Collin Raye to perform after missing show

Collin Raye is a man of his word.

Just like the lyrics from his song, "Extremes," say, "that's just his way."

When Raye made a promise to headline this month's 11th Annual Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada's Barbecue and Auction, a freak medical condition caused him to miss it.

The country superstar fainted on stage at a concert in Atlanta the night before and spent the next day in a hospital, dehydrated and bedridden with a bleeding throat.

So 3 p.m. Saturday, Raye is proving his pledge really is his bond, making good on his promise to appear at the fund-raiser by throwing a huge, outdoor concert in the parking lot of the Piñon Plaza.

Those with tickets for the original Sept. 11 benefit still get to see the show they paid for. Those who missed out on the first show or couldn't afford the $50 ticket price will get a second chance to see Raye at just $10 a pop.

Despite Raye being a no-show, the auction was "the best ever," according to Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Cathy Blankenship.

"A lot of money was raised and the people were so wonderful and understanding. There were only a few people who expressed their disappointment.

"The community came together so wonderfully. They knew what they were really here for. What was truly at stake was more than just a country music concert."

Among the auction winners, a $7,500 guitar signed by country legend Garth Brooks was re-donated back to the club by the winner.

"Garth just doesn't sign anything," says Jennifer Russell, vice president of the Piñon Plaza. "It's really such a sweet gesture."

Much thanks, said Blankenship, goes to the last minute coup pulled off by local country rocker Stew Stewart and friends who put on a great show with very little preparation.

Contact Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.