KRCC's expansion is result of continued generosity of Rogers

Kenny Rogers and Sikeston have a long and wonderfully successful relationship. The country music mega-star "adopted" the children's center that today bears his name way back over 35 years ago. And through those years of association, the local center has expanded beyond anyone's imagination.

Rogers is in town this weekend for a special Sunday evening concert and reception that will once again benefit the Kenny Rogers Children's Center.

I strongly suspect this may be Rogers' final visit to our community - at least in the concert-arena format.

And the best way to thank the singing legend is to attend the Sunday night performance and show Rogers how much our community appreciates his kindness and support for the children in this region.

Granted, many celebrities have charities and causes that they support in countless ways.

But Rogers' association with the local children's center is unique. Rogers didn't just lend his name to the local effort, he returned here time and time again, promoted the center in countless ways and, to this very day, continues to help financially to allow the center to grow and serve more children.

Let's be honest. Kenny Rogers does not need the positive publicity of his charitable efforts in our small community. The same cannot always be said for other stars.

But Rogers has a genuine and sincere love for the center and for the miracles that are performed there daily.

There are other ventures and attractions that put Sikeston "on the map," so to speak. But high on that list is the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. Through its expansion efforts - due largely to the generosity of Kenny Rogers himself - this local center has become a great source of pride for the entire community.

But the real winners in the association with Kenny Rogers are the children who receive vital services free of charge at a center in Sikeston that is unlike any other. The miracles that happen there cannot be explained until you see the progress with your own eyes.

And all of that progress and all of the lives that have been changed is largely to the credit of our adopted son - Kenny Rogers.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the name of Tom Nunnelee in this brief commentary. Nunnelee has been the ongoing contact with Rogers and his team through the years and his persistence and devotion to the center is much of the reason Rogers returns time and time again to raise funds and awareness of the services available here.

Sunday may not be Rogers final visit to Sikeston and we certainly hope to see him and hear him in the years to come.

But if this is his final visit, on behalf of the community we thank this country legend for caring more than most, for giving much more than most and for allowing the children of this region to see their lives change.

Don't ever tell me one person cannot make a difference.