Proceeds support endowment fund

Columbia County will welcome the holiday season with a special Christmas concert Thursday at the Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center.

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The concert, which will feature the jazz duo of Bert Ligen and Craig Butterfield, in addition to vocalist Sharon Rae North, will benefit the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Endowment Fund.

"The endowment fund was started with the library's opening gala in January 2006," said Brooke Willis, Columbia County's community events specialist.

"The monies received from that event went towards the purchase of a Petrof baby grand piano for the performing arts center," she said. "In December 2006, we started the Christmas concert to benefit the endowment fund."

Willis said local performing arts groups can apply for the endowment to help pay for rental of the performing arts center.

Tickets for the black-tie, catered event are $50 per person. Seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. To reserve a ticket for the 7 p.m. concert, call (706) 312-7194.

"In keeping with the holiday spirit, we hope community members will get excited about this festive event and give back to the community by supporting the endowment," said Willis.

Columbia County Community and Leisure Services and University Health Care System are sponsoring the event.