Benefit reception staff:  L to R (front):  Marge Golden, Dr. Elouise Joseph, Joyce Dattner, Eulanna Allen, Caroline Donnola, Amani Barnes; (rear) Hellen Li, Tony Bush, Jr., Kathryn Schiff and Eddy Lopez, Jr.

Youth outreach began on September 16 to pre-register performers for BACIC's 10th talent show, a special one-day event to be held November 11 at Historic Sweet's Ballroom in downtown Oakland. The one-day event will combine an audition, performance workshop and show. To pre-register, contact Eddy Lopez, Jr. at 415-986-2565.

On August 13, the Bay Area Center for Independent Culture (BACIC) held a cocktail reception to kickoff the fall benefit dinner for the Bay Area All Stars Talent Show Network. The reception brought together honorees, benefit committee members, volunteers and youth hosts to celebrate the growth and expansion of the All Stars and to gear up for a successful fundraising season. The benefit, "A New Partnership for Youth," will be held at the elegant Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco on October 16, 2006. The event is expected to sell out early. For tickets or for more information, contact Marge Golden at 415-986-2502.

On August 20, BACIC held its annual summer volunteer appreciation barbecue in Oakland, at the home of BACIC donor Doug Drummond, co-chair for the October 16 benefit. Volunteers of all ages soaked up the sun, enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, and won prizes for successfully answering trivia questions about BACIC and the All Stars. Volunteers also signed up for fall activities, including host trainings, youth outreach and the next talent show.

The Bay Area Center for Independent Culture (BACIC), an independently funded San Francisco/Bay Area nonprofit, produces the All Stars Talent Show Network youth development program in the region. For more information on future events, to donate, or to get involved, please call 415-986-2565 or visit BACIC's website.