Jerry Ford orchestrates auditorium benefit

Area music legend Jerry Ford didn't hesitate to organize Sunday's benefit for the Central Junior High School auditorium when he found out it needed help.

"I've gained a lot out of music in my life, and I've raised a lot of money for a lot of groups," Ford said. "So when I called over to the school and asked if they had any needs, and they said they needed some new curtains for the theater that many schools use. And if we can raise some money for some other things, too, that would be fabulous."

The junior high auditorium -- shared by elementary, middle, junior and high school students -- is in need of new curtains, sound equipment and a lighting upgrade. And with about 350 in attendance, Ford said early donation estimates were encouraging.

"We're over $6,000 on people that have sent in money for sponsorships," Ford said. "So if we have [300] or 400 people here at $10 a piece, we'll hit $10,000 or more -- and that's what we're looking for."

The auditorium, built in 1957, seats 900 and is used frequently. Junior high principal Roy Merideth isn't surprised a few repairs are needed.

"It's a wonderful facility, but it needs some work," Merideth said. "And when Jerry called and decided to put on this benefit for us, well, you help him in any way you possibly can. He has done so much for our community."

The benefit, celebrating Ford's 65th birthday, featured, among others, the Junior High Jazz Band, Bruce Zimmerman and the Water Street Band, Sounds Unlimited of St. Louis, Papa Aborigine, Salvation Army Tree of Lights Band, CVB Dixieland Band and the Jerry Ford Orchestra.

Jerry Ford played with his orchestra Sunday at a concert to benefit the Central Junior High auditorium.

Sunday's auditorium benefit is another in a long list of area fundraising events Ford is known for, including the Southeast Missouri Hospital "Christmas Story" concert (1996 to present), which has raised more than $120,000, and the Southeast Missouri State University Theatre Scholarship.

Tax-deductible donations can still be sent to CGPS Foundation, 301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.