John Michael Montgomery to Do Benefit Concert

Country music star John Michael Montgomery is set to do a benefit concert in Enid, Oklahoma at 7 p.m. on July 10 at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center.

The concert is designed to raise funds for the Wheatheart Nutrition Program, which provides free meals to senior citizens.

Seniors can travel to a local destination or have the food delivered to their home if they are unable to leave their house.

The program is free, however some choose to donate at least $2 for their meal.

The Northern Oklahoma Development Authority (NODA) oversees the program but depends on the state for funding.

Late last year the program was hit hard by state budget cuts enduring over $350,000 in cuts.

The cuts forced the program to end hot meals on Fridays and seek other sources of help.

Several businesses came to the rescue including a local casino.

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With more budget cuts looming, NODA has decided to be proactive and try to create funds.

The Montgomery concert is one of the first attempts.

Montgomery hit the country music charts in 1992 with his debut album "Life's A Dance." In 1994 he toured with Reba McEntire.

Since then he has hit the charts with many songs including: "I Swear," "Rope the Moon" and "I Can Love You Like That."

However, Montgomery doesn't come free.

NODA representative, Debbie Gallander, said Montgomery slashed the cost of his performance from $50,000 to $25,000.

It is calculated that if the half of the tickets are sold, the program could make at least $100,000 for NODA.

"We need to sell at least 1,400 tickets to break even," she said.

Montgomery's opening act is Shawna Russell, a native of Oklahoma.

Russell released her debut album in 2008 called "GODDESS."

She has performed with another Oklahoma native and country music star Ty England.

Gallander said Russell has agreed to donate proceeds to NODA from compact disc sales.

Tickets for the event start at $35.

VIP ticket holders will be treated to a meal before the event and upfront seating.

Gallander said NODA is looking sponsors for the concert.

For more information call Gallander at 580-237-0238.