Many West Virginians followed the success of Logan County native Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., throughout the sixth season of America’s Got Talent. After Murphy clinched the winning title on September 14, 2011, word passed through Charleston that Murphy would be doing a show at The Clay Center. The original show sold out so fast that 2 more shows were added. The second and third shows sold out in just hours. Susanne Coffield, Vice President of the Board of Directors, started to wonder if Charleston Montessori could somehow persuade Murphy to do a benefit for the school. She shared her idea with fellow board members. Everyone agreed, while it was a great idea, it was a real long shot. This is where Ben Salango, Board President and lawyer, came in. Ben discovered that Murphy’s agent was Bob Noone, a fellow trial lawyer from Logan County, West Virginia. Ben immediately contacted Noone, who said that Murphy would be interested in helping Charleston Montessori. Noone provided Ben with a list of dates from which to choose for the school’s event. Thanks to Ben, a long-shot idea went quickly to a sealed deal as Charleston Montessori was able to book and sign Murphy to perform at a benefit gala on March 17th, 2012, at the Charleston Marriott Pavilion.
