“American Idol” is intensely competitive, can change the entertainment landscape and cause public heartbreak. But the more good-natured homegrown version benefits the entire community in a small but significant way.

The event took over the county commissioners’ chambers, equipping it with a Karaoke machine where eight county employees got up and strutted their stuff. There was a varied result, from folk/protest to raucous rock.

The audience voted for their favorite singer by placing money in marked jars in the back of the room. The top money raisers were Laurie Burnett, District Court; Erik Anderson, Information Technology and Mia Alexander, Auditor.

“This is a wonderful way to benefit the community in which we serve,” said Public Works spokesman Doug Bear. “Giving back to the community and giving to others while we entertain ourselves is an important part of what we do for everyone who works for the county.”

Friday’s program raised just more than $3,400, which will be contributed to the United Way. In addition to the Idol segment, this included a silent auction and a soup lunch.

The headliner was Paul Gentry of the Clerk’s office, who was introduced as David Cassidy of the Partridge Family. The best description of Gentry’s interpretation of the group’s biggest hit, “I Think I Love You,” is “disturbing.” 

“We have a lot of fun doing this,” Alexander said. “We meet the people we talk to all the time on the phone, and put a face with the name. This is a little way we can make a big difference.”

Alexander, who has a gentle, sweet phone voice did a rendition of “Proud Mary” a la Tina Turner.

“I bet most of the people didn’t know I could be this crazy,” she said.

Bear agreed, saying “This helps us get to know each other outside of our traditional roles.”

For some of the performances let’s go to the videotape: