Abingdon, VA — When Barter Theatre learned about the house fire and tragic loss of Rita Forrester the company knew something had to be done. Through the years Barter Theatre company members and staff developed relationships with Rita Forrester, director of The Carter Family Fold. Now, in this time of need, Barter asks the community to come together and support the recently widowed friend who has lost her home and everything inside including two cars.

All proceeds from the 7:45 p.m. performance of WMKS: Christmas 1942 on December 23rd will go directly to Rita Forrester and her family. “If the 7:45 p.m. performance sells out, patrons may choose to have the ticket prices for the 2 p.m. show donated to the Forrester family as well,” said Barter’s producing artistic director on Wednesday morning. When Rose appeared on the WCYB Noon Show on Wednesday, he said he expected the 7:45 performance to sell out quickly. The Barter Theatre development department will also accept donations and be on hand to accept donations at the door the night of the Forrester Benefit Performance. There is also a concert being planned by Tim White and a relief fund set up for the Forresters by the Gate City BB&T Bank.

Early Sunday morning (December 6, 2009) the Scott county fire department responded to a fire near the Carter Family Fold. The Forrester’s home once stood within sight of the venue honoring The Carter Family, A.P., Janette and Sara. The devastating fire destroyed the entire home, everything in it, two cars and was responsible for the death of Rita’s husband, Bob Forrester, age 61. Rita Forrester is the daughter of the late Janette Carter. Janette passed away in 2006.

For more information about donating funds for the Forrester family, please call Mary Anne Holbrook at 276.619.3303 or email dirofdevelopment@bartertheatre.com. To purchase tickets to the Forrester Benefit Performance, call 276.628.3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com.

Links

Barter Theatre
Carter Family Fold

– From The Crooked Road