B.J. Thomas performance to benefit RMH

The Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo will present musical artist B.J. Thomas in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the University at Buffalo Performing Arts Center, 103 Center For The Arts, on the North Campus.

The holiday benefit is the first of its kind in the Buffalo area and is being organized by Buffalo area McDonald's owner/operator Rico Francani.

"This is an opportunity for families to enjoy holiday entertainment while contributing to a well-deserving cause," Francani said. "It is an occasion to give back to an organization of which giving is the foundation."

Proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo due to major sponsorships of local businesses and organizations, including: Derico of East Amherst Corp.; Buffalo Operators McDonald's Association of Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania; Computer Discount Center; Payroll Proce$$Ing LLC; Schunk, Wilson & Company; and Cappellino's Towne Buick, Saab, Hummer of Buffalo and Niagara Nissan.

Founded in 1983, the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo provides a "home away from home" for families of ill or injured children receiving treatment at Buffalo area hospitals.

The House provides a haven for families to eat, sleep and spend time together while coping with the life-changing events that illness can bring. It has 15 bedrooms and accommodations

"With the support of McDonald's licensee Rico Francani and the Derico of East Amherst employees, our goal is to create awareness for the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo through a very special holiday celebration, featuring one of the most respected voices in America," said Sally Vincent, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House.

Thomas has been a mainstay on the music circuit for the past 40 years. He has 15 Top 40 pop hits, 10 Top 40 country hits, five Grammys, two Dove Awards, and 15 gold and platinum records to his credit.

Tickets are $31-$39 and are available at the UB Center for the Arts Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.

From 1968 he found success with the hit "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" and in 2007, he released "Love To Burn," a culmination of wide-ranging styles that influenced his career.

For more information on Thomas, visit his Web site at www.bjthomas.com.

For more information on the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo, visit the Web site online at www. rmhbuffalo. org.