Singer stages benefit for nonprofit

The 20th anniversary of the Oct.17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake is quickly approaching, and country music legend Lacy J. Dalton plans a concert to help the organization that stepped up in the hours and days after the quake in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Dalton, a homegrown San Lorenzo Valley performer who made it big in country music, will sing a special show to benefit Valley Churches United Missions on Oct. 16 at Don Quixote’s International Music Hall in Felton
“I feel honored to do this show to help them,” she said. “The work they do is really from the heart. They just want to help you.”
Dalton, who now lives in Nevada, is a close friend of Annette Marcum, the founder and director of the nonprofit.
The work the group does in the community — directly helping individuals and families who have dire needs — is near to Dalton’s heart.
“There’s very little red tape involved,” Dalton said. “If you have a need, they will help you.”
During the benefit show, Dalton will unveil a new song, titled “It Takes an Earthquake Sometimes,” to commemorate the anniversary of the 1989 quake.
Valley Churches was the first group to organize in the San Lorenzo Valley after the quake and quickly began distributing aid to those who had lost homes and were without food and water.
The nonprofit dispersed more than $581,900, with only $2,900 in administrative costs, in the aftermath of the ’89 quake.
This year, the organization already has spent more than its annual operating budget, partly because of greater need in the bad economy and partly because of the continuing need for aid after the fire at Brookdale Inn and Spa, which destroyed almost two dozen apartments, Marcum said.
Food and financial donations are dispersed directly to those who need them, Marcum said.
Dalton has invited Zak Belanger and other friends to the concert and will talk about her work to save wild horses through her foundation, Let ’Em Run.
Dalton is working on a compilation of Hank Williams songs, “Hats Off to Hank,” something that, to her knowledge, has never been done by a woman.
At a glance
WHAT: Lacy J. Dalton performs to benefit VCUM
WHEN: 8 p.m. Oct. 16
WHERE: Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, in Felton
TIX: $18 in advance,
$20 at the door
INFO: 603-2294 or www.donquixotesmusic.info