‘We could only do this in West Plains’: Atkins-led Cystic Fibrosis Concert wraps up with $79K raised

With the conclusion of the 37th annual Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Show, held Saturday and headlined by country music chart-topper Rodney Atkins, the total raised by the coordinating organization, Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, was $78,809. The proceeds were collected from concert ticket sales, donations, the sale of donated auction items and the giveaways of two handguns, and will go toward supporting research into cure and treatment for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects respiratory and digestive systems of those who have it. Atkins, who performed the concert in 2019, made a return trip to West Plains in support of cystic fibrosis research, the only repeat performer in the concert’s history, pointed out Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains volunteer Rick Frazier. He said the concert was at near-capacity and he was blown away by the enthusiasm and support that continues to be shown by artists like Atkins, community members who attended the concert and donated auction items, and businesses that contributed financially. "We could only do this in West Plains,” said Frazier. “We couldn't go anywhere else in the country and do what we do here.” Frazier made sure to thank Diane Reed who directed the volunteer singing group "Jessica's Friends" and Matt Crites, who emceed the "Jessica's Friends" performance, continuing a tradition begun by his brothers years ago.