The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/25/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Peter Strong Josh Whaley, a senior in Business Administration at Oregon State, performs for Corvallis Idol Thursday night. The event, which was held at the Peacock Bar and Grill, benefits the Children's Miracle Network. It was part of a project put together for one of Erik Larson's business classes.

The spotlight was on Corvallis as different singers came to the Peacock Bar and Grill last night to show off their music talents in the "Corvallis Idol."

Erik Larson, a professor in the College of Business, gave his project management classes an assignment to make as much money as possible for a charity by organizing an event. Different groups showed their creativity by organizing a range of different events, including poker tournaments and ballroom dance nights.

One group came up with a spin-off of "American Idol."

"Our event is called Corvallis Idol," said Nadine Ruthemeyer, a student in business. "It's in the style of "American Idol," and we're really excited about it. We really hope there are a lot of people wanting to take part in the competition."

Ruthemeyer is part of a six-student team that has been planning the event since the start of term. Eric Campbell, Bret Overbaugh, Shayna Overbaugh, Ronda Stutzmann and Christina Saechao join in the cause with Ruthemeyer.

"The guidelines Erik Larson set for us were, it had to be legal, we could not embarrass him, and we had to give all the money to a charity," Ruthemeyer said.

All the proceeds raised from the event will be donated directly to the Children's Miracle Network.

"My best friend's son was born almost three months premature," said Shayna, a student in business administration. "If it wasn't for [this organization] he wouldn't be alive."

The team hoped to raise somewhere in the vicinity of $1,000.

The event took place at Peacock Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.

"It takes place during Peacock's normal karaoke night so hopefully people that show up will want to participate in the competition," Ruthemeyer said before the contest began.

Ruthemeyer said the Peacock was the perfect place to host the event.

Continued...

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