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Appalachian storyteller and musician Jerry Harmon will headline a benefit event in Taylorsville March 21 for Dale Allen, an Alexander County resident who was recently diagnosed with severe heart disease. Allen is on top of the waiting list for a donor as it is necessary for a transplant. Allen is Jerry�s nephew and resides in Hiddenite. Harmon is a native of Taylorsville, stated Mark Daniels, Harmon�s manager.

The community has been great to the Allen Family, which consists of Dale, his wife Sonya, two daughters, Kallie and Kandace, and a son, Kaine, and the support, and help has been tremendous, said Daniels.

A Grammy-nominated international touring artist, humorist, award winning acoustic guitarist, singer, and songwriter, wanted to organize an event to assist the ones who have been so kind to the family.

Harmon and those assisting him are planning a benefit at the Alexander Central High School Auditorium on March 21. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for a bake sale and a silent auction. Jerry will perform from 7pm until approximately 8pm. There is no fee for the performance, but donations will be appreciated as it is for a worthy cause.

The auction has already obtained some interesting items such as a horse, and many other things. "Captain Jack Sparrow" (TJ Tally) will be there the entire event. Children and adults can have pictures taken with him for a donation. Anyone who would like to contribute liquid assets or small auction items or gift certificates, can do so at anytime by mailing them to: Jerry Harmon, 674 Pine Road Otto, NC 28763 or to Chaplain Diane Ellis, 9270 Siler City Glendon Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207. Please make checks/money orders payable to: Dale Allen. Receipts will be given for all items donated for the silent auction and for monetary donations if requested.

All items that are won by bid must be collected at the end of the evening. Large items that cannot be delivered to the venue will be the responsibility of the winner to arrange for pick up or delivery within five business days after the event. All sales are final.

Volunteers are needed for various activities, such as help setting up and tearing down at the end and cleaning the auditorium. Also needed are volunteers who can allow donations to be dropped at their homes or business at a set time. Volunteers will be needed to man the bake sale and silent auction and to sell water and sodas at the venue.

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or need more information, please contact: Chaplain Diane Ellis at 910-489-4798 or by email: [email protected]