A spectacular evening of gospel music and fellowship brought together community friends, children and musicians to support the Children’s Home on Saturday, July 10 at Norwood School.
The rousing sounds of Housten Kelly on guitar, John Kelly on banjo, Bridget Kelly on fiddle, Clayton Roy Kelly on mandolin, and Terry Coats on bass followed by the joyous harmony of Teresa McCune Perkins on piano, Toni McCune Clark on bass guitar and Micki McCune Garren on saxophone filled the auditorium with delight for the audience of over 300. These two family singing groups are beloved for miles around and on this night they gave their gift of song and instrument and thrilled the audience.
Many cooks brought scrumptious cookies, cakes, brownies, breads, cup cakes, pies and cobblers to have for sale. These were all especially popular because they were lovingly home baked. Folks nibbled and took home delicious treats thanks to all those who were asked to contribute and who responded by bringing their individual specialties. Much gratitude is given to all these contributors.
Also sold at the event were the Wright County Children’s Home cookbooks leaving only a few left for sale. Anyone interested in purchasing one may call the Home at 417-746-1420. Drawing tickets for a gorgeous and charming cherry red and white Sun Bonnet Sue quilt made and donated by Connie Jo Spencer sold rapidly. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Benefit Dinner and Auction at Norwood School on Saturday, Oct. 2. The winner does not have to be present to win.
Many dignitaries attended the Music Festival including Tony Dugger, State Representative of the 144th District; Dr. Don Forrest, superintendent of Norwood Schools; board members of the Children’s Home: Sharon Marler- president, Erma Forrest-treasurer, Paul Harker, J.D. Hutsell, Joe Sellars, Karen Sinning, Elva Tripp and Frank Vancill; Jo Hurtt, wife of former board member Lynn Hurtt; Anita Parrett-Community Empowerment Collaborator and Loretta Burgin-Fresh Food Access Specialist both from Ozark Action, Incorporated. Children from the Home helped with set up, clean up and handing out programs.
A special guest was Cheri Bowden who told the crowd about the 3rd annual Jake Yeates Memorial Fundraiser Drag Race on July 17 and also about the foundation for her son that currently supports 13 local school districts to help kids purchase shoes, coats, milk, glasses, school fees, etc. Her son Jacob loved to help others and this foundation continues his spirit of giving and showing someone that they are loved and cared for. For more information please call 417-587-3388.
The Invocation was given by Zack Williams, pastor of Union Grove (Caudle) Baptist Church, Norwood. The love offering blessing was given by Reverend Allen Pritchard from Corinth Baptist Church, Macomb. The benediction was given by Frankie McCune, pastor of Hopewell Freewill Baptist, Graff.
A great prayer of thanks is sent by the Board of Directors of WCCH and the staff and children out to all the community members who attended from Seymour, Ava, Mansfield, Hartville, Mountain Grove, Marshfield, Fordland, Rogersville, Cabool and Norwood for the on-going help given in many different ways on behalf of the boys and girls age 6-18 from many counties in Missouri who are currently residing in the emergency shelter in Norwood.
