LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 10, 2025) – Eleven unforgettable senior acts took the stage last night at the historic Lexington Opera House for the 6th Annual Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent Lexington. From banjo and magic to opera and original songwriting, the showcase celebrated the creativity and spirit of seniors across the Bluegrass.
The judges had a tough decision, but in the end, three performers rose to the top with show-stopping moments that brought the audience to its feet:
- 1st Place – Dave Cottrell, 66, Southville, KY: A magician, musician, and entertainer, Cottrell wowed the crowd with a comedic magic show that included a live chicken and ended with a surprise banjo performance. His act earned him the $1,000 grand prize, presented by Morning Pointe Senior Living.
- 2nd Place – Mary Joan Penner, 72, Louisville, KY: Penner delivered a powerful operatic performance of Mozart’s “Bester Jüngling” from The Impressario—sung in German—that brought the audience to their feet. Her talent earned her second place and a $500 cash prize, also presented by Morning Pointe Senior Living.
- 3rd Place & People’s Choice – Robin Gassett, 77, Cynthiana, KY: A Vietnam-era Army veteran, lifelong musician, farmer, and founder of the veterans nonprofit Licking River Outfitters, Gassett uses his platform to raise awareness about veteran suicide. He moved the audience with his original song “Folded in Her Arms,” written in memory of his late friend and fellow veteran, Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Conley. His performance earned him third place, a $250 cash prize, and the coveted People’s Choice Award, determined by community votes. With every $1 equaling one vote, the People’s Choice competition raised vital funds to support the Morning Pointe Foundation.
In addition to celebrating talent, the event raised nearly $30,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and People’s Choice voting. These funds directly support scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing, therapy, social work, and culinary arts across Kentucky and the Southeast.
“Every year, this showcase reminds us that our seniors’ talents inspire and uplift the entire community,” said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and attendees, the Foundation can continue its mission to prepare the next generation of caregivers in nursing, therapy, social work, and culinary arts.”
Contestants are available for media interviews upon request. To arrange, please contact calberto@ihpllc.com.
About Seniors Got Talent
Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent isn’t just a showcase of timeless talent—it’s also a meaningful fundraiser for the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing senior care through education and community partnerships.
Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and People’s Choice voting directly support scholarships in nursing and allied health fields at partner schools across Kentucky, including Kentucky State University, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Eastern Kentucky University, and others throughout the state.
The Morning Pointe Foundation hosts four Seniors Got Talent showcases annually in Franklin, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Knoxville, TN; and Lexington, KY.
About Morning Pointe
The Morning Pointe Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living, founded by senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. Established in 2014, the nonprofit has awarded more than 150 scholarships to date.
Morning Pointe Senior Living, founded in 1997, operates 42 assisted living and memory care communities across five southeastern states, including several locations in Kentucky. For more information, visit: morningpointe.com.
