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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.

Students put on 'Corvallis Idol' to help charity

Peacock Bar and Grill helps Corvallis Idol contest raise money for children's charity

By: Chelsea Anderson

Posted: 5/25/07

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.

"They already have the equipment. Originally we were going to have it on campus," Ruthemeyer said. "[But] we saved a lot of money by having it at the bar instead."

Campbell was in charge of finding the venue for the event.

"I've been to Peacock before and I think it's just a really cool place to come and hang out," Campbell said. "They have the karaoke machine there already, and I thought it would make a great place to hold 'Corvallis Idol.'"

Stephanie Mathers, owner and operator of the Peacock, was glad to contribute to the project.

"I have children of my own," Mathers said. "So whenever we have the opportunity to help the community or the school, we like to do that in any way we can, especially when it involves children.

"I think this event will be great. It will also give people that may not have come into the Peacock, the chance to see our staff and our building and what we have to offer, and to experience live music."

Mathers received two cases of water and one case of Rockstar from a vendor to donate to the group's cause. The items were sold at $1 each and all proceeds will go to the charity as well.

"She has been so supportive," Campbell said. "She was very open to our idea and genuinely wanted to see it happen."

The group received two Kelly Clarkson concert tickets for the grand prize winner. The tickets were donated by the radio station KDUK.

"I was stoked when we found out they were donating the tickets," said Overbaugh, who was in charge of finding the prizes for the event.

Overbaugh also collected a gift certificate from Red Robin and a piece of jewelry created by Carol Brown, associate professor in the College of Business.

The group also raffled off a $50 cash prize.

"Our biggest fear right now is that we won't have enough participation," Ruthemeyer said before the event. "In order to make money we have to have a lot of people show up."

The primary source of profit will come from the $2 entry fee.

"We just really hope people have fun and we make money for our charity," Ruthemeyer said. "I think it will be really great, and it feels good to be able to give back and help someone else."