A “roaring” good time

Becky Hudson, an Arts in Health Ocala Metro practitioner, who performs as “Becky Baby,” visits with a client of The Arc Marion a previous Hear Us Road event. [Photo courtesy Arts in Health Ocala Metro]

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Posted June 2, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Practitioners with Arts in Health Ocala Metro have partnered with clients of The Arc Marion to bring the community a night of entertainment and arts sales for a fundraiser that will support creative programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering self-expression, confidence and wellness through the arts.

The second annual Hear Us Roar event on June 13 will feature music by The Arc clients and AIHOM music practitioners Becky Hudson (aka Becky Baby), David Reinwald and Brandon Dull. An art sale will feature original works by The Arc clients, created in workshops led by AIHOM artist practitioner Christopher Hershberger. The event will take place at the Ocala Civic Theatre.

To learn more about how this partnership came about, the “Gazette” reached out to AIHOM Executive Director Patricia Tomlinson.

“Last year, The Arc had put on a small variety show on their campus but wanted to make it bigger. I suggested making it a collaborative fundraiser to help fund the musicians and arts workshops we facilitate weekly with the clients. We then decided to reach out to the Ocala Civic Theatre and they graciously allowed us to use their stage. Everything basically blossomed from there,” Tomlinson explained.

She said the AIHOM musicians have been practicing for months with The Arc clients to ensure “this performance is amazing” and that there will be between 35 to 50 unique pieces of art for sale.

Those who purchase a VIP Experience ticket will enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and early access to the artwork.

“Highlights of the show include the experience where VIP ticket holders can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres while previewing and purchasing the client’s artwork, along with special seating. In addition, all ticket holders can view ‘Hear Us Roar II’ and enjoy the group songs and duets in a fun sing-along style format,” Tomlinson noted.

“This is one of the most incredible events that has ever been my pleasure to both execute and witness. The incredible pride on The Arc clients faces to be treated and accepted as artists in their own right on a professional stage is beyond words. When we say this is the ‘feel good event of the year,’ we are not kidding. It truly is an amazing evening,” she added.

The Ocala Civic Theatre is located at 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The event will begin at 6 p.m. VIP tickets are $50; general admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

To learn more, go to fb.com/aihocala