24+hour Karaoke-A-Thon! Sing-A-Long All Night for A Cause.

An all night karaoke marathon that hopes to raise funds to help a local community matron raise funds for a critical surgery her insurance will not cover.

Winter Park, FL (August 18, 2003): In a world where American Idol and the like have won over fans by the millions, the very art form" that helped gave way to the phenom has now been put to use for a charitable cause.

Big Daddys Bar & Grille in Winter Park is holding its very first Karaoke-Thon on Friday, Aug. 29th,
at 10PM and it will go through for up to 28 hours until 2AM Aug 31st without interruption. The mission: To help a community benefactor get some much needed medical help. The event hopes to raise enough money to help Kimmie Connor the beloved bars owner for over 9 years, as well a great supporter of local talent and causes, raise funds to help offset the cost for some major surgery her insurance will not cover.

We are the little bar that could! Its family. Kimmie has done a lot for us and the area so its time we give a little back", says the mastermind behind this event DJ Di, one of the bars three karaoke hosts. The other two hosts, Jack Berrios and Suzanne Barton, will be extending their regular Friday and Saturday night shows, and DJ Di who normally hosts on Thursday nights, will fill into somewhere in the wee small hours of the morning.

For those unfamiliar with it, karaoke allows the average Joe or Jane to fulfill their fantasy of performing like Britney or Elvis. The background music is all professionally recorded and available and all the singer does is provide the lead vocal. And the nerve of course. Karaoke has seen quite the resurgence since the popularity of American Idol, why not use it to benefit a good cause plus its a hoot!" says KJ Suzanne Barton.

Come on, we all do it in the shower...sing that is" says DJ Di. Just come and do it here where we can all hear you and lend your support at the same time! Besides most sound much better than they think they do. All singers are welcome: the good, the bad, and the tone deaf" she adds. All three DJs or KJs as they are known, have been with Big Daddys for years, with Jack being there for over 5 years.

They are so great for doing this, the staff, the patrons, we are a family" says Connor. The Karaoke-A-thon is part of a group of activities, including a golf tournament planned to benefit the cause. Donations are also being accepted to: The Kim Connor Foundation at Colonial Bank 3101 Corrine Dr. Orlando, FL 32803.

The event will last for at least 24 hours and will offer singers the chance to share their voice with anyone else that is awake. Due to local ordinances, alcohol sales must be suspended from 2AM until 7AM, so if kids can convince their parents to bring them by they are welcome too. Breakfast items, including plenty of coffee will be available. Donations will be accepted in any form. Local area vendors are participating by offering goods for raffle, and all offers will be welcome.

Big Daddys is located on the corner of Winter Park Dr & Corrine Dr. (Virginia Dr. becomes Corrine) in Winter Park. It has a great stage to perform on and the hosts are some of Orlandos favorites and some of the best in the business. They will make you feel very welcomed