The College Street Players will hold the second annual fundraiser for the Edd Balch Memorial Scholarship Fund Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Hartselle High School Auditorium.

Last year, the Edd Balch Memorial Scholarship Foundation was able to give four students $1,000 scholarships. They hope to be able to continue giving financial assistance, and their fundraiser’s success will determine the number of scholarships they can provide next year.

The fundraiser will feature songs from musical productions performed at the Princess Theater or the Hartselle Fine Arts Center during the past 25 years. The selections include songs from “Hello Dolly,” “The Sound of Music,” “Shenandoah,” “Mr. Roberts,” “Annie,” “Guys and Dolls” and more.

Local talented artists including Bobby Duling, Ken Looney, Paulette DeVine, Hailie Beard, Kathleen McKay, Emily Amos and others will perform the songs.

Elaine Balch said music theater was something Edd was very passionate about.
“He was in his first show with Decatur Civic Chorus back in 1987,” Balch said. “It was “Hello Dolly.” After that he got the bug, and ever since then theatrical music was a biggie for him.”

The hour and a half show attracted almost 100 people last year. This year Balch hopes the attendance will reach 150, and they will be able to fund at least two $1,000 scholarships.

“We want to continue giving scholarships as long as we can,” Balch said. “We hope lots of people will come out and enjoy the show.”

Balch said Edd would be proud of the way students are able to make a difference with their scholarships for college.

“I know this is something Edd would have loved,” Balch said. “We call it the Make a Difference Scholarship, so we ask the recipients what they are doing or plan to do to make a difference. This fundraiser combines young people, education and theater, which were all close to Edd’s heart.”

Admission is $10, and all proceeds will go to the Edd Balch Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Donations may also be made directly to Peoples Bank of America at 501 Highway 31 S.W. in Hartselle. Checks should be made to the Edd Balch Memorial Scholarship Fund.