Five local good Samaritans were honored Saturday during the second Redemption Inside the Walls concert at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, but the biggest surprise came to the Fisher family, who received an award in honor of their family's giving spirit.
Victor Bell, Kyle Kittrell, Jody Delgado, Hannah Frevert and John Schulte were selected to receive the first Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award - also called the Helen L. and John G. Fisher Award. All five individuals have made a significant impact on the Mid-Missouri area, whether it was through instilling a love of volunteering in students, sending care packages to military personnel or helping individuals in need.
The News Tribune and Redemption Inside the Walls partnered to select this year's unsung heroes.
The Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award is named after Helen and John Fisher, who owned Lee's Chicken in Jefferson City. John Fisher, Helen's son, died in March. Helen died earlier this month.
The award was originally named in John Fisher's honor, but organizers Paula Benne and Kirk DeMars added Helen Fisher's name to the award shortly after she died.
"Helen had such a big heart to get this started, and she was part of this success," DeMars said.
Benne and DeMars wanted to recognize the family's giving spirit by awarding them with their own Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award.
James Fisher, John's brother and Helen's son, said it felt "terrific" to receive the award.
"I think my brother and my mom would feel so proud," he said.
The awards aren't just to recognize the good Samaritans and the Fisher family though, Benne said. It is a way for the community to thank these individuals.
"Everybody who was nominated was worthy of this award, but the people who were selected, we're looking forward to honoring them for their giving hearts and what they have given back to the community and other people," Benne said before the award ceremony.
Following the award ceremony, three-time Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith, a famous Christian musician, took to the stage.
Co-workers Debbie Bardwell and Lindsay Wakefield said the concert was an amazing experience to have in Jefferson City.
"For me, concerts are my church," Wakefield said. "I connect more on a deeper level at these events."
Benne and DeMars said they are excited Smith offered to perform at Redemption Inside the Walls.
Benne added Saturday was the first live performance Smith has given since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
"He's thanked us for going ahead and doing this," Benne said. "All of the arenas have closed so they're not doing any inside concerts, but he's thankful because we're outside. It worked out for both of us."
While ticket sales were lower than last year's concert, Benne and DeMars said, they were still pleased with the turnout. They weren't sure how many tickets were sold since individuals were continuing to purchase admission at the entrance.
"I think the biggest thing for us, more than anything, is seeing people's lives changed when they leave here," DeMars said. "They're different when they leave than when they came in. That goes for anybody who is a believer to not a believer and just being able to have that opportunity to let them know how much they are welcomed and that everybody is valuable."
Concert proceeds will go to The Healing House and New Beginnings, a Christian recovery ministry.
Benne initially started the concert as a way to raise funds for Leah Hargrove, a Centertown child who was born with several disabilities. On Saturday, New Hope Baptist Church held a silent auction, with proceeds from that auction going to Hargrove.
See also:
Good Samaritan: Jody Delgado supports military through personalized care packages Military personnel often feel forgotten - and that oftentimes brings tears to Jody Delgado's eyes - but she hopes her monthly care packages remind them someone is always thinking of them.
Good Samaritan: Hannah Frevert leads through literacy, educational organizations Hannah Frevert has a saying hanging in her kitchen that she tries to live by every day: "When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.
Good Samaritan: John Schulte impacts community through smoke detectors, natural disaster response Between providing free smoke detectors and setting up shelters for those who lost their homes during natural disasters, it's hard to say how many lives John Schulte has touched over the last few years with the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri.
Good Samaritan: Kyle Kittrell builds new beginnings through Habitat for Humanity When River City Habitat for Humanity hands keys to families in need of a home, Kyle Kittrell is often toward the back of the crowd, watching as families cry, smile and hug each other in front of their new home - houses he helped build.
Good Samaritan: Helias coach, teacher Victor Bell leads by example You must serve before you can lead.Helias Catholic High School coach and teacher Victor Bell does just that by creating volunteer opportunities for his students while also finding ways he can help his community - particularly during the coronavirus pandemic and after the May 2019 tornado.