Concert For Kids Raises $4000 For St. Jude [PHOTOS]

The first ever Concert For Kids to benefit St. Jude was held at the Texarkana, Arkansas Convention Center at the Holiday Inn this past Saturday night. According to Neal Jones the event organizer, about 300 enthusiastic people showed up to support this worthwhile cause. Everyone one who was there, from what I observed was having a good time from hollering for their favorite band to dancing on the dance floor to some of their favorite songs.  It was so neat to see Moms and Dads dancing with their kids of all ages. Three of Texarkana's well-known local bands Kosmic Girlz and Koltrane Band, Dusty Rose Band, and Crooked Halo had everyone out of their seats.

Special thanks to Pizza Hut and Fish Creek who provided the food for sale at the event. The highlight of the evening was a guitar donated by The Country Music Store for a live auction that I had a chance to auction off. After several people starting bidding it came down to a couple of tables who really wanted the guitar and fought it out. Finally, Linda Riggan a local nurse and member of the Whiskey River Harley Davidson

Hog Chapter took home the guitar for $1,500.

The inspirational moment of the night came when a mother from Shreveport, LA., Allisha Crimon and her son Walker were in attendance.  Allisha shared with the audience her compelling story of Walker's journey at St. Jude when he was just 11 months old. If I remember correctly, Walker is now 13 years-old and cancer-free but continues his routine check-ups at the hospital.  A slide presentation was presented from his mom showing the treatments and care he received while at St. Jude. When she announced that Walker was cancer-free he was given a standing ovation from the crowd.

All in all the Concert For Kids netted around $4000 for this first time event. I can only see this benefit getting bigger and better each year. Hats off to my friend Neal Jones who's heart and passion for wanting to do such a good thing for children with cancer. And a special thanks for letting me and Kicker 102.5 be a part of something really special.

Here's a few photos.