CHO Food Bank Receives Proceeds
From Final Harmony Boys Concert

By Patricia Coulter

The Christians Helping Others (CHO) Food Bank recently received a donation of $3,249.50 as the result of the final concert presented by The Harmony Boys on October 1 at Piney Grove Baptist Church.

An overflow crowd of approximately 500 enthusiastic fans attended the final concert presented by the local gospel group. Chairs were brought out and set up in every inch of available space and still people were standing, according to Larry Wallace, music director at Piney Grove Baptist.

Christians Helping Others Food Bank Director Melissa Nichols, left, accepts a check from Curtis Mitchell on behalf of the Harmony Boys for the love offering taken during their final concert on October 1, along with CHO worker David Hubbard. (photo by Patricia Coulter)

“We really appreciate the wonderful attendance at this concert,” said Wallace.

Curtis Mitchell, spokesman for the Harmony Boys said, “We were amazed and very happy that so many people came to honor us as we concluded 43 years of singing together.”

Wallace stated, “Not one person was disappointed with the night’s performances. Outstanding local talent from Piney Grove opened the concert. Curtis Mitchell and his daughters, Sonia and Natalie also sang before the Harmony Boys began.” Wallace continued, “The Harmony Boys blessed everyone present with many old favorite songs and comments on their experiences over the years.”

Over the past two years, the group has collected a love offering for the CHO

Food Bank at their concerts at Piney Grove Baptist. They decided to make CHO the benefactor of their final concert as well. The generous offering collected totaled $3,249.50. This brought the overall offerings collected by the Harmony Boys for the CHO Food Bank to $6,600 in two years.

“We are astonished and very pleased with the offering,” said CHO Director Melissa Nichols. “These funds will be wisely used during the upcoming holiday season.”

The CHO Food Bank operates through the sponsorship of 14 area churches. They also purchase food at discount prices through the North Alabama Food Bank and receive discounts from local businesses on food items. Additional help is received through food drives conducted by local Scouts and other groups.

The CHO Food Bank does not receive any government funding. Nichols stated that an average of approximately 80 families per month are given assistance from CHO.

Applicants must fill out paper work yearly including proof of income and proof of residence. The number of families who receive assistance always increases during the holidays.

CHO serves families within a 10-mile radius of Ardmore including all four counties. Families who attend churches in the 10-mile radius are also eligible for help.

The Harmony Boys expressed regret at having to stop doing something they love so much. All those in attendance expressed the same sentiment. “They will be missed greatly by gospel music lovers, but are wished success in all their individual future endeavors,” Wallace said. “We at Piney Grove Baptist were very happy to host the final concert of the Harmony Boys and were appreciative of the great attendance.”

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