Share America Foundation Chooses Fiddler For Scholarship

The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its third 2014 scholarship winner at the Ringgold Depot, fiddler Emerald Butler of Sale Creek. 

The Sacred Sounds Fridays events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarship honors students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts. 

"I feel extremely blessed, and I am very thankful for this scholarship" said ms. Butler. "I think it is fantastic that I can receive a scholarship because of my music, and for my music." 

Ms. Butler is currently attending Chattanooga State.  

“We were honored to present $500 to assist her as she pursues her college studies,” said Share America Chairman Gary Knowles. 

Ms. Butler plans to study Music Business at MTSU once she finishes all of the general requirements at Chattanooga State.

"My plan is make a living making music and entertaining," said Ms. Butler.  "I want to record, tour, act, etc. I want to do it all.  I have been told before to go to college and get a real job, or to do something other than music. I've been told that it is really hard to make a living out of playing music, but everyday I listen to someone who does on the radio. I believe that I have a God given talent, and that entertaining is what I'm meant to do. I may or may not make it, but I'm at least going to try." 

Ms. Butler is the daughter of Daric and Karen Butler of Sale Creek.  She is the granddaughter of Dalton and the late June Butler of Soddy Daisy and of Charles and Olena Hudson of Brayton, Tenn.

For more information, visit emeraldfiddler.webs.com or on Facebook. 

“Emerald shows terrific ability as a fiddler and shares a wonderful rapport with the audience,” said Mr. Franks, Share America president. "I know her many talents will assist her in finding many great doors open for her as she entertains throughout her life."  

Share America Foundation Board members include Mr. Franks, Mr. Knowles, Jimmy Terrell, vice chairman; James Pelt, secretary; and Jerry Robinson, Sr., vice president; and Adam Cathey. 

The next Sacred Sounds Fridays is Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot featuring Southern Gospel Music Hall of Famer Archie Watkins. Admission is a $5 donation. Mr. Franks will host the event. 

For more information about the organization and its programs, contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.shareamericafoundation.org.