A benefit concert, "Gift for a Life Celebration," will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at Temple Theatre in Sanford, in honor of the 20th anniversary of Janet McCormick Harrington's liver transplant anniversary.

Harrington was born and raised in rural Broadway in Harnett County. She is a 1957 graduate of Boone Trail High School and member of Mount Pisgah Presbyterian Church, where she has been singing in the choir since she was 12 years old. Before her transplant, she worked for many years as a secretary in Sanford for Freedom Construction Company, then Cooper Oil Company.

In 1989, Janet was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis. The only cure was a liver transplant. She received the gift of life at Duke University Medical Center in July 1991.

The Blair Dougher Band will perform and a portion of ticket sales will benefit Carolina Donor Services' education and outreach program.

Dougher, a Raleigh native, is a talented up-and-coming vocalist who sings a mixture of pop, country and contemporary Christian music.

"Carolina Donor Services is the federally designated organ procurement organization serving 7 million people in 78 counties of North Carolina and Danville, Va.," says a spokesman. "Our service area includes 107 hospitals and four transplant centers that perform heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and intestine transplants. Carolina Donor Services maximizes the passing of the heroic gift of life from one human being to another through organ and tissue donation."

Tickets are $12. Temple Theatre is located at 120 Carthage St., Sanford. Call (919) 774-4155 or visit www.templeshows.com.