There is still time to purchase tickets to this year’s College Idol, the University of Guelph’s annual talent show supporting the United Way.

The event, which features performances by U of G faculty, staff and students over lunch, will be held Oct. 28 in Peter Clark Hall. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 24. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the show starts at noon.

Tickets are $13 each or $88 for a table of eight. All proceeds support the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign.

“This is a great chance for the community to get together to celebrate the halfway point of the campaign while contributing to a great cause,” said College Idol organizer Jennifer Beehler, an administrative assistant in the Department of Geography.

She sang in the first College Idol competition in 2008 and has been involved every year since, including performing again this year.

Soloists or groups get five minutes on stage before a panel of U of G “celebrity judges.”

One year, Beehler helped judge the competition as Sonny from Sonny and Cher. “Cher” was plant agriculture professor Al Sullivan, a former U of G United Way campaign co-chair.

Audience members may “vote” for their favourite act by contributing one or more toonies to the campaign. Contributions may be made to collection boxes placed around campus through November, when the College Idol winner will be declared.

“That’s what makes this really fun. You don’t have to be talented to win or be in the show. You just need to want to help raise money for people in need,” Beehler said.

Audience members may also win prizes for best individual and group Halloween costumes worn to the event.

For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, contact Beehler at Ext. 56720 or jbeehler@uoguelph.ca.