A popular benefit concert to help bring Christmas presents to children in need will make its return next week.
The 11th annual Sertoma Benefit Concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Pewter Hall in Brownstown.
This year’s lineup of artists includes Forrest Turner, U4ia, Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show and Midnight Noon.
The cost is $10 per person, and the event is open to all ages. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and there will be a silent auction.
Tickets can be purchased at Pewter Hall and Knotts & Tangles in Brownstown, Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia and This Old Guitar in Seymour.
Concert organizer Adam Nicholson said the show brings people together for entertainment, and all of it goes for a local cause — Sertoma Christmas Miracle.
“100 percent of the money stays right here in Jackson County,” he said.
The money goes toward the purchase of gifts for children in need, which are delivered on Christmas Eve. Nicholson said the cause drew more than 800 applicants in 2017.
Many didn’t think the night before Thanksgiving was an ideal time to do it, but the event has grown to be an annual tradition for many, Nicholson said. It also has provided a boost to fundraising efforts for the presents, he said.
“We have since raised right at $50,000 in the years since we started and doesn’t count this year,” he said. “We did try it at other times of the year, but it wasn’t well-attended. I think people like having something to do the night before Thanksgiving.”
Nicholson said the popularity likely is because it’s a time for families to get together to celebrate the holiday. The event attracts many because school is out, college is on break and people are looking for something to do.
He got the idea for the event in 2008. Nicholson told Lt. Andy Wayman at the sheriff’s department that he wanted to organize an event for the community.
Nicholson said he felt his platform as an officer gave him an opportunity to make a successful event. Wayman suggested Christmas Miracle, and Nicholson hasn’t looked back.
Now, he’s an honorary member of the service organization and has helped delivered the presents on Christmas Eve with his family. He said he sees the need in Jackson County each day at his job and feels it’s important to take his children along.
“It’s good for them to see there are people less fortunate than you,” he said. “There’s a lot of need here.”
Nicholson said he still feels the need to continue the event as long as people keep coming.
“Personally for me, I was compelled to do something, and it has really worked out,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun time.”
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What: 11th annual Sertoma Benefit Concert
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Pewter Hall, 850 W. Sweet St., Brownstown
Who: The event is open to all ages; the lineup of artists includes Forrest Turner, U4ia, Lonesome Crow Acoustic Show and Midnight Noon
Cost: $10 per person; pizza and drinks will be available for purchase, and there will be a silent auction
Tickets: Purchase at Pewter Hall or Knotts & Tangles in Brownstown, Bluebird Cafe in Vallonia or This Old Guitar in Seymour
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