Concert tickets going quickly

Gregg Sain speaks to Rector Lions. [Click to enlarge]

The excitement that is building for the second annual Rector Helping Hands Concert was highly evident as event committee chairman Gregg Sain gave an update Tuesday of last week to the Rector Lions Club.

Sain, who is also a member of the Helping Hands Foundation board, said ticket sales are now within 200 of a sellout for the Aug. 4 concert at the Rector High School Gymnasium.

"If you've got friends and family who want to attend this concert, you better get tickets right away," Sain told the Lions. "I really anticipate we will be sold out by the Fourth of July." Tickets are on sale at several area outlets and persons may also call 870-595-3501 for more information.

Sain has been an integral part of a group which has been working diligently on the concert, which will feature a tremendous lineup of gospel music talent closely associated with the Bill and Gloria Gaither gospel organization. The talent was secured through Rector native Bill Carter, who has produced the Gaither programs for many years.

Sain said a special promotion in which area churches could purchase tickets at discount prices has been one of the keys to the near-sellout situation.

About 350 of the more than 1,300 tickets sold so far have come through the church purchase program.

He said Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church near Rector has sold 44 tickets out of a total membership of 46. "The two who are not coming are moving away from the area soon, so you could say they have 100 percent participation at Hopewell."

Tickets to the concert are $20. Special $50 tickets, which include a special visit with the artists, along with a valuable gift bag, sold out early.

"The quality of the show last year no doubt has contributed to our success so far in selling tickets," Sain noted. "Everyone was amazed at how good the concert was last year and it promises to be the same or even better this year."

Among those appearing are The Isaacs, Dailey and Vincent, Guy Penrod and Russ Taff. Returning as master of ceremonies is Kevin Williams.

Sain thanked all those who have worked to make this year's concert a success.

He noted the satisfaction all involved feel in the way the funds will be used -- to assist needy students in the Rector School District -- and to continue to provide for a growing scholarship program for RHS graduates.

He cited the individuals who have benefited from the program through items needed while in school here and also in both academic and vocational scholarships.

Sain especially praised the former Rectorites who have continued to assist the community through the Helping Hands Foundation, co-founded by Carter and retired army general George Barker. "Sometimes it almost doesn't seem real to me when I think what these people have done and continue to do for Rector," he said.

Sain anticipates this year's concert netting some $30,000. "What we have been able to do so far for the students has been great and I think it is really going to take off even more in the future."

With that in mind, Sain said Carter and others already are talking about the talent lineup and plans for the 2010 concert.