Braswell Concert to Benefit SA Homeless

January 6, 2009 ·Don Braswell is a Julliard trained opera singer who lost his voice in a traffic accident, but later regained it. He went on America's Got Talent, became a sensation and now feels the need to use his voice to do more than entertain.

“For this second time around, it won’t be about me as an artist. It’s going to be about what I can do with the gift that I’ve been given this second time in my life, and how I can use that gift, not to just improve the life of my family, but to improve the lives of other families everywhere,” Braswell said at a press conference held at the SAMMinistries family transitional housing facility.

Braswell along with his family will hold a fundraising concert that will benefit SAMMinistries, an interfaith program that helps the homeless.

The concert is called “Love Can Build a Bridge” and will feature inspirational music.

Navarra Williams is the president and CEO of SAMMinistries. He said Braswell’s support comes at a critical time for the organization. Williams says the economic downturn is forcing more people out into the streets. 

“Last year, from 2007 to 2008, when we did the point in time count, homelessness increased by 80 percent in San Antonio.” 

Williams added that the SAMM Shelter will be moving to the new Haven for Hope campus, a move that will increase the operating expenses for the nonprofit. 

The Braswell concert will be Sunday Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo. Tickets are available online at the SAMM Ministries website.