Country music fans will have a chance to see Texas country music legend Neal McCoy in Texarkana this fall, while helping put books into the hands of local children.
The United Way of Greater Texarkana will host its Two States, One Story Benefit Concert on Thursday, October 22, at the Four States Fairgrounds. Regional performer TJ McAlexander will open the evening before McCoy takes the stage.
The concert is being held to raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that provides free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth through age five.
United Way of Greater Texarkana President and CEO Mark Bledsoe said the event represents the cooperation that has long been a part of the Texarkana community.
“Two States, One Story is more than a concert – it is our community coming together to put books and brighter futures into the hands of local children.”
Bledsoe said the October 22 concert is the only fundraiser conducted specifically for the local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, and all net proceeds from the event will go toward the local DPIL account.
More Than 1,000 Local Children Are Already Enrolled
The United Way brought Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Texarkana area in 2017. The program provides children with a new book every month at no cost to their families.
Currently, more than 1,000 children in Bowie County, Texas, and Miller County, Arkansas, are enrolled, while approximately 280 more children are on waiting lists.
Children can receive a total of 60 books if they are enrolled from birth through their fifth birthday.
The program is designed to encourage children to develop a love of reading while helping families build a collection of books at home before children enter kindergarten.
And on October 22, organizers hope Texarkana residents will help expand that opportunity to even more children—while enjoying a night of live music.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Doors at the Four States Fairgrounds will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6 p.m.
Several options are available:
General Admission – $50
Includes concert admission with open or standing-room seating. Beverages will be available for purchase.
Supporter Table Sponsor – $400
Includes a reserved table for four and recognition as a supporter of the event. This sponsorship level can help provide a full year of books for approximately 13 local children.
Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
Includes a reserved table for eight, dinner for guests and two drinks per person. According to organizers, this level can help provide a year of books for approximately 31 children.
Organizers recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time because seating and availability are limited. Online ticketing fees may apply.
Tickets and available seating can be purchased through the Four States Fairgrounds ticketing system. Those interested in sponsorship information can contact Jamie Branson at 903-794-3105.
The October 22 concert is more than an evening with a longtime Texas country favorite. For the United Way, it’s an opportunity to turn a night of music into something that continues well beyond the final song—a new book arriving in the mailbox of a local child every month.
