Hoping to help a group of local physicians and medical leaders bring their expertise and goods the earthquake to the victims in Haiti, a large crowd of Sampson residents congregated at a steak dinner and gospel sing Friday night.

The fund-raising, which was held at the Sampson Agri-Exposition Center, involved a number of gospel groups including The Kings Way Quartet, The Marksmen, The Viewmasters along with other hoping to lift their voices to the Lord while giving support to this local mission trip.

One of the members of the Kings Way Quartet, Larue Page, expressed to the large crowd, “It is indeed a pleasure for us to take part in the fund-raiser.”

She then remarked that this mission and its purpose can be found in some of the lyrics of a song the group sang, “Lord, feed your children.”

“We sing this son for a reason,” said Page to the group.

In attendance were many wishing to help the mission, which is being led by local physician, Dr. Larry Watts, indirectly through the fund-raising.

One such person, Register of Deeds Eleanor Bradshaw, stated, “I am 100 percent behind this mission. It makes me want to cry. It is a great thing they are doing.”

A number of the folks in attendance came to just hear the glorious sounds of the gospel groups, but most came to help contribute to the planned trip.

One person, David Locklear, pointed out that he and his wife, Lesa, came out because they support the relief effort in Haiti. However with a smile on his face, Locklear stated, “We wanted to hear the great gospel music too.”

In the end, all in attendance left with fond memories of the sounds of gospel music, full bellies from their steak dinners and a notion that their dollars just might help save the life of someone in Haiti.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.