When country star Alan Jackson tips his white Stetson to the folks in his hometown of Newnan, Ga., they know he's the real thing.
"He worked right here as a waiter in the dining room," says Donald Sprayberry, owner of Sprayberry's Barbecue, a local landmark. "He always used to be as bashful and quiet as he is right now. That's no put on. He is a really fine boy. That's just his nature."
Jackson is headlining a benefit concert Saturday at Newnan High, where he and his wife, Denise, went to school. Proceeds will help build an emergency children's shelter.
Since December, $400,000 has been raised, much of it from donations, yard sales, fishing tournaments, even a haircut-a-thon. The shelter also received a $50,000 state grant and 5 acres from Temple Inland timber company.
The emergency shelter will be called Angel's House. It will offer 30- to 90-day emergency care in a 10-bed center. Plans to open tentatively are set for early 2002.
The Jacksons said they believe the name is fitting.
"We had no idea what name they'd chose," said Val Cranford, a high school friend who initially alerted them to the need for a shelter. "We needed an angel to anchor this project and it has been blessed all along."
Jackson remains modest.
"All I'm going to do is show up and sing."