Video: Officials Take Mic in Sing-Off For Schools

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce President Jim Corcoran knew he'd have to sing karaoke Tuesday night at Vienna's Country Club.

But he didn't know he'd be standing on stage in front of a few hundred people, trying to sing a version of Billy Joel's "The Piano Man" with lyrics he'd been handed only two hours earlier. 

Corcoran made it through the song with the help of his staff – and a few donation bids – at the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Public Schools Education Foundation's first fundraiser, "Char-a-oke: A Charity Karaoke Sing-Off for Our Schools."

The foundation was formed in January to help generate more private sector business donations to the county's schools.

"For businesses, it allows them to support the schools but also their future workforce, and for the schools, it allows them to partner with the businesses to make sure the future workforce is aligned with the opportunities in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia," he said."

Year to date, Fairfax County Superintendent Jack Dale said, the foundation has raised more than $400,000.

Attendees paid $50 to attend the event, and officials roamed a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour with ribbons on their chests, indicating the dollar amount for which they'd sing. Dale and his staff's rendition of "Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke netted $600 in live bids alone.

School board members Ilryong Moon (At-large) and Stu Gibson (Hunter Mill) drew cheers from the crowd for their singing. The cheers for Del. Dave Albo (R-42nd) were for his interpretation of the "robot" dance.

Other performers included former and current FCPS principals, a number of local business groups, Del. Mark Keam (D-35th), Del Vivian Watts (D-49th) and Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th).

In one of his many Tuesday appearances, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also stopped by the event. Though he didn't sing, he was armed with several choices in case he was asked.

"Considering what deep financial crisis we're in, I thought maybe I could've sang "Can't buy me love," or maybe the song "Money, Money, Money," Warner said. "Or, considering what most people feel about congress right now, I was thinking I should sing "You Can Take This Job And Shove It."

For highlights from the performances, watch the video in the media player on the right.