Encore Enters Final Stage of National Competition

Tuesday marks the beginning of a two-week period during which votes can be cast for the .

Buffalo Grove’s Encore group, a division of the Buffalo Grove Singers, is among the 12 finalists competing for $20,000. The prize money will be donated to the winning group’s designated charity.

The national winner will be determined exclusively by votes received from the public. Videos of the finalists’ performances can be viewed at 2011sing.com, where votes can also be cast.

Voting begins at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 and ends at 11 a.m. Oct. 31. Voters can cast one ballot per day.

Encore has chosen the Lauri S. Bauer Foundation for Sudden Loss as the beneficiary, should the choir win the contest. Lauri Bauer died in January from a sudden heart arrhythmia.

"I am humbled by the thoughtfulness of Encore to honor Lauri's memory and our Foundation,” her husband, Scott Bauer, said in a statement. “This is the ultimate example of community outreach and we are thankful for their amazing effort, not to mention their outstanding talent.”

“Despite our tragedy, we have been fortunate to have a support network of incredible family and friends to help us through the pain and ultimately recapture our lives. It has also allowed the many that Lauri touched to begin the long and difficult journey of healing. Unfortunately, many families do not have these resources. The purpose of this foundation is to help those who have suffered a sudden loss and in need of assistance reclaim their lives.” 

Encore members include Robin Axel, Bruce Bohrer, Steve Bulmash, Catherine Crandal, Teri Dickinson, Tricia Dockery, Pam Enright, Wendy Friedman, Donna Garfield, Mike Garfield, Jill Gavin, Stacy Groner, Jeanette Kratz, Lori Lapping, Debbie Macklin, Greg McWright, Cathy Novak, Jerry Rottman, Lynne Schneider, Steve Schneider, Lenna Scott, Mel Siegal, Charla Silver, Shelly Spector and Wendy Zimmerman. The group is directed by Linda Rosen.

For more information, visit bgencore.org.