The third annual BBQ Benefit and “Concert On The Green” for the Alpha Recovery 12 Step Program will again take place under the “Big Top” on the campus of Woodlawn United Methodist Church. Serving at this year’s benefit will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. The Woodlawn United Methodist Church Campus is located 1675 Hopley Ave., Bucyrus.
All proceeds from the BBQ and concert fundraiser will benefit the Alpha Recovery 12 Step Program, a non-denominational Christian based program working to successfully reintegrate individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction into a new life of honesty and stability through a new faith in Jesus Christ and diverting them from a life of defeat and hopelessness. Last year’s event saw over 750 people enjoying this signature event for the entire community. The first two benefits raised a total of $20,000 for Alpha Recovery programing and helped with the creation and development of the Jericho House, a community recovery residence.
Additional information about the 12 Step Program is available at Alpha Recovery’s website: www.alpha12step.com or by contacting Alpha representative Margie Maddox at 419 689-1412.
This year’s entertainment will feature well know Bluegrass Musical Artists Jim Greer and the Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks. Jim Greer was born in West Liberty, OH. He was first attracted to county music by his sisters, Bonnie and Valeda , who performed as the Greer Sisters and sang on several radio stations including the popular Renfro Valley Barn Dance on WLW, Cincinnati. After learning banjo, guitar and mandolin he played with them until they disbanded as a group. The Mac-O-Chee Valley Folks were originally formed in the late 1950’s and consists of Jim Greer on banjo, sister Valeda (guitar), Bob McPherson (guitar, mandolin), Dalton Burroughs (bass), Valeda’s husband John Wentz (dobro) and Aaron Hicks (fiddle). The band recorded 5 albums and 6 singles and made their music home at Radio Station WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, the second oldest County Radio Station after the Grand Ole Opry. Their Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel Music features guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, auto-harp and a close blend of three-part harmony. Their first album, “Bluegrass in Ohio,” was re-released in 2005 on CD.
Two new CD’s were recorded in January 2007 and were released in May of that year. A gospel CD, The Church Back Home, has pictorial views of the Mt. Tabor Church located on State Route 245 in northern Salem Township. Their other CD, Back Porch Pickin’, brings a collection of old time Bluegrass instrumentals that people have enjoyed throughout the years. Photos were taken at the Pioneer House located southeast of West Liberty, Ohio in the Mac-O-Chee Valley from where the group has taken its name. Live at the Holland is their latest CD and was recorded live at the historic (Schine’s) Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Chairperson Phyllis Crall stated that anyone who loves Bluegrass music or country music will love this special group of entertainers. The concert will begin at 6 p.m.
This year’s BBQ Benefit on the Green will again be under a huge “circus like tent” and will also feature a “Chinese Auction” of various items donated by area business supporters.
Advance ticket sales are available at: Bucyrus True Value Hardware, Woodlawn Church Members or by calling the church office at 419 562-1776. Tickets are a $10 donation for adults & $5 for children 10 and under. Reserved Table Seating for 10 are also available by calling the church office.
For more information, call Phyllis Crall at 419 563-4537.
