« on: June 07, 2013, 05:22:09 PM »
http://www.theplainsman.com/view/full_story/22752075/article--Duck-Dynasty--stars-heading-from-the-swamp-to-The-Plains?instance=home_news_1st_right Si Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" are scheduled to appear at the Auburn Arena Aug. 24 for a fundraiser called "Characters of Character." Proceeds will go to Youth First as well as Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras.
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Silas “Uncle Si†Robertson, a star of A&E’s hit reality series “Duck Dynasty,†will be one of several celebrities at an upcoming fundraising event at the Auburn Arena.
Si will be joined by his oldest nephew, Alan, at the first “Characters of Character†event taking place August 24 at the Auburn Arena 7-9 p.m.
The Robertsons are two of several celebrities invited to take part in the event, which will benefit local outreach organizations such as Youth First and Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras.
Youth First director Kevin Flannagan said the organization recently received confirmation from the Robertsons after several months of negotiation.
“When they were looking at our offer for this event, they were looking at 100 other offers as well,†Flannagan said. “We had to show that we were serious about wanting them to be a part of this.â€
Youth First could not confirm any additional celebrities for the event at this time, but the staff was recruiting former professional athletes, Nashville recording artists and comedians to join the Robertsons.
Flannagan and his staff wanted the Robertsons to headline the event because they felt the Robertsons embodied the event’s title.
“These guys are men of character, and they’re also real characters—they’re fun folks, and people really enjoy watching their show,†Flannagan said. “Their style may be a little off-kilter, but they work hard and love their families. They bring the character qualities we want to communicate to those in attendance.â€
“Duck Dynasty†follows the lives of the Robertson family, which runs multimillion-dollar duck call company Duck Commander in West Monroe, La.
While Alan will become a full cast member of the show in the upcoming season, Si has already established himself as a “cult celebrity†since the series premiere in March 2012. A Vietnam War veteran, Si is known for his ever-present blue cup and wild storytelling.
The show’s third season finale, aired April 24, was the highest-rated telecast in A&E history with 9.6 million viewers.
The Robertsons’ name value alone resulted in more than 1,000 tickets sold in the first week of sales. The event was not official until the Robertsons’ confirmation. Although there has not been much promotion yet, the response from the community has been remarkable for Youth First’s staff.
While the event will be held on Auburn’s campus, Flannagan stressed the event will be for all ages.
“It’s the kind of thing the whole family can come to,†Flannagan said.
General tickets for the event are $25, and passes for a special backstage meet and greet with the celebrities are $250. Both types can be purchased at youth-first.org or by contacting the Youth First office at (334) 501-5637.
Read more: The Auburn Plainsman - Duck Dynasty stars heading from the swamp to The Plains