Annual event Aug. 13 at Warfield Park
BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WARFIELD — To help others in their time of need is a rule that Ricky Alley strives to live by. He is working toward finalizing plans for the 10th annual “AlleyWay Gospel Sing Benefit” that helps generate funds to assist local families.
This year’s event is at noon Aug. 13 at the Warfield Park.
“The Bible tells us we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength,” Alley said. “I feel it’s my calling to reach out and help as many as possible. With your help, that’s a goal that can be accomplished.”
Alley is asking for monetary donations, auction items, food and drinks for the concession stand, and folks to come out and pitch in.
“There’s many ways you can help with this event,” he said. “I feel God will bless all those who lend a hand.”
Alley started the tradition of sponsoring a benefit gospel singing once a year in 2012. The concert features a variety of groups together in one location performing free of charge.
Alley acquires funding to benefit local families from donations he collects starting months in advance. Additional funding comes from a love offering the day of the event, concession sales and an auction of items donated by businesses and individuals.
“We’ve been blessed through the years to have collected enough to help several families that are struggling financially,” Alley said. “I pray to God to lead me to those who would benefit the most and who don’t have a support system in place to see them through the rough times.”
Alley says it touched his heart to receive a recent message from a family that the benefit helped in the past. The husband reported that his wife had finally received a kidney transplant and was doing well.
“We actually helped this family twice during a very difficult time in their lives,” said Alley. “To know we played a small part in relieving their stress and financial worries is a wonderful feeling. There’s truly power in prayer, and this lady’s recovery is proof of what a mighty God we serve.”
The 2022 concert will feature The Blankenships, Sandy and Kagan, Justified, Karen Perry, Upstring Band, Ed Caldwell, RLM, Lester Wayne Feltner, Joe Moore, Anointed, Dave and Shelia Bowens, and The May Family. The Silver Creek Hope Youth Group will also be performing.
“All our groups that perform do so out of the goodness of their heart, donating their time to help with this very worthwhile cause.”
Evangelist Carson Gray, who hails from Pineville, W.Va., will bring the message this year.
Limited seating is available, so Alley encourages the public to bring chairs if possible. There will be a large tent to protect attendees in case of inclement weather.
For additional information or to donate the benefit, you may contact Alley at 606-626-9070 or email him at qaricky@live.com.