Twice a year, in February and August, church doors open and shut out the cares and stress of the outside world. If only for a few hours, music and a common goal bring everyone together. Sometimes, the quartet’s lively banter, four-part harmony, and coordinated movements have the audience clapping and singing along. At some events, tight, blended voices only family can produce settle over the sanctuary like a warm embrace. And at others, solo artists share testimonies and their uniquely gifted talents. No matter which combinations of Southern gospel vocals fill the room, generosity fills the hearts.
Concerts produced by Central Virginia Angel Hearts (CVAH) benefit individuals facing medical crises in the greater Lynchburg area. Now in its 27th year, the concert series first benefited Josh Boyer, a 17-year-old with leukemia.
Dawn Doss, CVAH president, said about the organization’s beginnings, “My mother, another lady, and I had just formed a gospel trio, and suddenly I thought of the benefit concert idea to help Josh and his family and to give our group a little bit of introduction to the Lynchburg area. We used all local singers that night, raised around $2,000, and felt so good about it that we decided to make it an annual event. Sadly, Josh died exactly one month after the concert. But for the next seven years, with the help of the Boyer family and later recipients, we helped local children battling leukemia.”
Today, the Warren Smoot Memorial Benefit Concert, in memory of Doss’s father, benefits an adult 18 and older. The Geri Smoot Winter Angel Benefit Concert, in memory of her mother, benefits a child 17 and younger.
Doss works with gospel music artists and their agents, arranging an impressive showbill of Southern gospel artists. Mark Bishop, Karen Peck and New River, Michael Booth of the Booth Brothers, Mercy’s Well, and the Tribute Quartet are among recent performers. The Williamsons travel from Oklahoma to support CVAH and have participated in the organization’s fundraising mission for nearly 20 years.
The concert series offers many opportunities for the community’s support. Sponsors — both regular and one-time sponsors for the concerts’ recipients — play a crucial role in making the events possible. Attendees may donate at the event during the love offering. In any economy, consistently raising funds is an ongoing challenge.
“We strive to create and organize quality events beyond the usual local benefit concerts. I love working with the Southern gospel artists who come and minister and entertain. We didn’t start with the most recognizable names in the genre, but we have now brought in some very world-class talent to participate in our community focus. But doing that can’t be done for free because these wonderful individuals and groups earn their livelihood on the road. It wouldn’t be fair for them to come to do one of our events for free for someone they’ve never met. When you can multiply the possible needs all over the country by the thousands, they can’t do all those events for free. So we work hard to raise the money needed to cover their costs, and they work with us to keep it affordable,” Doss explained.
In addition to sponsors, the board members’ dedication to CVAH is part of the reason for its longevity and success.
“My board members are a great team. Donnie Williamson is the owner of The Williamsons gospel group, and I invited him to be on the board because of his connections to the music industry. Mark Eades has been a participant one way or another for almost the entire length of Central Virginia Angel Hearts’ run. He is a local businessman. Bobby Harrison is a pastor, and he and his wife have recently stepped up as champions of CVAH. Those three have combined wisdom and talents that help me so much!” Doss said.
“Then there is Robbie Yeatts, whose son, William, was our second recipient when we were doing the Josh Boyer Memorial Concerts. William beat his leukemia and is a married father of two wonderful children. Robbie is the only other original board member other than me. Katherine Paulette Farmer is the daughter of one of our former beneficiaries, and Teresa David is a former recipient. They all keep me motivated and encouraged.”
While Doss’ love of Southern gospel music and heart for helping were behind the concert series, she knows the concerts bless all involved.
She said, “Sometimes I don’t think there is enough exposure of the best quality of the Southern gospel genre in this area. It may be getting better, but I like to think that the fans of this music look to us for some memorable events and real, spiritual blessings. And those who come get a chance to be a part of someone’s life whom they have never met. Their giving is used by the Lord to bless the one with a need, and they get blessed in the process. It’s very much a circle of reciprocation.”
For 27 years, Southern gospel harmonies have resonated through Central Virginia. Doss’ vision transformed a single act of kindness into a biannual tradition that touches lives far beyond church walls, blending voices in song and purpose. Attendees leave knowing they’ve contributed to a tradition of compassion. It proves that when music and generosity intertwine, the melody uplifts spirits and eases burdens in ways that resonate long after the final applause. GN
