Benefit News

Kenny Chesney Raises Awareness For Everglades Foundation
On February 18 Kenny Chesney performed for the Everglades Foundation benefit in Palm Beach, Fla. Chesney’s friend and Foundation Board member Jimmy Buffet joined him on stage for “Back Where I Come From” and one of Buffett’s signature songs, “Come Monday.” Mac McAnally joined Chesney on “Down The Road.”

The Everglades Foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems, providing economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. For more information, visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

Lady Antebellum Headlines Gift of Music Event
Just 5 days after their 5 Grammy sweep, Lady Antebellum headlined the Dustin J. Wells Foundation Gift of Music event benefitting Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, a nonprofit school that provides music lessons and instruments to children from low-income families. Joining Lady A were Dierks Bentley, Heidi Newfield, Joey + Rory, LoCash Cowboys, Brett Eldredge and a student band from the school.

Photo: Fred Pierson

Carrie Underwood Presents Check to Save The Children
Carrie Underwood presented Mark Shriver, Sr. Vice President of U.S. Programs for Save the Children, a check from proceeds collected through ticket sales from the 2010 fall leg of her Play On Tour. From every ticket sold during the September to December 2010 run of shows, 36¢ was donated to Save The Children’s U.S. Programs, a donation totaling $140,125.68.

This charitable initiative was inspired by the “36 cents” written in the lyrics of Underwood’s album track “Change” on her most recent album Play On, which addresses how even the smallest bit of spare change that one might have can add up to make a difference and help “change” the world.

Photo: Chris Hallo

2011 Chords of Hope
Clay Walker will return to Nashville Wednesday, March 2 to host the second annual Chords of Hope: The Clay Walker MS Benefit Concert at the Wildhorse Saloon. The concert, presented by 98 WSIX and produced by Clay’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS), will help raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) research with proceeds going to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tickets for the concert, being held during the National MS Education and Awareness Month, are on sale now through the Wildhorse Saloon. To learn more about Clay Walker and BAMS, visit www.claywalker.com and www.bandagainstms.org.

Braswell Performs Benefit Concert for Rescue Mission
Recording artist and Flat Track Motorcycle Champion, Beau Braswell, will perform Monday, February 28 at 8:00pm at 3rd & Lindsley to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. Braswell is a six-time AMA National Champion and a two-time AMRA World Motorcycle Champion. Braswell is also a singer/songwriter and grew up right here in Nashville. He released his first CD Time To Ride through Harley-Davidson® stores nationwide and his newest project will be released later this summer.

Music City Tennis Invitational
The 38th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational will be held Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 at Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center at Vanderbilt University. MCTI is the only fundraising event that directly benefits the Center for Child Development at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. MCTI provides essential funding for the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with disabilities and their families. To register online or for more information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities visit the organization’s website www.musiccitytennis.com.

Lambert’s Cause For The Paws
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation will host the 4th annual Cause For The Paws on April 30 in downtown Tyler, Texas. This year’s event will be a “festival on the square” featuring Lambert and special guests Stoney Larue,  Josh Kelley and host Nan Kelley. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information, visit www.mirandalambert.com or MuttNation’s website www.muttnationfoundation.com

Craig Campbell Brings Music to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
Craig Campbell recently participated in a Rhythm of Hope songwriting session with patients at the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Rhythm of Hope is an interactive music program for pediatric patients that gives children a chance to create their own music while learning the art of songwriting. After visiting with the patients, Campbell and the children performed the song they wrote together.