The event is a talent show to benefit the charity Gardens for the Gambia, which digs water wells in primary schools in one of
Africa’s poorest and driest countries, said English teacher Marti Gorun, who is coordinating “Faculty Follies.” Libertyville is the first school to partner with the charity in what is set to be a pilot program that will spread to other schools next year, Gorun said. The talent show is a way for Libertyville to continue its support of the charity. “We thought it would be nice, and it’s a bonding experience,” Gorun said. “People can look forward to a good night of entertainment and doing something nice for people who can’t do something for themselves.” She said the show will have 17 acts featuring more than 30 faculty and staff members who have been rehearsing for about the past three weeks. There also is a group of 50 juniors and seniors who are helping with the show as a service project who have created posters and are selling tickets. Saxvik also will perform “It’s a Wonderful World,” “I’m a Believer” and a combination of “La Bamba” and “Twist and Shout” with a band. And she will do a duet with her husband, Gary Saxvik (a former Libertyville employee), to “La Vie en Rose” in French and English. “It’s for a wonderful cause,” she said. “What better cause could there be”
Saxvik said she hopes the event will raise $5,000 for Gardens for the Gambia, and she has had a great time working on the show.