ICs Sing for CFC at Karaoke Contest

It may not have been famed local nightclub the Birchmere, but there was formidable talent and an enthusiastic crowd at NIH’s first-ever karaoke competition on Nov. 14. The event was this year’s Directors’ Challenge in support of the Combined Federal Campaign.

First up were the Building Wonderfuls, led by NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, singing the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Among other notable performances were NHLBI senior investigator Dr. Cynthia Dunbar singing “My Heart Will Go On” from the Titanic soundtrack, with NHLBI director Dr. Gary Gibbons re-enacting key scenes from the popular motion picture. 

CIT’s Tyrone Steele brought down the house singing Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” drawing perfect 10s from a panel of “celebrity judges” to clinch first place.

“Someone needs to give up his day job!” said Colleen McGowan, director of the Office of Research Services. She served as one of the judges, along with Dr. Lawrence Tabak, NIH principal deputy director, and Dr. Alfred Johnson, NIH deputy director for management. 

Runner-up was NEI, with Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” while NCI took third place singing Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” 

The event was emceed with grace and humor by John Burklow, NIH associate director for communications and public liaison.

The Directors’ Challenge is held each year in support of the CFC, the federal government’s workplace giving drive that helps staff donate to their favorite causes from among more than 6,000 participating not-for-profit organizations. More information and the donation portal are at https://cfc.nih.gov/.—Amishi Shah