Singer Taylor Hicks, the 2006 winner of the American Idol competition, highlighted a recent gathering in Falls Church to benefit Boys Home of Virginia.
River Bend Golf and Country Club was the site of a gathering of family and friends of Perry and Tina Williams to benefit Boys Home of Virginia. Perry is a trustee of Boys Home of Virginia, and he and his wife invited a host of people to enjoy a back porch party featuring Hicks.
Hicks won the fifth season of American Idol in May 2006. He got his start as a professional musician in his late teens and performed around the Southeastern United States for well over the span of a decade, during which he also released two independent albums. Upon winning Idol, he was signed to Arista Records, under which his self-titled major-label debut was released on Dec.12, 2006.
Hicks entertained the crowd at the River Bend Golf and Country Club with a mix of guitar, harmonica, and vocals. The guests enjoyed a variety of barbecues, sides, and lively conversations. The venue provided a tasty array of desserts as the concert came to a close.
Perry Williams introduced Donnie E. Wheatley, executive director of Boys Home of Virginia. Wheatley, once a resident of Boys Home himself, talked about the organization and the benefit it offers young men who need a second chance at success.
Wheatley spoke candidly about his own path to arriving at Boys Home and the opportunity it afforded him as a young man. He went on to describe the services offered by Boys Home today and the impact the program has on the lives of students who have come through its doors for over 100 years.
Wheatley said Boys Home is deeply grateful to Perry and Tina Williams for introducing so many new people to the mission of Boys Home and for their generosity in hosting the event. Events like this are excellent opportunities to share the mission of Boys Home and the progress made by students in the program, Wheatley said.
Boys Home of Virginia, founded in 1906, provides a healthy and supportive environment for young men whose lives have been negatively impacted by poverty or family instability. Students are provided food, clothing, shelter, guidance, and educational and career opportunities in a manner that supports the successful transition to adulthood. Boys Home, a non-profit organization, is almost entirely privately funded by individuals, organizations, churches, and foundations. Boys in our care come from all regions in Virginia.
For more information about Boys Home, visit the website at www.boyshomeofva.org.
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