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As the Sampson Crisis Center preps for its own fundraising event at the end of this month, festivities on tap for this weekend will also help raise funds for the local center.

A concert this Saturday will feature a nationally showcased recording artist, as well as some of Clinton and Sampson County’s premiere gospel talent in a Palm Saturday event that will not only celebrate the season, but raise money for the local cause to benefit those who need help most.

The Palm Saturday Resurrection Day Celebration will feature, among others, national recording artist Kizzy Walker, a Season 5 finalist on BET’s “Sunday Best.” Walker has shared the stage with some of Gospel’s most legendary talents, including Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Pastor Shirley Ceaser, “The Bishop” Al Hobbs, Angela Spivey and many other talents.

Hosted by “Prince of Gospel” Michael Boykin, the celebration will feature some of Clinton’s finest gospel artists, including DeOndra Peterson, Lawrence Riddles, The Sensational Gospel Singers and special guest, The Gospel Travelers. The guest speaker at the event will be Pastor Gerald Underwood of Andrews Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton.

The event is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, to be held at Sunset Avenue School Auditorium in Clinton. It is being presented by PMG International/UUPATT.

“While we are enjoying Jesus, we’ll be helping others because partial proceeds will benefit Clinton’s Sampson Crisis Center,” said event spokesman James Baylor.

Rochelle Stuart, director of the Crisis Center, said she was overwhelmed when told by Baylor of the center’s inclusion in the local event.

“I was excited that they even thought of us, to give us some of the proceeds,” Stuart remarked. “You have no idea how much that would help us, because we are hurting.”

To compound matters, funds from FEMA that usually arrive in January did not come in until last week.

“I don’t believe in spending money I don’t have. The thrift shop is kind of carrying us,” said Stuart, acknowledging that the center is struggling like many other agencies locally. “We’re just like everybody else. (The Department of Social Services) is struggling and when they don’t have it or can’t help, they send them here. We don’t have it either.”

Stuart said she hopes to see funds raised, both through the Resurrection Day Celebration and the center’s own upcoming musical event, that would act to assist many families in the future. The Crisis Center will utilize any proceeds it receives from the Resurrection Day Celebration to help needy families pay rent, heating and electric bills, or provide them with needed medications, food and transportation for medical appointments.

“I know Michael Boykin pulls a crowd,” said Stuart. “Whether (the Crisis Center) receives $10 or $100, we will be happy. That is money we did not have before, and it will help somebody with their light bill, medicine, rent or a mortgage. That’s exactly what it would go toward.”

Tickets for the Resurrection Day Celebration are $15 for adults and $5 for teens and under. Those interested in tickets or additional information can call 919-424-1229.

“We are having our board meeting (today) and I’m going to encourage them to support this,” said Stuart. “The more the merrier. The more they make, the more we get. That’s money we had no idea we would receive.”

Less than a week after the event at Sunset Avenue School, the Crisis Center’s sing will be held the following Friday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center. Advance tickets for the gospel sing are $10 and can be purchased at the Crisis Center or from any of the board members. Admission at the door will cost $12.

For more information about the Crisis Center fundraiser, Rochelle Stuart can be reached at the Sampson Crisis Center at 910-592-3599.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 121 or via email at cberendt@civitasmedia.com.