COMEDIAN JEFF FOXWORTHY COMING TO VALLEY FOR CHILDREN'S BENEFIT CONCERT

Mercedes -- A Jeff Foxworthy “Stand Up for Kids Benefit Concert” will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes to benefit Valley children through a new Pediatric Emergency Department at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen and renovation of the pediatric unit at Valley Baptist in Brownsville.

This event will include the comedy of nationally-known actor and comedian Jeff Foxworthy and the Valley’s own version of the TV show, “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” Valley 5th grade students can audition to participate in the show by taking a 50-question test on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8:30 a.m. at Treasure Hills Elementary School Cafeteria in Harlingen. The top 20 contestants will be selected to participate, and they can bring an adult as their free guest for the show on Oct. 25. Parents of 5th graders can register their child for the test by calling (956) 389-1614.

Foxworthy, of Georgia, is one of the biggest names in comedy today. He is also the author of 22 books, including the best-sellers “Jeff Foxworthy’s Redneck Dictionary: Words You Thought You Knew the Meaning Of,” as well as the children's book “Dirt on My Shirt.” Foxworthy’s voice has been featured in the films “Racing Stripes” and “The Fox and the Hound 2.”

“Jeff Foxworthy is ‘hold-your-stomach-in’ hilarious,” said Judy Quisenberry, Director of Development for the Valley Baptist Foundation. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see a Grammy nominee, right here in the Valley, and to enjoy an evening of laughs -- while also benefiting the Valley’s youngest hospital patients.”

Those who come early to the event can also enjoy country music, from K-TEX Radio from 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 in the covered arena at the RGV Livestock Showgrounds, followed by VBMC’s own “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” contest and Jeff Foxworthy at 8:30 p.m.

The upgrades to Valley Baptist’s pediatric facilities will enable children to be treated by specially-trained staff with equipment and services designed especially for children. Plans include a special play room and waiting area just for children, which will help make possible faster service and a “child-friendly” environment.

Tickets for the Jeff Foxworthy concert are available at Melhart Music, Lionel’s Western Wear, and Wireless Toyz Valley-wide, as well as online at www.ez-tixx.com -- or by calling 877-993-8499.

Elliff Motors is serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the benefit, with Dr. Gary Schwarz, Oral Surgeon, also playing a key role in making the event possible. Quita Wittenbach and Sandra Flinn are serving as co-chairs for the event. For more information or for sponsorship information, please contact the Valley Baptist Foundation at (956) 389-1614.