Care to Share fundraiser set for Nov. 13

A local cancer support group hopes to use the power of music to help spread the word about its mission.

Care to Share, a cancer support group formed two years ago to help area cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, and The Sharing Bucket, a nonprofit organization that provides cancer patients and their families with emotional and financial assistance, will present the Novemberfest concert fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St.

Dalton James Windsor, a country and gospel singer and songwriter and radio personality, will be the featured artist during the concert. Special performers include instrumentalist Jeff Simpson and the Abundant Grace Worship Band, a local musical group.

"We hope this is like our one big fundraiser a year," co-organizer and Care to Share member Lavetta Simmons said.

Due to the need for more support, the Care to Share group expanded this year to include The Sharing Bucket, a project in which group members assist local cancer patients with expenses such as fuel, transportation, food, utility bills, hotel stays, and other items pertaining to treatments. Members also provide emotional support through a prayer chain, by sending cards and letters, providing dinners, and making what organizers call cheerful "sunshine calls" to the person's home.

The Care to Share group, which consists of cancer survivors and other local volunteers who meet quarterly to share experiences and discuss different topics related to cancer, conducts periodic fundraisers throughout the year -- such as selling T-shirts and candles -- to raise money for use as needed in the community. All money raised by the group stays in Bourbon County and is kept in a local bank account throughout the year.

Organizers hope to conduct a major fundraiser, such as the upcoming concert, each year, Simmons said.

"We hope the concert is enough to keep us going with other donations throughout the year so we can meet whatever those needs might be," she said.

The Care to Share group is in a growing phase as it seeks area businesses, churches, organizations and individuals to help support its efforts, Simmons said.

"Within the last year ... it has grown somewhat," she said. "We would like to grow more ... We've already helped many families in Bourbon County and we want to be able to help more. We're hoping for more donations in order to grow."

The group accepts and appreciates all types of donations, Simmons added.

Doors to the show on Nov. 13 open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets cost $10, and will cost $12 at the door. Windsor will sign autographs and have compact discs of his own recordings for sale at the theater. Local businessman Larry Gazaway will serve as emcee for the event. Refreshments will also be available.

For more information, contact Simmons at (620) 224-8070, Joy O'Neal at 223-6544, or Teresa Davenport at 362-3042.