For the past 71 years, Wendell Foster has been providing services for over 1,300 children and adults, spanning across 34 counties in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. A non-profit organization, Wendell Foster strives to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential.
On Saturday, Sept. 29th, a free event will be hosted by Wendell Foster showcasing some of the area’s best bluegrass and gospel performers. Aside from the fantastic music provided, this concert is special to many of the staff and members of the residential community.
“What makes this concert so significant is that it was first mentioned within of our own community,” said Maggie Price, Vice President of Development and Community Education. “A young man who receives services here at Wendell Foster attends church weekly outside of our campus. He returned one Sunday after hearing bluegrass gospel during worship, and was adamant that perhaps we could provide something similar here.”
The rest was what Price noted as a “God thing.”
“The support we’ve received from area churches has been overwhelming. So many have pitched in to make this concert a reality. The folks who live amongst our community are ecstatic to have worship come to them,” Price said.
“Interestingly enough, after the idea for an evening of Bluegrass and Gospel music came about, Jeremy (Calloway) reached out to us,” Price said. “He was interested in providing a concert for our residential community. Everything just sort of worked together perfectly.”
Price said the questions then began pouring into the Wendell Foster chaplain.
“When our chaplain was asked, ‘Why don’t we do that?’ ‘Why don’t people come to Wendell Foster to praise concerts?’ It was apparent that the folks within our community had a dream to do something bigger,” Price said. “We are excited to see that dream become a reality Saturday.”
A special mini-devotion is scheduled between bands during intermission. The devotion will highlight the young man who envisioned Bluegrass and Gospel at Wendell Foster and his remarkable faith.
The Jeremy Calloway Band along with special guest Corey Merritt and Friends are set to begin the evening’s concert at 7 p.m. at Wendell Foster’s Sensory Park. The park opens at 6:30 p.m. Calloway currently serves as minister of music at Christ Community Church in Owensboro. Concessions will be available in addition to the outdoor concert.
