Patriotic concert to benefit veterans' dental program
Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church is invested in the community and does what it can to help those in need, said John Ripper, a 10-year church member.
A concert honoring Veterans Day is a way to recognize and honor the sacrifices of veterans, while raising funds to support their care, said Ripper, who is helping organize the event.
Ripper has family members who have served in the military from the Korean War through the present.
“I know the kind of sacrifice veterans make for the benefit of the country. The sacrifices are often very personal,” Ripper said. “Whatever I can do to help recognize those sacrifices, I'm excited to be able to do so.”
The church, located at 201 E. Jefferson St., plans to host its second annual Veterans Day concert “One Nation Under God” at 2 p.m. Sunday to raise money for Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center's program to provide dental care for veterans without dental coverage.
Ripper set up a GoFundMe campaign for people who want to donate.
The concert is free. A freewill offering will be collected.
Over $5,000 was raised at last year's event with an attendance of about 150 people, according to Bill Douthett, the chairman of the concert committee.
The music will be a combination of gospel, patriotic and jazz styles by the Trinity Music Group Big Band.
Big band is one way to describe the music, said Deanna Golden, the church's music director, who will sing several selections at the concert while her son plays the drums. Her husband is also a member of the TMG Big Band.
Familiar songs the crowd will recognize include “You're a Grand Old Flag,” “America the Beautiful” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” she said.
The music is passed from one generation to the next, which can be seen at the concert, she said.“I like seeing the faces of the people in the older generation because it's familiar to them. I also like to see younger high school students learning to play that music,” Golden said.Each group involved in the concert has come together for a common cause, she said.At the time, the center's program was in its beginnings, which is why the church chose to become involved, said Douthett, whose father is a World War II veteran.Among the variety of patients served at the center are veterans who cannot use the dental program at the VA, said Kim Reamer, the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center executive director, who has been at the center since 2011.The center started its dental care program in 2008, and its special dental program for veterans in 2017, she said.One reason for founding the program was because of the veterans' need, she said.“Not all veterans get all-service,” Reamer said. “It's a great opportunity to help those men and woman who serve our country and aren't getting the dental care they are eligible for at the VA. They can get here.”The center worked with the VA to spread the word about the program, she said.After a slow start, the center's veterans' dental program has expanded 25 to 30 percent, she said.For veterans who want to learn more about the dental care program, call the clinic at 724-841-0980 or visit butlerhealthclinic.org. Applications are available online and at the clinic.Veterans Day is important to Reamer because her mother brought the family up with patriotism and respect for veterans.“Helping veterans comes naturally,” she said. “We're excited to be part of this concert.”
WHAT: Second Annual Music for Medicine Veterans Day concert “One Nation Under God”WHEN: 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Jefferson St.WHO: The Trinity Music Group Big Band will play a mix of patriotic songs and classic hymns.COST: Free, but a freewill offering will be takenBENEFITS: Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center's Veterans Dental Care ProgramTO DONATE: Visit gofundme.com/f/music-for-medicine-veterans-dental-careFOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the church's website at standrewsupc.org
