Danisha Sila Singing Her Way Into the Hearts of Her Community

Danisha Sila, age 13, sang in front of the mirror for years, but until she joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove she had never unveiled her talent. It was merely three months ago when Danisha first sang in front of an audience at the 2nd Annual Talent show that the Clubs host for its members. She won the crowd's heart and the first place prize with her rendition of "Diary," by Alicia Keys.

Danisha, an 8th grader at Doig Intermediate, has a love for singing, but carries strengths in other areas as well. "She's a strong leader," states Scherry Bilderback, Doig Intermediate Site Coordinator. "At school she is involved in ASB and at the Club she participates in Torch Club, our leadership & service program. She cares about how others feel, especially her family, but never lets her peers influence her opinions or make her decisions."

In June, Danisha received her second chance to perform. She sang Josh Groban's, "You Lift Me Up" to the Junior League of Orange County members at their Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers. The song was to thank the organization of women for the exceptional work they do for the children in Orange County. At the conclusion of her song, League members leapt to their feet with tears in their eyes. It was the first of many standing ovations to come in this young woman's life.

This past Sunday, Danisha participated in "Singing SuperStar Kids" Finals presented by IKEA and hosted by Radio Disney. Members of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Los Angles County and Orange County competed at four different IKEA stores in two age categories. Contestants sang current Pop Hits from popular artists in front of cheering family, friends, Club staff, and shoppers. Danisha wowed the onlookers with her first truly public performance with "So Yesterday," by Hilary Duff. When asked how long it takes to learn a new song Danisha smiled and replied, "Two days, I just lock myself in my room with the music and practice until I have it." Her display of confidence, talent, stage presence, and charisma once again earned her the first place prize.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove are very proud to have Danisha as a member and are excited to see where her journey takes her in the future.

For more information about how you can support the Boys & Girls Clubs or for general information, please call (714) 530-0430 or visit our about us section of our website.

The Boys & Girls Clubs have played an integral role in the Garden Grove community for nearly 50 years, providing daily programs and services to over 2,500 young people. The Clubs are open daily with programs in character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation.

The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The JLOCC reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. They make this possible by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. The IKEA Group contributes to projects on forestry, the prevention of child labour, and initiatives that support children's development.

Radio Disney covers 97% of the United States via 50+ terrestrial stations that include 18 of the top 20 DMAs; XM and Sirius satellite radio and digital cable & satellite TV music provider, MUSIC CHOICE. Created and produced by ABC Radio Networks, Radio Disney reaches millions of kids, tweens and families through great music, out-of-this-world prizing and brand extensions. Radio Disney has won Radio Ink's "Reader's Choice Award", the "Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Programming" and iParenting's "Media Excellence Award".