Foundation Holds a Fundraiser for Music Scholarships in Rogers

The I’ll Fly Away Foundations  honors 80 years of the world’s most celebrated gospel song of all times and raises money for music scholarships with a concert in Rogers.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet kicked off the event at the John Q. Hammons Center Saturday evening.

I’ll Fly Away, written by Albert E. Brumley, was published in Northwest Arkansas.

“I’m third generation music business so I’ve grown up around this and I didn’t realize that not every one had this,” said Betsy Brumley-Bernier, I’ll Fly Away Foundation chairman.

“So I think they have the opportunity if they want it,” Brumley-Bernier said.

Three musical groups performed: The Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey and Vincent and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

Hundreds of people took the trip back in musical history.

“The I’ll Fly Away songs and all those older songs that were written back years ago, all they hyms that we’re so fond of,” Mary said.

During a meet and greet with the musicians, they explain the significance of being part of this historical event.

“It’s very close to our hearts and of course Albert Brumley is one of the greatest song writers of all times, so we are here to honor him as well tonight,” said songwriter Joe Bonsall with Oak Ridge Boys.

Darrin Vincent with Dailey & Vincent, “It’s a real blessing to help out the foundation. It’s wonderful for Dailey and Vincent just to be a part of it.”

The I’ll Fly Away Foundation also has programs to preserve musical heritage. 

“Songs are stories… It gets lost if we don’t preserve it so our kids know our history through music,” Brumley-Bernier said.

The I’ll Fly Away Foundation’s goal is to give 25 music scholarships for 2013.