Neal McCoy performs at the 2022 Floyd County Friends Benefit Gala (FCR photo)
MUNCY, TX – “I’m coming back next year!” proclaimed country entertainer Neal McCoy Saturday night at the 28th Annual Floyd County Friends Benefit Gala. The 63-year old worked the stage like a young man, commanding a presence like that of a superstar, but also engaging one-on-one with members of the community.
McCoy made his mark on country radio in the mid-90s with chart-toppers like “Wink” and “No Doubt About It”, which found their way into the song list for the event. He also belted out hits from Michael Jackson (“Man In The Mirror”), Donna Summer (“Last Dance”), Bruno Mars (“Uptown Funk”), Charlie Pride (“Kiss An Angel Good Mornin”), and a jaw-dropping rendition of “How Great Thou Art”.
Segayle Foster, with the Floyd County Friends, told the Floyd County Record that the evening’s attendance was 600 and between ticket/table sales, donations, live and silent auctions, and a raffle, the group netted $60,000.
The raffle’s $10,000 grand prize winner was Garrett Mathis, followed by R.D. Dolson who won $3,000. Glen Graves won $2,500; Calvin Kidwell won $2,000. Lindan Morris won $1,500 and Brooke Forbes walked away with the $1,000 prize.
The Floyd County Unity Center is the reason the Floyd County Friends organization was formed in the mid-90s, to build and maintain a multipurpose facility for Lockney and Floydada. The Unity Center operates with no debt and at no cost to taxpayers.
Foster admits that the organizers originally scheduled McCoy for the event in 2020, but lost the concert along with the Gala due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Then, in 2021 the two parties couldn’t find a date that was mutually available. So this year’s event was a special one for the Lockney native. As for the 2023 event, she says details will be determined during the Fall.
