Jimmie Allen concert raises funds for Mariner Middle

The Jimmie Allen concert raised $10,000 for Mariner Middle School, and Allen added $10,000 more to the PTO. Shown (l-r) are Cindy Issel, Highway One comptroller; Jessica Tyndall, MMS PTO president; Meggin Holtzclaw, Rusty Rudder general manager; Amy Draper, MMS PTO secretary; Mia Scott, MMS student, Mary Stuart, MMS PTO vice president; and Jimmie Allen. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

December 18, 2021

Country Music Association New Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen loves his hometown area and returns as much as he can to perform for the local crowd. This year’s Dec. 17-18 Christmas week concerts at the Rusty Rudder benefits the Mariner Middle School PTO. The tickets for the events were sold out in seven minutes.

Friday night he performed in front of an all ages packed house of students and grown ups alike. Saturday’s performance was for the 21 and older crowd.

The show raised $10,000 for Mariner Middle School PTO. The PTO presented Allen with a Cape Henlopen Vikings basketball jersey with his name and the number he wore when he played in 2003. He said he is so honored by the gesture, he is donating an additional $10,000.

“This past year, we reformed and restarted the PTO at Mariner,” said PTO president Jessica Tyndall. “We started with nothing and feel so grateful to be the recipients of this donation. This money will help with the 7th & 8th grade field trips; purchase additional classroom supplies; extend lesson plans; help with student social initiatives and will allow us to empower our hardworking staff to leverage their gift of teaching for many years to come.”

“The last two nights were amazing,” said the country music star. “It felt great to be able to give back to a community I love.”

This has been a monumental year for the 2004 Cape grad. He performed on Dancing with the Stars, received the 2021 CMA New Artist of the Year, Academy of Country Music New Male Artist of the Year, performed on the CMA Country Christmas, published his book “My Voice Is a Trumpet”, as well as recording, performing many concerts and other television appearances.

The rigorous schedule has taken a toll on Allen as he was late to his Saturday’s performance due to suffering from exhaustion. His body shut down and he needed an IV under doctors care to rebound, but his performance didn’t show it as his high energy, great voice and his band’s musical talent had the crowd on their feet and singing along to his country hits.

“I love giving back to my community,” Allen said. I can’t wait to get back this coming summer for the second Bettie James Fest and perform next year to raise money for another local school. I love y’all Happy Holidays.”

You can see Allen perform in the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day parade Christmas morning on ABC.