May 7th, 2025
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
The Rainbow Rockstarz is a team of fourteen dynamic individuals of Chéticamp, who get together each year to raise money for two worthy causes – The Relay for Life and The Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund. The name Rainbow Rockstarz came about from the fact that the rainbow represents the different types of cancers and because the members of the team are no doubt Rockstarz and colorful ones at that!
Although members have changed somewhat over the years, the current team consists of: Denise Timmons as Team Captain, Jenny Aucoin, Shelley LeLièvre, Valerie Kendall, Mathias Poirier, Jeremie Poirier, Glenna Arsenault, Ashley Roach-Poirier, Nadine Poirier, Makenna Bourgeois, Emily LeBlanc, Amélie Larade, Mélanie Bourgeois, and Kaylee Deveau. Captain Timmons and Matthias are the only ones from the original founding team and still going strong.
The Rainbow Rockstarz Team who organized their 10th Annual Variety Show/Cancer fundraiser on Sunday, April 27th, at La Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson at École NDA in Chéticamp did not disappoint those who gathered in large numbers, curious to see what was in store for them with this year’s performers. There were two concerts, one in the afternoon and evening. All in all, many came to see the show contributing to a great cause and enjoying the laughter.
There was a taste of everything in this concert, whether it be dance, country, folk, rock, pop, etc. Acts for the Rainbow Rockstarz Rockin’ Variety Show 2025 consisted of music, comedy, dance and so much more! Miss G. (Glenna Arsenault) played the comical host for the occasion.
The program consisted of the following performances: Disco Inferno (Denise, Ashley, Nadine, Emily, Amélie, Makenna, Mathias, and Jeremie). Skit: Miss G Goes To The Bank (Glenna, Bernell, Kevin, Guy, and Riley). Lip Sync: “Lobster Claw – Owen and Gerry” (Emily, Amélie, and Jeremie). Live Performance: Blue Suede Shoes (Cagan). Lip Sync: Jacuzzi – Radio Radio (Denise, Jeremie, Makenna, and Emily). Lip Sync: I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas (Amélie, Jeremie, Bernell, Kevin, Ashley, Alex, and Julien). Skit: Silent Skit (Jeremie, Emily, Julien, Amelie, Ashley, and Nadine). Lip Sync: Kung Fu Fighting (Mathias, Bernell, Kevin, Makenna, Nadine, Alex, and Julien). Dance: Chanson d’Été (La Swing du Suête). Lip Sync: Islands In The Stream – Kenny and Dolly (Mathias and Denise). Live Performance: Hasn’t Hit Me Yet (DnA). Lip Sync: Dance Again – J Lo and Pitbull (Denise, Mathias, Ashley, Nadine, Emily, and Jenny). Lip Sync: Singing In The Rain – Gene Kelly (Jeremie, Bernell, Kevin, Alex, and Julien). Step Dancing: (Chloe and Dawson). Lip Sync: My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels (Nadine, Ashley, Denise, Kevin, and Mathias). Skit: Miss G Goes on a Date (Glenna and Jeremie). Lip Sync: Un Bon Chocolat Chaud – Carmen Campagne (Emily, Amélie, Makenna, Ashley, Nadine, and Mathias). Lip Sync: Bohemian Rhapsody from Wayne’s World (Denise, Jeremie, Nadine, Makenna, and Emily). Lip Sync: Flowers – Miley Cyrus (Mathias, Cagan, Jeremie, Bernell, Kevin, Alex, Julien, Nadine, and Makenna). Powerful Grande Finale: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger – Kelly Clarkson (Ashley and everyone came back on stage).
Everyone involved in this fundraiser are to be commended. It takes loads of time, commitment, energy and in some cases, such bravery to come out on stage and perform as famous celebrities. I love the sense of camaraderie, respect and dedication among the team. Some may think lip synchronization is easy, well think again. It is a technical term for matching a speaking or singing person’s lip with pre-recorded sung or spoken vocals. While these performers are on stage, they must act out the character and sing those lyrics as if they are actually using their voice and all this while they have to have the right moves, imitating the original entertainers and so much more. Some acts, men are wearing very high heels and dancing. Now that’s a challenge in itself! There was excitement throughout the entire show with vibrant colours, great props and amazing costumes.
Speaking with The Rainbow Rockstarz team captain and spear header of this fundraiser, Denise Timmons, “We want to do our part to help raise funds towards these worthy causes. Thanks to every one of you who continue to support us year after year. Through your generosity, we will make an impact in the fight against Cancer! I am so proud to say that we have raised $10,135”
“On behalf of our amazing team, we would like to thank everyone who attended the show, all our loyal fans who keep supporting us year after year, to everyone who bought tickets on our 50/50 pool. A congratulations to winner Michelle Arsenault who won $2,500. Thanks to those who purchased 50/50 tickets at the shows. A huge thank you to all the volunteers on and off stage (performers, technicians, ticket sellers, behind the scenes, photographer, videographer, etc.) which includes, technicians, Shelby Deveau, David Kendall, and Justin Aucoin; ticket girls, Shelby Rouse and Alyssa Arsenault; backstage people, Dawson Timmons, Guy Larade, Riley Arsenault, Stone Bennett, Joanne Poirier, and Diane Chiasson; and videographer Francis LeBlanc,” says Timmons.
“We would also like to thank the following, for their support, “Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, École NDA, Chéticamp Volunteer Fire Department, Aucoin’s Bakery, LeMoyne Co-op, Chéticamp Co-op, P’tit Woolco (under St. Peter’s Church), Radio CKJM, Encore du Vent Dance Troupe, Elizabeth Aucoin (costumes), Randy Roach and Cathy Arsenault,” says Timmons. She continued, “As well, additional performers, Kevin Doucet, Bernell Richard, Alex Poirier Therriault, Julien Poirier, Cagan Younaldee, Dawson Timmons, Chloe Timmons, Guy Larade, Riley Arsenault, La Swing du Suête Dance Troupe and the group DnA (who travelled from far away).”
Team member, Mathias Poirier is a favorite among his peers when it comes to dressing up and acting the part of many entertainers, “I have been on this team since the very first year. I met Denise Timmons, the team captain back then and I figured I will do it for one time and do my part. We are now in 2025, and it has become a part of my life,” He added, “I really enjoy participating in this annual fundraiser because of the cause it represents and its importance to our community and surroundings. The Patient Cancer Fund helps the ones that need assistance while battling this disease and if we can play a small role, we should be proud and grateful that we can. It takes hundreds of hours of practicing, but we have become like a small family, all working towards the same goal. Laughter is so important in life and this group, well, you can just imagine the fun we have while getting ready for the annual concert. Denise and I have been there since the very beginning and the newest members each bring an area of expertise to the group.”
Member Ashley Roach-Poirier shines on stage and brings such positive energy whenever she performs, spoke of the importance of continuing to raise funds in the fight against Cancer, “I imagine most people have experience with Cancer in some shape or form. Coming from a small community, we all know someone that has heard the C word. In my younger years I participated in Relay for Life, I was on the committee but then this ended up phasing out of Chéticamp as the volunteers were burnt out and we just did not have the manpower to continue. I then joined the Rainbow Rockstarz in 2021. I continue to see the importance of funding such associations as the Cape Breton Cancer Patient fund that directly impacts families in our community. The financial help during a time of struggle is one less burden the family must face. On the Canadian Cancer Society side, I also see the importance of continuing research. There have been some medical advancements and without funding this would not be possible. I enjoy performing and I feel as though if I am going to perform something, I am going to do it at my fullest potential. Whatever role that is given to me l, I truly try to give my 150%. As for any of the musical/dance numbers anyone who knows me, knows I have a passion for both! You do not have to twist my arm to participate in any dance numbers, that’s for sure! Denise is a great leader; she is the most organized person I know, and we work well together as we both have that “let’s get this done” attitude. Whatever is needed of me, I am there, for I always have the bigger picture in mind, which is ultimately fundraising for an amazing cause! I have actually already started on ideas for next year.”
Captain Timmons, expressed, “Putting on such a production is a lot of work, but it is very rewarding and fulfilling. All monies raised go to The Relay for Life and The Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund in equal parts.”
Once again, The Rainbow Rockstarz Team did an outstanding job of delivering a spectacular show with such positive and high energy performances. Congratulations for raising $10,135 towards the fight against cancer. It does not get better than this, amazing shows with tons of laughter and talent while fundraising for a worthy cause.
Since its conception in 2013, the Rainbow Rockstarz team raises as much money possible through their annual Rainbow Rockstarz Rockin’ Variety Show and other fundraisers which vary from year to year. Although this takes dedicated commitments from these volunteers, they have lots of fun! To date, this incredible team of dedicated volunteers has raised $78,685.05 towards the fight against cancer. They have won best costume, top fundraising and best team spirit at some of the Relays for Life. They are not just a team, they are a group of friends who have become like family, having a blast while raising money for two very worthwhile causes.
For those who would like to donate, you can still do so by dropping off cash donations to Jenny Aucoin at Aucoin’s Bakery or to Denise Timmons at the office of Antigonish Farmers’ Mutual or by e-transfer to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Your generosity towards helping them with this quest is much appreciated. We have all been touched by this terrible disease or will be. Working as a team, as a community, makes us stronger in the battle – a reminder that we are never alone on this journey.
