They came with high hopes, and for 15 acts those hopes were realized April 5 when they heard their names called as finalists in the inaugural East Carolina Star Search talent competition.

Approximately 30 acts from across eastern North Carolina gathered at the Turnage Theater for an audition show. Proceeds from the event, and from the June 7 final competition, will benefit Eagle’s Wings food pantry.

Debbie Adams and Janet Cox, organizers and directors of the fundraising endeavor, served as emcees of the show. A panel of three judges had the task of deciding which acts would have a spot in the Star Search finals.

Those choices are vocalist Acapella Cindy, acoustic guitarist James Nicholls, singer Addelyn Grace Espostito, dancers HipHopcrisy Teens, comedienne Nut-Z-Professor, musical group Back Porch Rockers, band K-OS, singer Paris Johnson, tap dancers The Floor Essence, vocalists River Song Trio, dancers Diva Life, singer/keyboard player Seth Greene, singer Ben Kifer, singer/pianist Camilla Evans and singer/guitarist Lee Hudson.

During the final competition, a grand prize winner will be the recipient of a $1,000 cash prize. Second place will win $500 and the third prize winner nets $250.

The cash awards are generously provided by F. Ray Moore Propane and Lee Chevrolet of Washington, according to Cox and Adams.

For more information about East Carolina Star Search, including ticket information for the grand finale, email eastcarolinastarsearch@gmail.com or visit www.ecstarsearch.net.