A Doniphan area charitable organization is hosting a Christian Youth Celebration at Rodgers Theater. Ozark Threads of Hope is recruiting young singers and groups for a Sept. 10 fundraiser benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Ozark Threads of Hope is a non-profit foundation that partners with St. Jude’s, Shriners Children’s Hospitals, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and local groups to provide area children with health care necessities such as glasses and dental care, hearing devices, diabetic needs and orthopedic care, according to its website.
“We work with local doctors and we have accounts with pharmacies,” said Ozark Threads of Hope Chairman Jack Johnson.
“We try to alleviate some of our area kid’s problems,” he added.
The group’s fundraising efforts include running concessions at the weekly summertime event Cruisin’ the Park in Doniphan and an upcoming Poker Run in July.
For the event at Rodgers Theater, the group is asking individual performers or groups to sing their choice of three religious songs. Younger singers will be allowed to have an adult, such as a parent or pastor, on stage with them.
All performers will get the opportunity to sing “Wings of a Dove” during a group performance with featured performer Sarah Evans. Evans is a 14-year-old gospel singer from Greenville who has performed as “Grace” at county fairs and festivals in Winona, Branson and Silver Dollar City, according to Ozark Threads of Hope secretary Sandy Croney.
Also on that night, Ozark Threads of Hope will be presenting the 2022 Christian Awards to recognize men and women from Southeast Missouri and northwest Arkansas for contributions to meeting the needs of area children.
“People like that need to be recognized,” said Croney.
Anyone of any congregation or denomination in the counties of Ripley, Butler, Carter and Randolph is eligible. Nominations can be done by anyone by texting Johnson at 573-996-6056.
“We’re going to give an award for each county for citizens who have gone above and beyond,” said Croney.
The deadline for sign-up for singers in the Youth Celebration and nominations for the Christian Awards is July 30. Any performer or a group wishing to sign up can call Jack Johnson at 573-996-6056. Those who know an individual or a couple deserving of the honor can text the name(s), contact information and reason for nomination to Johnson at the same number.