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Phil Stacey: Giving Back, Saying Thanks

Author: Mindy Wood
Issue: 2008 August

Former Shawnee resident and American Idol contestant Phil Stacey has had a busy year since his last appearance on one of the hottest shows in America. Last year, people from Shawnee and all across America cheered him on until his final moment, and he came to thank us.

Recently, Stacey held a benefit concert in OBU’s Raley Chapel for Shawnee Rescue Mission and Family Promise, two organizations helping families get back on their feet. The purpose of these organizations is something that Stacey is excited about, as he demonstrated throughout the concert.

Mark McIntosh, pastor of Evangelistic Center Church and coordinator of the concert, and father-in-law to Stacey eagerly claims, “Without OBU’s generosity in hosting the event it wouldn’t have been possible. The funds will mean that SRM will be able to finally begin construction on their new building and this will help boost Family Promise general funding to meet their goals.”

Rev. McIntosh says the fundraiser was his daughter Kendra’s idea. “It’s really their way of saying thanks for all the support he received from the community.”

“Folks may have come out because I was on American Idol,” says Phil, “or because they like the music I’ve put out; but maybe some of them didn’t know about these organizations, and hopefully it’s making them aware of something they can support with their finances, their thoughts and their prayers.”

Since his last appearance on American Idol, Stacey’s career has been on the move. “It’s been a crazy year. I was on AI and got voted off and signed a contract with Lyric Street Records, then put out an album which made the top ten on the Billboard country charts.” In addition to this early achievement, he has also filmed a music video to his single “If You Didn’t Love Me,” and has received good reviews for the finished product.

In April, Phil performed in the Billy Graham Festival in Tennessee, where he became acquainted with a staff that hopes to work with him even more. “We’ve talked about doing some projects in the future as well. I love what they do and where they’re going so I enjoy being a part of the programs that they put on.”

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