At a glance
* What: John Berry Concert
* When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
* Where: Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St., S.E., Gainesville
* Cost: $30-$35
* More info: www.johnberry.com or www.challengedchild.org
GAINESVILLE — As in previous years, country music artist John Berry is coming to Gainesville and bringing the Christmas spirit with him.
The singer will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Pearce Auditorium of Brenau University. Tickets are $30 to $35 for the show titled “It’s Christmas with John Berry.”
The show is bound to impress his fans and other attendees, since the money raised from the show will leave a bigger mark.
All of the Christmas show’s proceeds will go to the local nonprofit organization, Challenged Child and Friends, thanks to the sponsorship of Milton Martin Honda.
“We cover all the expenses,” said Butch Miller of Milton Martin Honda. “100 percent of our profits go to Challenged Child. Every nickel we make goes to them.”
But Challenged Child is not the only beneficiary.
“It’s good for the community,” Miller said. “It’s a community event and welcomes the Christmas season. It’s just about the quality of life and the community and helping those [who] are in need.”
Miller also has a strong connection to the concert. It is held in memory of his late son, Coleman “Cole” Miller.
“We always wanted to do something after Cole passed, but we never had the right opportunity,” Miller said. “We called John Berry and he came and did the first concert, and we’ve been underwriting the concert for seven years.”
Cole spent his early youth at Challenged Child and Friends.
“He was really with you in the moment,” said Cathy Drerup, interim chief executive officer of Challenged Child and Friends. “ … And it was our partnership with the family to help his development and pave the way with the strategies to improve his quality of life.
“For me, he was my teacher. I think that Cole was observant. You would see the twinkle in his eye.”
And the Millers and Milton Martin Honda know the effect the organization has in the quality of life for children and families.
“They know that because of the testimony of Butch and Teresa [Miller] as well as many other families, and they are investing in an organization where they can go right around the corner and anytime be able to observe children who are receiving the benefit of their charitable outreach,” Drerup said.