Gospel concert will benefit Sunshine Center
By Chick Jacobs
The Sandspur
The Sunshine Center needed some help.
And everybody needs a little music now and then.
It just took a little creativity to get both needs taken care of.
On Friday night, more than 300 people will gather at Hope Mills United Methodist Church for the inaugural gospel concert to benefit the Sunshine Center. The concert, which includes several groups from eastern North Carolina, will raise funds for a variety of projects at the senior center.
"It's a wonderful idea, and a great way to get people involved in what we do," said Pat Edwards, the center's director.
"I guess the big question is why we didn't think of it before?"
The answer in part, may come from Jimmy Powell. Powell, better known locally as "The Singing Painter," recently joined the center's board of directors.
"There have been a lot of fundraisers, and they were bouncing around ideas. Since I'm a singer, I suggested they have a concert.
"It makes sense. A lot of the people who visit the center love this music, and I knew the groups would enjoy putting on a show for them. It's one of those things that just seemed to fit."
Powell got in touch with several regional artists, and they quickly agreed. Several local businesses agreed to provide door prizes.
Acts scheduled to appear include Ozias, TR & The Boys, Born Again and, of course, Powell.
"The way we've got it planned is I'll sing first, then be the emcee for the event," he said.
Once the groups were on board, Powell said, selling the tickets was easy. He expects the event to sell out all 300 tickets.
"We had interest from people all the way up in Greensboro and Raleigh," he said. "And the best part is, all the money, every bit of it, will be going to the center."
Edwards said the Sunshine Center hopes to use the funds to build a computer center.
"It's something we've needed for the longest time," she said. "Our seniors are more interested in using computers now, and we need to have a place to help them learn."
Another project will construct a room for exercise.
"We have a lot of people who'd like to stay fit," she said. "A small fitness center would be wonderful.
"Three-fourths of our visitors are low-income, and having this equipment here would make a large difference in their lives."
Edwards said she hasn't been asked to join the musicians, but, "I'll sing if they want to clear the place out fast.
"No really, I think I'll let them take care of the singing. I'm just really blown away by the response in the community. It's wonderful to see so many people caring for our seniors."
Staff writer Chick Jacobs can be reached at jacobsc@fayobserver.com or 486-3515.