LA PLATA — Northeast Missouri Senior Citizen Services will host a bluegrass concert in La Plata on March 21 to raise money for a meal delivery program facing rising costs.
The event will feature the Salt River Band and run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gary Cunningham Event Center, 202 E. Moore St. Organizers say the fundraiser is meant to help close a growing funding gap for homebound residents in Kirksville and La Plata.
Executive director Teresa Ross said demand for free meal delivery has increased while costs have outpaced projections.
“There is a high need for our free meal delivery service,” Ross said. “Expenses have been exceeding projections.”
The organization, which has operated since 1973, provides services aimed at helping seniors remain in their homes.
The Salt River Band, a four-piece group formed in 2024, will perform traditional bluegrass and old-time string music. Based in Kirksville, the band includes guitar, bass, banjo and violin and has been active on the regional festival circuit.
Admission is $10 at the door. A raffle for an AXIS 2 Pro rifle, donated by TNT Guns in Kirksville, will be held during the event. Tickets are $20 each or seven for $100 and are available at the Senior Center, 2815 N. Baltimore St.
Concessions will be offered for a free-will donation. Door prizes include $50 meat bundles from Hy-Vee, dinner at the Pear Tree and Visa gift cards from the Gary Cunningham Event Center.
The venue is being donated for the event. NEMO Senior Citizen Services operates as a United Way agency and relies on federal funding, grants and local donations to serve residents age 60 and older.