Benefit Concert set for Picher, OK Tornado Victims

Responding to the devastating news of the recent killer tornado in Picher, OK, national recording artist Ernestine Dillard, the Tulsa Praise Orchestra and the Historic Coleman Theatre in Miami are teaming up for a special benefit concert to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The concert will be held at the Historic Coleman Theatre in Miami at 5:00 p. m. on Sunday, May 25. Admission is free and open to the whole community. Donations will be accepted for the American Red Cross who is providing disaster relief assistance in the area.

The tornado claimed the lives of 7 Oklahoma residents. Over 100 people were injured and the town of Picher, Ok was decimated.

The benefit is headlined by Ernestine Dillard who sings in venues throughout the world but is best know for being the “woman with the voice who helped heal America” after her stunning rendition of God Bless America during the memorial concert after the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in OKC, where she received a standing ovation from President Clinton and Evangelist Billy Graham who were in the audience.

Ernestine Dillard will be backed by the powerful Tulsa Praise Orchestra—a 20 piece big band playing a mix of patriotic, Gospel and big band music.

“We were all stunned at the devastation and felt compelled to assist in the best way we know how-with a concert to raise much needed funds”, offers Bob Archer, general manager of the Tulsa Praise Orchestra and event organizer, “we want the whole community to come out and help support the town of Picher and we are thrilled that the Historic Coleman Theatre has joined us in this endeavor”.

Individual and corporate donations (made out to the American Red Cross) will be accepted during concert. All of the entertainers, including Ernestine Dillard, the Tulsa Praise Orchestra, Sandra Hopkins, Jack Spratt and 7 Mile Road have donated 100% of their services and several area companies have graciously joined in to underwrite the event as a donation.

 

Some of our sponsors:

Coleman Theater—Historic Theater in Miami, hosting the event

Tulsa Praise Orchestra— nationally recognized big band

Humana -  a national health insurance company serving many members throughout the area

Contact info / available for interviews:  

Event coordinator:  Bob Archer  (918)  814-5550  Bob@Tulsapraise.com

Bob Archer  -  Bob@Tulsapraise.com

(918) 814-5550

 

For Immediate Release: 5-17-2008