More than 600 people are expected to attend "Life: where inspiration begins," the fourth annual Pregnancy Help Center banquet 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.
Tony Melendez, performer with Toe Jam Music, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which organizers hope will raise $100,000 or roughly two-thirds of the center's operating budget.
Melendez was born without arms but has awed audiences, including Pope John Paul II, with his guitar performance with his feet.
He was also born with a clubbed foot, corrected later in the United States, after his mother's doctor in Nicaragua had prescribed Thalidomide for morning sickness.
While growing up, his parents gave him caring and encouragement to do things on his own. By age 16, he had taught himself how to play the guitar with his toes. Then he matured into a singer and composer.
Since 1987, he has traveled to all 50 states and more than 44 foreign countries, performing with his brother, Jose.
Melendez has recorded five albums and is the author of the autobiography "A Gift of Hope."
Call 573-644-6635 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Link: www.friendsofphc.org