Morris excited to attend benefit

Craig Morris

Craig Morris is a talented performer with local ties who is offering his support in strengthening the community by helping those who need it most.

In one of his latest projects, Morris has taken to the big screen, performing in the independent film "The River Within."

Morris will be the special guest at a benefit showing of the film by the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

"When I learned about Helping Hands and what they were doing, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of and help," Morris said. "I think it's a wonderful organization that really cares about helping the children in the community. How can you not support something like that?"

In the film, Morris plays David, a church pastor who serves as a mentor for the main character. Morris is a key facilitator in helping Jason, the protagonist, find the beauty and purpose in life. The film was directed by Paragould's Zac Heath and features area locales, including Harps Grocery Store in Rector.

"It's a film with a lot of heart," Morris said. "It's something that I enjoyed working on and I'll be able to look back on it fondly. I think I enjoyed it even more because we made it locally. I've always considered this area my home, so it was something special to be able to work on a project here."

The film offers a look into the challenges of finding one's way through life, while offering a glimpse into the spiritual side of cinema.

"It's powerful," Morris said. "I think it's a movie that people will enjoy.

"I also think it goes well with Helping Hands and its mission. I hope we can all come together and have a good showing for this great cause. Helping Hands is an organization that I think we should all support."

Morris, a Piggott native, is an accomplished songwriter and performer, having penned songs recorded by some of the most beloved names in country music like Reba McEntire, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Conlee and Andy Williams.

He has performed onstage with Loretta Lynn, Donnie and Marie Osmond and Pam Tillis, among many others. As the lead singer for the quartet 4Runner, Morris has performed in large venues across the country, touring with such popular artists as Kenny Rogers, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on NBC and "Nashville Now" on The Nashville Network.

Morris' strong musical background also shows through in the film. He wrote the soundtrack for "The River Within."