Emory Valley Center fundraiser features rock band Jada Blade

Jada Blade, a popular local band that plays original music and classic rock songs, will help raise money for the Emory Valley Center during a Friday fundraiser at the Grove Theater

The “Rock-A-Moolah” fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at the Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge. It’s a benefit for the Emory Valley Center Capital Campaign.

The Emory Valley Center serves 140 mentally, physically, and emotionally disabled (autistic) adults and about 450 developmentally delayed toddlers and children in 13 East Tennessee counties, a press release said. They are losing their home at the former Daniel Arthur Rehabilitation Center on Emory Valley Road, which has housed their programs for more than 50 years, the release said.

Plans are under way to build a new Center on the opposite side of Emory Valley Road.

“Many of these clients have been at the Emory Valley Center or at Daniel Arthur Rehabilitation Center most of their lives and are dependent on the Center for their entire support,” the press release said. “It serves the most vulnerable members of society who cannot help themselves.”

Gene Caldwell, co-chair of the Capital Campaign, said the campaign is almost two-thirds of the way to its fundraising goal.

“The area communities of Oak Ridge, Anderson County, and Knox County have given us tremendous support,” Caldwell said. “’Rock-A-Moolah’ will give us new energy to keep us headed to the top. So we want to invite everyone to come support the new Center and have a fabulous night of rock ‘n’ roll with Jada Blade.”

The press release said Jada Blade plays crowd-pleasing rock music ranging from Adele and Lady Gaga to Ozzy Osbourne and Halestorm. The band includes vocalist Leslie England, guitarist Bruce England, drummer Kenny Smith, and bass player Jim Johnston.

Tickets for “Rock-A-Moolah” can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25. Tickets can be purchased at TNBank in Oak Ridge or online at www.emoryvalleycenter.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening.