Gaither artists coming to Rector

Richie McDonald

The Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation, a federally-recognized non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to disadvantaged children in the Rector school system, will host an incredible evening of country music and gospel entertainment on Friday, July 25.

The "Helping Hands Foundation Benefit Concert" will feature Richie McDonald, the former lead singer of Lonestar, who wrote many of the country music group's #1 songs.

Joining McDonald on the stage at Rector High School will be several faces familiar to gospel music fans. Bill Gaither recording artists Russ Taff, Gordon Mote, Gene McDonald, Kevin Williams and Reggie and Ladye Love Smith will all perform at the benefit concert at the Rector High School gymnasium. Known for their frequent appearances on the highly successful, long-running Gaither Homecoming tour, these artists will deliver an incredible night of music and entertainment.

"The proceeds from this show go directly to the Helping Hands Foundation," said Foundation president Sherland Hamilton. "We're very grateful that these wonderful musicians are coming to Rector to put on a show for our community. The Helping Hands Foundation has helped many children in the last two years and this benefit concert will put the Foundation in a great position to help even more children."

Since its creation in 2006, the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation has provided more than $17,000 in financial aid to disadvantaged students. Foundation support has funded two scholarships to Arkansas State University and purchased more than $5,000 in musical equipment for the high school band. The Foundation provides on-going support for field trips, health care, winter clothing and athletic equipment.

"I am really excited about the Helping Hands Foundation Benefit Concert," said Richie McDonald. "As a father of three children, I know there is nothing more important than taking care of these precious resources. Children should not be held back from enjoying life because of a family's inability to pay for basic necessities such as dental care, eyeglasses, athletic shoes or band instruments. In a short amount of time, this foundation has helped dozens of disadvantaged school kids. I can't think of any cause I'd rather lend my voice to than one that helps children."

The benefit concert will feature two ticket options -- general admission and "Gold Level" seating. Fans can purchase general admission seats for $20/ticket. For a closer view of the show, fans can choose "Gold Level" tickets. These seats will provide fans with an incredibly unique concert experience. Gold Level tickets include reserved seating near the stage, a catered meal prior to the show, and a special opportunity for fans to get autographs and have their photos made with the performers. Gold Level tickets will be sold for $50/ticket, and can only be purchased over the telephone by calling 870-595-3290.

All tickets go on sale Friday, June 13. Fans can purchase general admission tickets at these location:

Rector -- Now & Then.

Jonesboro -- The Storehouse.

Paragould -- The Lantern Bookstore.

Blytheville -- Christian World.

Piggott -- The Treasure Chest.

Kennett -- Myra's Framing & 23rd Psalms.

Ticket location addresses and telephone numbers are listed on the Helping Hands Foundation website. For more information, persons may visit www.rhshelpinghands.org.