Sandi Patty To Host Benefit

Sandi Patty, the voice of American contemporary Christian music, is to host a special benefit tomorrow night.

The “Sandi and Friends: A Benefit Celebrating Character” concert will take place on May 2 at 7 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium at Anderson University, Indiana, with proceeds going to the Center for Character Development. Also featured will be Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen, author/speaker Patsy Clairmont, and Patrick Henry Hughes, a University of Louisville student who was born without eyes but plays trumpet for the college’s marching band.

Hughes – who is also an inspirational speaker – and Patty first became aware of each other through television’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, in which the Hughes’ home was remodeled to accommodate Patrick Henry’s needs. During a segment in which the home was torn down, Patty sang “I Hear a Song” while some cast members played instruments. But because of the nature of the show – the Hughes family were not present during the remodeling – the two musicians have never met.

“I see my blindness as more of an ability rather than a disability,” said Hughes. “Some with sight tend to judge people on the outside rather than see what’s inside a person.”

Patty, winner of five Grammy Awards, is the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history. She is proud to be associated with the Center for Character Development, a facility at Anderson University that helps local groups develop character education programs and initiatives in their communities.

Tickets to the show are $20 and are available from the venue or from Ticketmaster.