Benefit Brings Community Together for One of Its Own

Mon, 02/11/2013 - 9:26am — Diane Dyer

On Saturday evening, February 9th, Butler County High School was the site of a benefit concert and auction for Kenny Johnson, a Butler County resident who was diagnosed with cancer in September of last year. The proceeds raised at Saturday evening’s event will help cover any medical bills incurred during treatment.

It took several tables, set up in the commons area of the school, to hold all of the items donated by local businesses and individuals. Among the many selections were a guitar, a saddle, tools, quilts, prints and gift baskets. Many items were included in a silent auction, while others were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Bruce White volunteered his services as auctioneer.
For a five-dollar-per-person donation, the crowd was treated to a concert in the auditorium. Greg Drake served as Master of Ceremonies to a stellar lineup of performers. The house band was comprised of GG and Phillip Rose, Barry Embry and Kirk Johnson. “The Can’t Play Boys,” Drake dubbed them with a grin, proved to be an obvious misnomer. Other performers included Rachel Johnson, Baily Hunt, Rachel Rose, Debbie (Rose) Worley, Melissa Johnson, John Hunt and Ryan Himes (who does an impressive Jerry Lee Louis). Boyce Flener performed as Elvis, complete with backup singers, and a brass and woodwinds section, compliments of the BCHS band. The crowd was brought to its feet several times during the performances.

A particularly poignant moment occurred when Kenny Johnson, himself, was called to the stage to sing a couple of songs. Kenny thanked everyone for the love and work that went into organizing the benefit, giving special recognition to God and his wife, Sharon, for standing by him through a difficult time.
Greg Drake noted of Johnson, “Lord knows he’s done plenty of these benefits for other people.” On Saturday night, the community showed up to return the favor.