Last November, country music legend Sara Evans was in Emporia to celebrate Veterans Day. Thursday night she returned, this time to celebrate the employees of Simmons Pet Food with a free celebration concert at White Auditorium.
Simmons Vice President of Operations Brian Potter says they were proud to have Evans in town to honor their dedicated employees. He says without them, and the support of the Emporia community, Simmons would not exist.
Prior to Evans taking the stage, Simmons President Scott Salmon and CEO Todd Simmons made a special presentation to the Emporia Animal Shelter in the form of a $5,000 donation.
Simmons says given the business they are in and the work of the Animal Shelter, contributing to the agency was a no-brainer.
The donation will go to support the Animal Shelter’s food pantry and pet adoption special running Friday through Sunday. Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Stephanie Achille says the generous contribution comes at a great time.
Evans rose to fame after her debut album Three Chords and The Truth gained critical praise back in 1997. Since that time, Evans has recorded eight studio albums, charted more than 20 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Song Charts and has been nominated for more than a dozen CMA awards over her career.
Opening for Evans Thursday night was California-based musician and American Idol Season 19 competitor Ash Ruder.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Ana Valdez/KVOE NewsÂ
