DOBSON — On Saturday the Dobson Rescue Squad will hold its annual gospel music fundraiser.
Jonathan Bledsoe, the rescue squad chief, said he and others will take to the stage on Saturday at The Barn at Heritage Farm.
Bledsoe said those who attend are asked to donate $10 at the door. Chicken stew will be served at 5 p.m., with performances kicking off at 6 p.m.
Four years ago the gospel performance took the place of a Halloween maze the rescue squad ran.
While the maze yielded more money than the concert ($1,800 being the singing’s best so far), Bledsoe called the maze a month-long ordeal. He also said the concert isn’t all about the money, either.
“It offers a good, family-friendly night out,” he explained.
While he welcomes all to attend, Bledsoe also encourages those can afford it to donate as they walk through the door. His squad must raise money to pay electric bills, upgrade equipment and pay on loans for vehicles now in use. It is also eyeing a new ambulance, which is an expenditure of more than $100,000.
“The rescue squad needs the support of people right now as much as they need the rescue squad when they call 911,” said Bledsoe, noting the squad is an all-volunteer force.
While he is thankful for the public dollars the squad gets from Surry County and the town of Dobson, it’s not enough to keep everything at the squad running.
“We aren’t like the volunteer fire departments,” explained Bledsoe. “There is no special tax levied on our behalf. We rely on community support.”
The chief said fundraising efforts are ongoing, and the squad also gets funding from the United fund. However, the next — and possibly the most enjoyable — opportunity to contribute to the squad is Saturday evening.
In addition to the chicken stew served, Bledsoe said the night is set to be quite entertaining. Bledsoe, who sings gospel professionally, will perform. Additionally, The Bledsoes and The Mylon Hayes Family will perform.
The Barn at Heritage Farm is located at 152 Heritage Farm Lane, off of Caves Mill Road in Dobson. For further information call the rescue squad at 374-4100.