By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — A Trussville father is hosting a fundraiser in the name of his son, who has Down syndrome. It’s called Rob Langford’s Sing-a-Thon and the event will be at Slagheap Brewery on Sept. 26.
Langford, who is an Elvis impersonator, is using his talent to benefit Down Syndrome Alabama. He will sing any song for a donation.
“It’s kind of risky as a musician to say I’ll sing anything,” said Langford. “I’ve actually sung Katy Perry, Madonna songs, everything from Roy Orbison to Conway Twitty. I’m like a walking jukebox. I’ll sing anything.”
In years past, Langford has held the fundraiser on Facebook live only. This year, he is thankful to have community support that has allowed him to have a venue to host the sing-a-thon.
Langford’s inspiration is his 7-year-old son, Zack, who is a student at Magnolia Elementary School.
“We have been very grateful for the city of Trussville and what the school system has done for our son,” said Langford. “Especially Ms. Dykes, his main teacher. He has an excellent support system at Magnolia and they have been outstanding.”
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the sing-a-thon is in conjunction with the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in Hoover’s Veterans Park. The walk also raises funds for Down Syndrome Alabama, a non-profit that is dear to the Langford’s.
“Down Syndrome Alabama has made a difference in our lives, they’ve made a difference in a lot of parents’ lives … they provide support, education, awareness and their goal is to foster relationships in the Downs Syndrome community,” said Langford.
Downs Syndrome Alabama strives to provide lifelong support for families and individuals.
“People with Down Syndrome are going to college, they’re getting married, they’re having kids, they’re doing amazing things and they’re the sweetest people you’ll ever meet and a lot of times people take advantage of them. Raising awareness helps educate people about that,” said Langford.
If you’re unable to go to the live show, you can participate through Facebook. Langford will stream the event online and people in the audience will be able to read the real-time comments on a projector.
“I’m setting myself up with that, but it’s all for a good cause,” said Langford.
Any donation amount will be accepted and is appreciated.
The event will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and special guests include Steve Campbell and Terry Turner, who also work as celebrity impersonators.
