By Ann Marie Shambaugh
ashambaugh@neighborsgo.com

2009 was not an easy year for Anna Eadie.

As her husband recovered from cancer after being misdiagnosed several times, she learned in April that she had a brain tumor, which doctors removed in August. In November, she learned that she and her daughter both had diabetes.

Although it appears that the worst is behind the Frisco family, Eadie said she still learning how to manage her daughter’s diabetes and take care of a son with autism at the same time. Recently, she found some relief – unlikely as it sounds – through the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.

Eadie was one of seven performers to audition Dec. 4 for Frisco’s Got Talent, which will culminate in the finalists performing for celebrity judges at the chamber’s annual awards celebration next month. Her soulful rendition of “At Last” – made famous by Etta James in the 1960s – gave her an opportunity to distance herself temporarily from life’s troubles.

“I had to find a way to get through it and take a breather, gather myself together and then go on back to work,” Eadie said.

She also used the performance as a chance to prepare for a potentially bigger audience. Eadie plans to audition for “America’s Got Talent” when the network variety show holds auditions in Dallas next month.

For now, Eadie and other hopefuls are aspiring to earn enough online votes to perform in front of 600 people at the chamber awards. Chamber officials videotaped the first round of auditions at the Paul Green School of Rock Music, and they will hold more auditions on Dec. 11, with a final session to follow if needed.

The finalists will perform between business award presentations at the formal celebration on Jan. 29 at Embassy Suites. The ceremony will honor the small, medium and large business of the year, as well as the community partner of the year and other recipients.

Frisco’s Got Talent organizers are looking for entertainers of all ages and skills.

But John Holmes, the chamber’s director of marketing and communications, said the finalists may not be selected based on skill alone. “It’s going to take somebody with charisma and personality. That’s the one that’s probably going to get the most attention online as people watch. They’re going to look for that star quality.”

Ann Marie Shambaugh is editor of the Frisco/Little Elm edition of neighborsgo.

MORE INFO

To learn more about Frisco’s Got Talent or to sign up for an audition, visit friscochamber.com/images/FriscosGotTalent.html. The second round of auditions are scheduled for 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Paul Green School of Rock Music, 6891 Main Street.