Super hits for soup kitchens

Multi award-winning Australian entertainer Steve Cummins is bringing his Neil Diamond Super Hits Show to Berwick. 187515_01

By Kyra Gillespie

Multi award-winning Australian entertainer Steve Cummins is bringing his Neil Diamond Super Hits Show to Berwick.

Organised by the John Mc Foundation, a local not-for-profit organisation, all profits from the show will support soup kitchens in the area.

“This will be the third annual show hosted by the John Mc Foundation,” event organiser and foundation member John McGreal said.

“All profits raised will go to Transit Soup Kitchen in Narre Warren, The Bless Collective Food Van Project, Vinnies Soup Van, Paddy’s Kitchen Pakenham and the 4C’s Pakenham.

“These groups volunteer so much of their time, so we want to not only raise funds for them but raise awareness about the work they do.”

The John Mc Foundation started with a group of friends who wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.

“We just started out as a group of friends wanting to create change; we put our heads together and started our own foundation. We started with one soup kitchen, but now we have five on our list.

“We’re all just basic people who, after experiencing hardships in our own lives, wanted to step up and help others.

“We’re not from big corporations, we’re just everyday people, and I think that strikes a chord with a lot of people.”

Previous shows hosted by the Foundation have included an Elvis and Beatles tribute show.

They’ve already sold around 200 tickets for the Neil Diamond Super Hits Show.

The only tribute artist in the world to have featured on the same program as the man himself, Cummins’ show has been broadcast on the UK’s BBC radio program Beautiful Noise to over three million listeners and performed to packed houses throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia since 1993.

Performances for the King of Java, pre-match entertainment for the World Super 12’s Rugby in Dunedin NZ, headlining the Gladstone Harbour Festival and numerous performances at the Melbourne Zoo Twilight concerts are just a few of the notable credits this show has earned.

Performing smash hits like ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘Cherry Cherry’ and ‘I’m a Believer’, the show promises to be an unforgettable night.

“We’ve been booked out every year so far,” Mr McGreal said.

“We always make sure it’s a really good quality show.”

Local talent Luke Shannon has also put his hand up for the cause and will be the support act on the night.

The Berwick acoustic soloist will be performing some of his original and cover songs.

“Luke’s a good-hearted kid; when he heard about the show he wanted to be a part of it and support the event.”

The Neil Diamond Super Hits Show is taking place on Saturday 1 December at St Michael’s Stadium Berwick. Doors open 7.15pm.

Tickets are $65, which includes dinner and a show. There will be raffles and auctions held on the night.

To book, contact John on 0403118854.