Published: April 25, 2008 10:20 pm      

Former ‘Idol’ singer to attend fundraiser, track meet

After voting for him on TV’s “American Idol,” southern West Virginians will have two opportunities to meet former contestant Robbie Carrico in person when the Beckley native visits the area this weekend.

Carrico, who bested thousands of contestants on his way to advancing to the popular show’s top 24 singers, will attend a fundraiser Sunday for 23-year-old Leslie Spencer, a Mullens resident in need of a liver transplant.

The event, sponsored by John Eye Big Sandy Superstore and WCIR, will include a cookout with hot dogs and soft drinks, as well as an autograph-signing session.

Both the food and autographed photos are available for a donation.

“It’s a good way to help somebody here in the community that you wouldn’t normally help or know,” WCIR on-air personality Kathy St. John said, adding, “And you get to meet an American idol.”

The fundraiser will take place 1 to 3 p.m. in the John Eye parking lot.

At 8 a.m. Monday, Carrico will be featured on WCIR, at which time he will debut three new songs.



Also Monday, Carrico will sing the national anthem at the start of the Shady Spring Healing Springs Invitational track meet at Shady Spring High School.

The middle school track meet will include 11 schools with more than 600 athletes participating.

Carrico will also sign autographs at the event with all proceeds going to the Shady Spring Middle School athletic department.

Tim Carrico, Shady middle teacher, boys’ track coach and Robbie Carrico’s uncle, said he hopes to see a big crowd at the event.

“We like to see the public come out and support the local athletes as well as to support Robbie and the different causes he’s trying to help out,” he said. “Come out and support a local artist who has been in the national spotlight.”

Admission for the meet, which begins at 4 p.m., is $4 for adults and $3 for students.

— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com