Many of you probably don’t know that I like to sing.  And act.  And that I’m a songwriter.  I wrote my first song when I was 14 years old.  To date, I’ve written almost 40 songs.    

For most of my adult life, I’ve let “Lawyer Tara” take the lead, reserving “Artist Tara” for church or my quiet time.  For the last few years, however, I’ve been seeking God for Artist Tara, wondering when it would be her turn to take the lead.  I believe that time has come.

I’ve been invited to participate in Winter SHINE 2012, a week-long talent showcase event in Orlando, Florida, organized by a company called Actors, Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC).  They’ve been around for almost 30 years, operating under the name Actors, Models and Talent Competition.  In 2005, however, the CEO of the company gave her life to Christ and changed the name – and the mission – of the organization.  I had no idea they existed until 4 months ago.  Then again, timing is everything.

During Winter SHINE, Artist Tara will have the opportunity to let her light shine before 50-100 agents, managers, scouts and casting directors with some of the biggest outfits in the entertainment industry, including but not limited to Arrow Records, Epic Records, Icon Studios, Launch Pad Entertainment, MGM, Twentieth Century Fox and Tyler Perry Studios.  The invitation, however,  is not limited to the showcase.  Between now and January, I will also receive training and “styling” from industry professionals. 

You have to invest in your dreams, and this is no different.  Registration is typically $5,000, and travel costs are an additional $2,000.  I qualify for a number of discounts, including the minister’s discount, so my registration is only $4,200 - or $6,200 total including travel costs.  I’ve already put down $500.

Would you please help me raise the balance of $5,700 by November 1, 2011? To lend your support, visit my Donations page.  All contributions will be acknowledged on this site and at a send-off event I plan to have in December. 

The outcome is not guaranteed; it is indeed a leap of faith. But I am increasingly confident that this is God’s doing.  It’s going to be a great ride.  Come with me!

Thank you in advance for your support.