Jay Wagers was inspired by a television show to hold a benefit for the Roberdel Children’s Center.

“I was watching a show that raised money for under privileged children and I thought I want to do that,” he said.

A year later he is organizing the Second Annual May Day Roberdel Children’s Center Benefit Concert. The concert will be held on May 1 at the Richmond Community Theater.

Wagers wanted to raise money for the center to help other special needs children like his son, Clay.

“Children sell candy bars, wrapping paper, drinks and everything else as fundraisers, but these children cannot do that,” explained Wagers.

“After the first concert I was standing outside and a man came up to me and said I should rename it. I asked why and he said it should be the first annual so that I could hold another one next year,” Wagers said.

“The theater holds 146 seats and I decided I wanted to raise more than that so we came up with the idea of bracelets,” said Wagers.

The bracelets are sold for $3 a piece at various locations in Richmond County including, Ellerbe Barbershop, Helms Jewelers, Marshall Office Supply, Sports World, Carolina Jewelry and Pawn, Roberdel Children’s Center and FirstHealth of Ellerbe. The bracelet’s say “Roberdel Children’s Center: Everybody is Special.”

“Bill Honeycutt helped design the bracelets and order them. He really does a lot for the children’s center,” Wagers said.

So far Wagers has received more than $1,500 in sponsorship. He is hoping to sell the concert out again this year as well as selling the 2,500 bracelets.

“I would really appreciate the community support because of all the needs the Roberdel Children’s Center has,” Wagers said.

Local bluegrass bands will be playing in the concert. Opening will be Backlash Bluegrass from Ellerbe. The concert features the award winning bluegrass band Timber Creek with Luke Vuncannon on the guitar, Austin Dunn on banjo, Justin Dunn on mandolin and D.J. McClellan bass.

“I really appreciate all that Jay has done on behalf of the children at Roberdel,” said Jody Honeycutt of Roberdel Children’s Center.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 by contacting Jay Wagers at 995-2958. The concert is at 7:30 p.m.

“People are always complaining about there being nothing to do in Richmond County,” said Director of the Richmond Community Theater Mark Colbenson. “ This is an opportunity to hear wonderful music and have fun for a great cause.”

Cameron Quick can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at cquick@yourdailyjournal.com.