LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA – Singers from near and far convened on the Coalfield Jamboree Saturday night in hopes of signing a Nashville recording contract as Dignity Hospice hosted their annual Southern Gospel Talent Contest.
The event is a fundraiser for the 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Chapmanville, West Virginia. Dignity Hospice cares for terminally ill patients and family members of Logan, Mingo, Boone, Lincoln, and Wayne counties.
“We had some very talented contestants this year,†said Mike Collins, marketing director for Dignity Hospice. “But I was more impressed with their attitudes and spirit. They supported one another, cheered for competitors from the audience, and truly represented the Savior they came to sing about.â€
This year’s winner was Chelsea Price of Charleston, West Virginia. The interesting thing about Chelsea winning is the fact that she did not sign up for the contest herself—her pastor, Rev. Mike Pollard, signed her up without her knowledge and talked her into performing just a few days before the event.
Executives from Homeland Records were on hand to judge the event and found the task challenging. “There were so many artists that were so close,†said Scott Godsey, General Manager of Homeland Records and event judge. “It really made our job difficult. We are looking forward to working with Chelsea, and watching her career blossom.â€
Chelsea will travel to Nashville to record her first project early next year.
Dignity Hospice has already scheduled next year’s event for May 1, 2010. Soloists or groups are welcome to sign up now. The contest is limited to the first 40 contestants.
For more information about the Southern Gospel Talent Contest or Dignity Hospice, visit www.YourDignity.org or call 304-855-4764.Â
Pictured L-R are Dignity Hospice Member Debbi Belcher; Homeland Records General Manager Scott Godsey; Talent Search Winner Chelsea Price and Event Coordinator and Director of Dignity Hospice Mike Collins.
