Jason Crabb and 2nd Chance Ministries held a benefit concert at Cole Auditorium in Hamlet on Nov. 2 to support the mission of the Richmond County Cancer Care Treasure Shop and also the American Cancer Society.
Rodney Gandy, owner of the Treasure Shop, wanted to have the concert in a general location where all would feel comfortable attending; the Cole was the perfect place.
Gandy’s mother was diagnosed with cancer twice, and his desire is to help with research in hopes to find a cure. The store also promotes a Walk for Hope each October where proceeds go to help ACS.
The concert began at 6 p.m. with 2nd Chance Ministries’ singers Ricky Malloy, Brandon Gainey and Brian Alvey opening.
One of the songs included in their setlist that moved the audience to stand was “God’s Not Through with the Red, White and Blue.” All gave attention to the American flag while joining the vocal group in pledging allegiance to the flag.
The group sang several of their new songs including “Love’s Not Finished with Me Yet,” which was written by Crabb. Another hit single they sang was “If He Carried the Cross.” Booking agent Randy Stubbs as well as 2nd Chance Ministries thanked everyone that came out and supported the concert.
During the time in between sets, numbers were drawn and numerous door prizes were given away.
Crabb, his band, and his daughter Ashleigh were up next.
Crabb is a two-time Grammy Award winner and won his 23rd Dove Award just a few weeks ago. He has also performed at some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
“Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way,” Crabb said. “So many people have been fighting cancer for a long time. My grandparents fought it as well.
“My grandfather was the strongest man that I’d ever been around, and I watched cancer really get a hold of him,” Crabb continued. “He got diagnosed with throat cancer at harvest season. He had set the date to have surgery, and his neighbor had to gather his crop. My grandfather went and helped him with his crop before the neighbor gathered his. He went in to have the surgery and afterwards had a (tracheotomy).
“He put a mask, like the ones we all wore during COVID, on the top of his trach and got in the combine and went out and harvested his crops for his family. That’s the strongest man that I’ve ever been around. Cancer got him to the place that he was really weak, but I honestly think what got him was that he couldn’t get out and work anymore.”
He went on to say, “Anytime that I can be a part of something to help raise money or help bring awareness and to uplift someone that’s going through it; I’m glad to be a part.”
Crabb sang one of his new songs during the concert as well as having his new CDs available for purchase for the first time. The new CD will be released on Nov. 17.
He and his daughter sang several songs together; one being the popular “Daystar.” Ashleigh Crabb also sang “Created Us to Be,” a song she had written about her journey in trying to figure out who she was.
Crabb closed with the song “Good Morning Mercy,” which was his latest Dove Award winner.
He said the song was “written for people that just needed something to sing about and smile.”
“That’s the reason we went after writing a song like that; usually when I go after writing a song, it’s like trudging through valleys. I think God tried to tell me something with this song, and I think it’s just ‘Lets bring some joy to some people.’
“God has been good to me; it keeps me going. There are moments when you’re like, ‘man I’m just exhausted.’”
Crabb quoted late gospel singer Dottie Rambo saying, “We are just bars and bones that hold our soul.”
He also spoke about the Treasure Shop and encouraged the audience to support the nonprofit store.
There were several booths with photo-ops set up in the lobby; some to celebrate those fighting cancer and some to remember those who lost their battle. The groups also had booths set up for attendees to purchase merchandise. Along with all the regular merchandise, Crabb had his children’s book series about Jase the Crabb who teaches children about Jesus.
The concert was sponsored by Superior Cranes, DR Pharmacy, Big K Propane, Cascades, Bennett’s Fire Extinguishers, Cox/Hamilton CPA, Quality Oil & Gas Co., and Richmond County Hospice, Inc.
The total amount raised during the concert was not yet available at the time this article was published.
To learn more about the Treasure Shop or to make a donation, you can call 910-817-9342 or visit their Facebook page Richmond Co. Cancer Care Treasure Shop.
