Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

KVRC's Sherry Kelley Helps Raise Funds

The KVRC Country Cares' Radiothon was a tremendous success, according to Sherry Kelley, who hosted the show. A total of $1,640 was raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Kelley said.

"We exceeded our goals, thanks to the wonderful folks who listen to KVRC," Kelley, who is a Gurdon resident, said.

The radiothon began at 6:00 a.m. and continued until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28. Many people visited the KVRC/KDEL radio station throughout the radiothon. Free refreshments were provided by Donut Hanger and Pizza For Less.

"One of the highlights of the radiothon was a beautiful song performed by 12-year-old Jordan Lacey," Kelley said. "I Believe was written about Kacie Hunt, a Tennessee girl who was once patient at St. Jude when the song was written by Steve Myers.

"The song is a tender lament of a mother for her child and Jordan Lacey's heartfelt rendering of the tune encouraged many listeners to call in and pledge," Kelley said. Accompanying Lacey on the song was her older sister, Jessica Jackson. Jordan's real name is Jordan Lacey Jackson. She is a seventh grade student at Magnet Cove Middle School.

The award winning country artist is a favorite of Kelley's. Lacey won the Horizon Award in March during Country Music Week at Pigeon Forge Tennessee. The week-long event featured several hundred contestants from California to Maine and from England.

Lacey will perform this Saturday with the American Kids show in Branson, Mo., at the Mel Tillis Theater during BransonFest. The "second Sunday" show will move to Braschler's Theater the next day at 3:00 p.m.. On the second Sunday in May will be held at Jennifer's Americana Theater, then it will return to Braschler's for the duration of the season, through November.

On Saturday, April 14, Jordan and Jessica will perform at the Oaklawn Opry in Texarkana, Texas. On stage the duet is known as the Southern Angels.

The sisters record on the RMCMA label, an independent recording company. Sales are not available in stores yet.

Kelley expressed her appreciation to all who listened, as well as for the prayers, and all who called in for their pledges. "It was a moving experience for everyone," she said.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital treats children with cancer and other catastrophe diseases regardless of their ability to pay. The research at St. Jude has brought the area cancer survival rate for children from 30% up to 70%.

If you would like the opportunity to listen to Jordan Lacey perform on the radio again, Kelley said, you are invited to tune in to Good Morning Gurdon' at 8:30 a.m., when she is the featured artist. "She's got a lot of talent and with all the support and encouragement she receives from her family she's got a real shot at her dream," Says Kelley.

Jordan and Jessica are the granddaughters of John and Betty Ragsdale, owners of The Gurdon Times.