Kenny Rogers to perform for disabled children

Kenny Rogers will be playing a concert Sunday to benefit the center in Sikeston that bears his name and helps children with disabilities.

The Kenny Rogers Center is a blessing for many families throughout Southeast Missouri.

In a recent interview with the Southeast Missourian, Rogers said he has "developed kind of a kinship with Sikeston over the years, and I think that what they're doing there is so wonderful. I'm proud and excited to be a part of it."

The story of Kenny Rogers and the Kenny Rogers Children Center began in 1977 when he met the Sikeston Jaycees in 1977 when he was performing at the group's Bootheel Rodeo. Rogers said he was struck by the group's passion to create the facility, then intended to treat those with cerebral palsy.

Rogers donated a horse, named Borraabby, an Arabian stallion he was raising.

The horse brought $75,000 at auction, which became the seed capital for the center.

Over the years, Rogers has continued to use his talents for the facility. It has grown beyond a center for cerebral palsy and is providing services for children with all kinds of disabilities.

"I never expected to have my name attached to [the center], but I'm very flattered they chose to do that," Rogers said in his interview with the Southeast Missourian. "I thought it was something I could afford to do and wanted to do because I loved their enthusiasm. ... But just to think of where that came from -- from one little statement made to me, then one thing leads to another, and they end up with something that's really spectacular, not only for Sikeston, but the entire state."

Kenny Rogers doesn't possess the vocals he once did, but he still enjoys performing. He's also a songwriter and photographer. The benefit concert also features Sikeston native Anna Catherine DeHart with Steve Hornbeak and the Main Street Players. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Sikeston Field House. Tickets are available online at facebook.com/kennyrogersconcert2014 or at kennyrogerscenter.org. They also may be purchased by calling 888-695-0888.

If you're a fan of country music and you have a fondness for children, this is a concert you will not want to miss. Good luck and God's blessings to everyone involved with the Kenny Rogers Children's Center.