‘Southern Gathering’ to help local charities
Offering a free night of gospel music and lending a helping hand to the community, the “Southern Gospel Gathering” will feature regional favorites, the Berry Brothers and the Wallen Family, performing a benefit concert for two local charities.
“It’s going to be a fun night for those who enjoy gospel music,” said Alan Berry. “It’s a free concert but we will be accepting offerings with all the proceeds going to Help the Hungry Bake Sale and the Knight Time Snack program.”
The music will begin at 6 p.m. on May 1 at the First Baptist Church in Farmington, located at 210 N. “A” St.
The Knight Time Snack program provides backpacks of easy-to-prepare food for needy children in the Farmington school district. The students take the backpacks home each weekend and during school breaks to make sure they have enough food.
According to Steve Berry, who in addition to being a member of the gospel group is also on the board for Knight Time Snack, the program sends out 300 packs a week.
The Help the Hungry Bake Sale is an annual project that raises money for the Farmington Ministerial Alliance and St. Vincent de Paul food pantries.
“I think the audience is really going to enjoy themselves,” Steve said. “There is going to be a variety of music. My brothers and I do more modern country gospel and the Wallen Family does more contemporary gospel now days.”
Although this is the second annual event the Berry Brothers have headlined for the Knight Time Snack program, it will be the first time the event will be sponsoring both charities.
“Last year Help the Hungry had a trivia night but it was canceled due to weather,” said Chris Landrum, who started the annual bake sale fundraiser. “When we rescheduled it was the same night as the concert. Steve Berry called me and asked if we wanted to partner together and split everything two ways. I think it is a great idea.”
Besides partnering with Help the Hungry Bake Sale organizers, there will be another change in the program. The concert will be performed at the First Baptist Church of Farmington.
“First Baptist Church has always been very community-minded,” he said. “They have offered their facilities for several school and choir events.”
Steve is hopeful that this year’s concert will be as successful as last year. The concert raised more than $1,200 for the Knight Time Snack program the first year.
“People need to come on out and bring a friend,” he said. “It’s going to be a nice, informal gospel concert.”
For more information about a “Southern Gathering” call 573-701-6148 or visit the Berry Brothers Facebook page.
Local gospel singing group the Berry Brothers, shown in this file photo, along with the Wallen Family, will perform at the ‘Southern Gathering’ on May 1 at the First Baptist Church in Farmington, located at 210 N. “A” St. The concert will benefit the Help the Hungry Bake Sale and the Knight Time Snack program.
The Wallen Family will also be performing at a benefit concert at 6 p.m. on May 1 at the First Baptist Church in Farmington.
Craig Vaughn is a reporter for the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-518-3629 or at cvaughn@farmingtonpressonline.com
