New York music scene writer Jim Bessman offered this excellent coverage of Bill Carter and the Helping Hands Foundation.
“Next month’s third annual Rector High School (RHS) Helping Hands Foundation benefit concert continues a remarkable endeavor by a pair of successful natives of the tiny town of Rector, Arkansas, whose goal of giving back to their community has enlisted support from the likes of top bluegrass and gospel artists and even legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and John Mellencamp.
Headlining the Aug. 5 show are gospel music stars Mark Lowry and Jason Crabb and stellar bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent. Staging the event is Nashville-based Bill Carter, who grew up in Rector and went on to a stint as a Secret Service agent prior to serving as attorney for the Rolling Stones, manager for Reba McEntire and other country artists, and producer of Southern gospel great Bill Gaither’s Homecoming programming.
Carter co-founded the RHS Helping Hands Foundation in 2006 with retired U.S. Army General George Barker, now of New York. Both are 1953 RHS graduates, and shared the desire to do something for their hometown.”