Foundation concert now a sellout

It's official. The Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation's second annual benefit concert Aug. 4 is now a sellout. With more than 1,500 tickets sold and the concert date now just under three weeks away, both organizers and ticketholders are excited and looking forward to an unbelievable night of music at the new RHS gymnasium.

The internationally-known artists who will perform for the 6:30 p.m. event also have expressed enthusiasm about the show, which will provide thousands of dollars for the Foundation's work in providing scholarships and assistance in many different forms to temporarily disadvantaged students in the Rector school district.

The powerful lineup includes: Dailey & Vincent, one of Nashville's hottest new bluegrass gospel groups; Guy Penrod, one of America's top gospel singers, and The Isaacs, an extraordinary group whose music fuses bluegrass, gospel and country.

Penrod and The Isaacs have been a part of the Bill Gaither Music Group, and Dailey & Vincent have performed on Gaither Homecoming videos.

Returning as emcee for the evening is Kevin Williams, also a part of the Gaither Music Group.

Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent said it is the goal of the Helping Hands Foundation which makes the upcoming Rector show truly remarkable.

"We're excited to be able to help out a cause like Helping Hands," Dailey said. "It's a great cause with a wonderful purpose."

"We have a special spot in our heart for kids," added Vincent. "When we heard about this concert and what it was for, we knew right away we wanted to be a part of it."

As lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1994 to 2008, Penrod became familiar with Rector and the Helping Hands Foundation through Gaither producer and Foundation co-founder Bill Carter, a native of Rector.

"The Helping Hands Foundation is a love that's close to Bill's heart," Penrod said. "He's very passionate about helping others. I love that about Bill. After talking with him about Rector and all the organization was doing, I knew I wanted to be involved with this concert. I think a society is understood and reflected upon by the way those who have been fortunate in life work to help those who have not."

Penrod says he believes those who make an effort to help out get much more out of life.

"To me, some of the saddest people in life are those who do not give to others or share what they have. You can have all the material wealth you could ever need, but without that human connection that we all need, it doesn't mean anything."

The Isaacs recently visited Zambia, Africa, as part of a World Vision mission trip and helped in bringing aid to approximately 1,500 children in the city of Musela.

It is this caring nature which attracted the Isaacs to the Helping Hands benefit concert.

"We have a passion for helping others who are in need, especially when it comes to children," Lily said. "When Bill Carter told us about this event in Rector, we told him we'd love to be a part of it. It sounds like a wonderful organization and we are looking forward to doing our part."

Williams, who serves as bandleader for the Gaithers while showcasing both his talent with the guitar and his knack for humor on stage, said last year's event in Rector was "one of the neatest things I've ever done."

"I don't know when I've ever seen a community pull together like that. It seemed like the whole community said 'We're going to come together and make sure our kids have the best possible chance at a bright future.' It was just amazing. It's one of those things that you remember for the rest of your life."

Through their work with the Gaithers, Williams and Carter have forged a strong professional and personal relationship.

"When you get to know Bill, you learn just how much he really cares about others," Williams said. "With everything he's accomplished, it's his interest in doing for others that really shines."

Williams is excited about the Rector concert, noting the tremendous talents which will be taking the stage.

"The Isaacs, Dailey and Vincent and Guy Penrod --- that's quite a show. I think the people of Rector are in for a real treat.

"I've known the Isaacs for probably 22 or 23 years now and they just keep getting better. I love their music. They've done a lot of programs with us and I just can't say enough about how gifted they are.

"Dailey and Vincent are fabulous. Their style has more of an Americana bluegrass feel to it which I think folks really enjoy. It's just as good as it gets.

"Guy Penrod has been my buddy since 1995. He's got great talent and a huge heart. He's reached a lot of people through his amazing voice and ministry."

Foundation board member Gregg Sain has played a key role in nailing down details of the upcoming show, and his enthusiasm has been a driving force in getting tickets in the hands of those who wanted them.

"Please go to the Helping Hands website and see all that the Foundation is doing to help kids," he said.

The RHS Helping Hands Foundation was established in 2006 by Carter and his former classmate, U.S. Army Major General (ret.) George Barker of New York. In addition to the many scholarships it now gives each year, the Foundation also has provided band uniforms, instruments for the school band, athletic shoes and equipment for students who otherwise couldn't be a part of school athletic programs, money for field trips, new eyeglasses, dental work and much more.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, based in Lebanon, Tenn., has donated a Dolly Parton rocking chair, to be given away at the concert. Tickets on the chair are $1 each or six for $5 and may be purchased at the Helping Hands headquarters, 610 South Main or at Glen Sain Motors in Rector.

Cracker Barrel also provided gift cards for two complimentary meals at any Cracker Barrel location for those purchasing $50 premium tickets (which sold out almost immediately in May). Holders of the $50 tickets will receive gift bags with the Cracker Barrel gift certificates, along with two Gaither DVDs and one CD. Holders of those tickets also are invited to a "meet and greet" with the artists at 5 p.m. Aug. 4 in the school cafetorium.