Mercer, United Way, Visit Macon, 100.9 The Creek to hold singing competition to benefit COVID-19 relief fund

Mercer University Athletics, the United Way, Visit Macon and 100.9 The Creek will give musicians the chance to compete for a $2,500 prize, record a track at Capricorn Studios and perform in the 2020 Ford Mercer Concert Series.

The competition will raise money for those impacted by COVID-19, according to a release.

The organizations will host the first-ever 478 SINGS United event. The virtual singing competition and fundraiser is for local bands and musicians to showcase their talent while safely practicing social distancing and to help meet the needs of the community affected by the new coronavirus crisis. It will be set up like a virtual March Madness tournament.

“At a time when our lives have all been disrupted by this pandemic, we’ve all had to make a lot of adjustments to our normal daily lives,”George McCanless, president and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, said in the release. “We hope the event inspires some fun and friendly competition, all while lifting spirits and raising funds for people who need help during this stressful time.”

The competition will be a single-elimination bracket tournament. Registration for the tournament must be submitted by April 15. The bracket with first-round matchups will be released shortly after that. Voting will begin after the brackets are released.

After voting begins, each $1 contributed will count as one vote. The winner of each matchups will be determined by the amount raised. All the funds will go to the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

“Our goal is to provide the Central Georgia community something positive and entertaining while at home,” Daniel Tate, Mercer Associate Athletic Director said in the release. “This competition gives us the opportunity to give back by supporting the United Way and Community Foundation in their efforts with the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.”

For eligibility requirements and to enter the tournament, musicians and bands can visit www.unitedwaycg.org/Sings.

This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 2:27 PM.