NUMC to host youth singing competition

HealthFirst and NuHealth are known for their efforts in providing healthcare to children and their families. Now the two organizations are offering children a chance to be in the spotlight. 

In October, the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow will host the opening rounds of the inaugural Nassau Youth Singing Competition. 

HealthFirst and NuHealth, which are co-sponsoring the contest, announced on Monday about 286 children were registered.

“We really like to see young people have an opportunity to shine,” said Patricia Wang, president and CEO of HealthFirst.

HealthFirst is a not-for-profit managed care organization that provides healthcare coverage to individuals and families living in New York and New Jersey, offering a variety of government-sponsored health insurance programs. NuHealth, which operates the NUMC, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility and several community health centers, is a partner of HealthFirst. 

“The children participating in the contest will have an opportunity to meet children from other schools and take part in a fun, unique and positive experience,” said Art Gianelli, president and CEO of NuHealth. 

The competition is divided up in three age brackets, five to nine; 10 to 13 and 14 to 18.  Registered participants can sing in English, Spanish or Creole for five minutes or less. The first round will take place in the NUMC auditorium on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Oct. 3 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Semifinals, also held in the NUMC auditorium, will be on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Oct. 10 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

The Cultural Arts Theatre in Hempstead will host the finals on Oct. 23. 

For more information on the contest, visit www.healthfirstny.org.