BMI Announces Flood Relief Campaign

BMI has announced the creation of a two-part campaign designed to help fuel rebuilding efforts after the historic flood that devastated Middle Tennessee last month. The initiative was unveiled by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville Jody Williams during Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s all-star Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery, held June 22 at Bridgestone Arena in Music City. BMI operates on a non-profit basis, representing more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, many of whom live and work in Middle Tennessee.

BMI’s campaign is twofold. The company, along with its Nashville-based subsidiary Landmark Digital Services, has partnered with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to create the BMI Flood Relief Fund, a donation-matching program within which BMI will match up to $50,000 of contributions from individuals and businesses. BMI has also donated an additional $50,000 to the Community Foundation to assist with the organization’s immediate recovery work.

“All of us at BMI realize what a privilege it is to live here and be part of this community,” says Williams. “Everybody here knows somebody who was devastated by the flood. Nashville has friends all over the world, and the match program has been designed so that anyone can contribute, from anywhere.”

Donations to the BMI Flood Relief Fund are being accepted through July 31, 2010, and may be made through www.bmi.com or the Community Foundation’s website, www.cfmt.org. All contributions are fully tax-deductible and will be used to support the Community Foundation’s flood-recovery efforts throughout Middle Tennessee.

“As a central hub for the entire music industry, BMI has the unique ability and responsibility to connect people,” says Bryant. “The months directly following a disaster are crucial. Nashville is the lifeblood of so many of our songwriters, composers and music publishers, as well as our own employees. There is much left to be done, and BMI is committed to supporting the community every step of the way.”

Pictured at Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery are (l-r): BMI’s Del Bryant and Jody Williams, Community Foundation’s Ellen Lehman, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and entertainment reporter Nancy O’Dell.
Photo: Getty Images for Nashville Rising