Benton Senior Activity Center is sponsoring a fundraising concert June 14 at Butler Auditorium on the Benton High School campus.
Since its organization in 1975, the center has conducted numerous fundraising functions to finance the operation of the center that provides activities and programs for senior residents of the community.
All of these events help generate matching funds necessary to carry on the center’s services and related activities, director Sherry Parsons said.
The June 14 concert is one of these ventures, Parsons said. The concert will feature the Florida Boys, the Dove Brothers and the Melody Boys, a well-known ensemble that includes Saline County resident Terry Robertson.
A.C. Paxton, chief financial officer of the center, is coordinating the event, which is a production of Charlie Waller.
Paxton said: “Waller has always presented a first-class, well-produced program, which has been enjoyed immensely by the audience.”
He said he is confident “this program will be presented in the same manner” and invites area residents to plan to attend.
Paxton noted that the center has experienced an annual increase in the number of persons being served daily, totaling 10,000 per month. In addition, he pointed out that the center has increased its supporting services in health care, transportation, home-delivered meals, nutrition education, information and referral socialization and recreation.
“Due to the present decline in the local and national economy, along with the associated decline in the availability of state and federal funds previously provided for the center’s operations, the center is experiencing a greater requirement for its services during a period when previous sources of funding are being reduced,” Paxton said.
“This brings to bear a financial condition which, in all probability, will prohibit the center fro providing needed additional assistance, and also bring about curtailment of some services now provided,” he said.
“Any financial assistance which we receive will be greatly appreciated,” Paxton said. “Therefore, your attendance at the June 14 concert will enable us to help the elderly, the handicapped and other people of our community who need assistance.”
Concert tickets may be purchased at Shining Light on Alcoa Road in Benton, Mardel in Little Rock and North Little Rock, and Family Christian Store in Hot Springs, as well at the door. For additional information or credit card purchases, call 315-9669.
Paxton provided information about the groups that will perform in the concert.
The Melody Boys Quartet, which includes Terry Robertson of this area, is well-known in the Southern gospel industry for its tight vocal blend and classic styling, a concert spokesperson said.
When Gerald Williams joined the group in 1949 at age 16, the Stamps Baxter Melody Boys Quartet, featuring Smilin’ Joe Roper, filled the radio airwaves twice daily on KARK.
In 1957, the Melody Boys Quartet performed at the first national quartet convention in Memphis, and continues to perform on the main stage at the relocated national quartet convention in Louisville, Ky.
On Oct. 12, 2006, Williams was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame.
The Dove Brothers Quartet formed in 1998 and is known for its hit songs “Didn’t It Rain,” “Get Away, Jordan,” “Just Another Hill,” “Anything But Ordinary, Everything but Typical and “I Can Pray.” The group was named the Favorite Traditional Male Quartet at the 2002 Singing News Fan Awards competition as well as Quartet of the Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association.
The Florida Boys began performing in 1947 and its hits include “Standing on the Solid Rock, “When He Was On the Cross, I Was on His Mind, “ “Lead Me to the Altar” and “I Lean On You, Lord.” The group has recorded around 100 albums.
Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission is assisting the center with expenses related to the concert promotion.
|
Razorbacks
