Nashville artist helps raises funds for SEMO-NASV

To the editor:I have always been told that great things come in small packages, and Saturday night I witnessed this firsthand. Chris Janson, the 21-year-old, 120-pound Perryville, Mo., native and Nashville recording artist gave a benefit concert for the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence that brought the house down.

Chris donated his time and talents to raise money for child sexual-abuse victims in Southeast Missouri who are provided care through SEMO-NASV. Chris was approached by Kate Martin, editor and publisher of the Perry County Republic-Monitor, and asked to lend his support for the 600-plus children seen every year by SEMO-NASV for allegations of abuse. Kate told me Chris agreed without hesitation to do whatever he could. Opening for Chris was Hopi Land Project, a great four-piece folk/rock group whose members are Stan Denninger, Shannon Meyer, Gabe Montgomery and Jerimy Obergoenner. Many other generous Perryville businesses and community members donated to this event as well, namely Lynn and Justus Richardet of Richardet Flooring; Gary Welch of City Tavern; Chaumette Winery; the staff of the Republic Monitor and, of course, the citizens who paid admission to see Chris.

This is a hectic time of the year, and everyone has lots of demands on their time. Chris is a rising star and certainly has plenty of demands on his career, but he took the time to give back to little children in his community whom he will never know or see.

This is truly the meaning of this season, which is about giving, not receiving. And Chris gave so others could benefit.

The event raised over $5,000, all of which will benefit children in Southeast Missouri.

Do great things come in small packages? You bet they do. Chris may be small in stature, but he is one big-hearted guy.

TAMMY BEA GWALTNEY, Executive Director,Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, Cape Girardeau