Hacker's guitar helps raise money for charity

FLORENCE - A guitar that Shoals native Angela Hacker used on her way to becoming the 2007 Nashville Star helped raise $2,000 for the Handy Head Start Program.

The acoustic electric guitar was auctioned off during a concert at Logan's Roadhouse last week.

Logan General Manager Jim Edwards said the restaurant wanted to do something for the Shoals to recognize the community's support for the past 11 years. He said local support has helped the restaurant become one of the chain's top locations.

After some brainstorming, they finally decided to attempt raising money for charity.

Shoals musician Gary Nichols, a frequent performer at Logan's, said he would talk to other local artists about putting a show together.

"It just kind of blew up on us," Edwards said.

Nichols brought in some of his friends, including Zac and Angela Hacker, James LeBlanc and his son, Dylan LeBlanc, Jeff Henson, Jordan Denton and Chris Roach.

Edwards said each artist played a half-hour set and items were auctioned in between.

Once other businesses heard about it, they provided additional items for the auction, including haircuts, massages and makeup kits.

Edwards said the musicians donated their time and talent.

"The guitar itself raised $1,000," Edwards said. "All the musicians here that night signed it."

Edwards said the money raised for Handy Head Start helped support a program that was in fear of being discontinued.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.