MUSKEGON, Mich. — "The Masked Singer" is one of Michelle Tyson's favorite TV shows. A few years ago, she started thinking that an event modeled after that competition could help her organization, Taking Back Muskegon Inc.
"Taking Back Muskegon is about giving our children an opportunity and a different outlook on how to be productive in life, using the skills that we normally don't use, such as our outdoor skills. So we partnered with the Scouts of America to use their curriculum," said Tyson who is the founder and CEO of Taking Back Muskegon.
"You get a little bit of government. You get a little bit of economics and financial support. We wanted to highlight different aspects that the schools are not highlighting for them. That way, it gives them a little bonus round. We work hands-on with them. We like to do hands-on projects."
Taking Back Muskegon is working with Adelaide Pointe and other organizations to hold the event on January 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Muskegon Brewing Company. It will include a panel of celebrity judges including prosecutor DJ Hilson, county clerk Karen Buie, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson, Muskegon Heights Mayor Bonnie McGlothin, and former Muskegon city manager Frank Peterson.
The event will raise money for something new Taking Back Muskegon wants to accomplish.
"The whole purpose is so we can have a youth award banquet for our children. We want to show them that we care and we recognize the challenges and the struggles that they have overcome. And we want to say thank you to the parents as well, because without them saying, 'We trust you with our youth,' then there is no us," Tyson said.
The organization will be accepting auditions through January 6. If you'd like to audition, call 616-422-7512 or email TakingBackMuskegon@yahoo.com. If you'd like to attend the event, you can learn more on the Taking Back Muskegon Facebook page, or you can purchase tickets from the event's page on Eventbrite.