It was an exciting evening filled with performances including music, dance, comedy and so much more. Proceeds raised from the June 1 show will help send 40 area Iron Range Youth in Action (IRYA) students to rebuild homes for the victims of Hurricane Katrina this summer.

The whole idea for this show came from a former Virginia High School student, Rachel Akkanen. She wanted to raise a lot of money to help those in need on the Gulf Coast. Five years later her vision continues to help Iron Range youth reach out to our neighbors down south. Iron Range Youth in Action director, Chris Ismil, explains, “The charity behind the Quad Cities Variety show teaches our kids a greater sense of community. We help build with Habitat locally, within our own community, but our sense of community should be much bigger.”

Iron Range Youth in Action has sent students to the Gulf Coast to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes for families who lost their homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was estimated that it would take 20 years to repair the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina. Now the Gulf Coast is facing another enormous disaster. BP (British Petroleum) has been trying to contain a major oil leak in the Gulf Coast, which is devastating the ecosystem and threatening the local economy of the Gulf Coast. If it were to be compared to the Iron Range facing a similar catastrophe, it would be like our iron ore mines being shut down all at once for several years.

As I perused the silent auction outside the doors of the variety show, I witnessed the support of many area businesses like Steger Mukluks & Moccasins and the pairs of moccasins that they donated to the kids event. I was even able to play a few songs on the big jukebox donated by Minnesota Pastimes. After looking through the multitude of silent auction items donated by over 70 Iron Range businesses, I then gave a donation for an American flag, which I found out the proceeds were going to support the Veterans’ Memorial. I finished my tour outside the show with some sweets from the baked goods sale.

I was amazed at the exceptional talent that Iron Range Youth in Action had brought together from across the Iron Range. This show was a testament to the success of so many young people and what is offered them in their communities. Their families, friends, and communities should be proud. For seven dollars, this event was a night to remember. Mark your calendars - Next year’s show is scheduled for May 17 at the Goodman Auditorium in Virginia.