The tour is an all day event that will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m. and is designed to be a family experience. The event will have four areas of entertainment including the main stage, featuring entertainers, the variety stage which has multiple acts including magicians, and ventriloquist, a tent with Christian authors including Karen Kingsbury, and a kid’s corner with inflatables, games and the Veggie Tales.
Ronnie Jackson, producer of the tour, has produced tours for more than 30 years working with mostly country artists like Alabama. Three years ago, he said he felt led by his faith to create a tour that gave back to communities.
The tour has a major fundraising component to benefit local communities. It is designed so that $10 from every ticket sale will be donated to a church or non-profit of the purchaser’s choice. Tickets are $47.50 for adults and $20 for children if purchased in advance. As of July 1, ticket prices increase by $10.
“We tried to make this effortless so that all these churches and charities have to do is talk,” said Jackson. “My biggest fear is that a church or a charity might not hear about this and really need the money.”
Non-profits must register online for to receive money from ticket sales. After registering the organization will automatically receive free promotional material to help advertise.
“Churches and charities must be registered on the tour’s Web site to become a beneficiary. When purchasing a ticket, patrons will be able to choose a church or organization where their ticket proceeds will go,” said Jackson.
Registration to become a beneficiary is free. The tour has also agreed to build a Habitat for Humanity home in the state of each tour for every tour that sells out.
“Each Life & Faith venue can hold 70,000 people so a sellout crowd would leave that community with $700,000 as the tour busses pull out of town. It is truly a remarkable way to give back to the community,” said Jackson.
Michelle Parrish, executive director of the United Way of Richmond County has not only register the United Way, but passed the word along to other non-profits in the community. She explained that the tour is a win-win for local churches and charities.
“The people of Rockingham and surrounding counties should be thrilled at the upcoming contemporary gospel concert. So many times these top name shows are presented in the metropolitan areas, such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and the prospect of performers like Natalie Grant, Shenendoah, Mercy Me, and other contemporary gospel music greats is just wonderful,” said Debbie Rohleder, director of Our Daily Bread Christian Food Ministry, Inc.
The tour is planned to become an annual event, expanding next year to include six cities.
Jackson wanted citizens to be aware that the concerts will not be held inside of the race track, but will be set up in the grassy lawn, therefore guest may want to bring chairs.
To register to become a beneficiary, buy tickets or view the full lineup visit www.lifeandfaithtour.com.
Cameron Quick can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at cquick@yourdailyjournal.com.
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