Relay boosters sing out to fight cancer

Walter Hamilton pleases the crowd with soulful blues power at a Relay For Life Gospel Benefit Concert Saturday. (T-G Photo by Jaime Welsh) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life got an early boost with a benefit gospel concert Saturday.

The late summer evening started out, as one would expect, hot and muggy.

Even under the shade of the Farmers' Market Pavilion at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds, one could not escape the heat.

But citizens from all over Middle Tennessee wouldn't let humid weather ruin their chance to enjoy some good food and good ole' toe-tapping Southern Gospel music for a great cause.

Thankfully, as if by the hand of the Lord Himself, a refreshing breeze blew throughout the pavilion to cool things off just as the singers and musicians took to the stage.

Audience members experienced a variety of talented singers and musicians, including Won by One, The Challengers, The Hamiltons, and the Spirit of Joy Praise Team.

Sisters Sydney and Taylor Gregory opened the concert with a classic childhood favorite, "Jesus Loves Me."

Mother-daughter duo Won by One raised their powerfully moving voices.

Bringing soul and blues -- something one doesn't hear often anymore -- to the evening was Walter Hamilton of Tullahoma, who spreads the love of God in an amazing way: He is the father of 64 children -- 10 biological, 4 adopted, and 50 foster.

Wayne Bush, of the singing group The Challengers, said few people aren't in some way touched by cancer -- if not their own illness, then that of a family member or long-time friend. There are an estimated 11 million cancer survivors nationwide.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's premiere event and is held each year in Bedford County and communities across the nation to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention and treatment.

It also is a celebration of victory for those who have won the battle for cancer, and a memorial for those who have lost the fight.

Saturday's benefit was deemed a success by those in attendence.

"We hope to hold another Relay For Life Gospel concert for Christmas," said benefit organizer Jason Gregory.

The next Relay for Life will be held in spring 2009.

Gregory and organizer Cindy Reyes thanked Troy Stacey and the Bob Parks Relay Team for helping make the Gospel benefit possible.