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Hernando Today

'Whim' Brings Top Christian Recording Artist To Town

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: March 5, 2009

Updated: 03/06/2009 10:12 pm

BROOKSVILLE - It started as a whim.

Vickie Porter had just discovered the perfect song for her slide show. "A New Dawn" by Daniel Kirkley was just what she needed to accompany a montage of photos documenting the work at a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Her work would be displayed during fundraising talks for the Dawn Center.

Then she got an idea. Why stop there? Porter e-mailed Kirkley's managers and asked if he would be willing to come to town for a concert. They said yes.

Five months of work will come to a head on Saturday, March 7, when Kirkley performs at the Grace World Outreach Church - better known as the "dome" church on State Road 50.

Porter and other volunteers with the Dawn Center have been working behind the scenes to arrange for lodging and sponsors. The Wal-Mart distribution center pulled through as a sponsor and a hotel has offered a bed. The flyers and promotional posters were also donated.

Organizers are crossing their fingers that the church will be filled to its 2,000 person capacity.

With all the costs covered, all the proceeds can now go to the Dawn Center, said Porter, who is co-chairwoman of the Dawn Center's Board of Trustees.

"We've been very blessed," she said.

Debbie Andrews, the executive director of the Dawn Center, said she was pleasantly "stunned" to learn that Kirkley had accepted the offer.

The proceeds would fund the daily operation of the shelter, she said.

Kirkley is considered a rising star in the Christian music business and has attracted the attention of big names in the genre including Nicole Nordman. His producers have also worked with Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith and Josh Groban.

The door opens an hour before the 7 p.m. concert. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. They can be purchased at Chik Fil-A, Cortez Community Bank, Register Chevrolet, Rising Sun Cafe and Sir Speedy.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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