Rimes Joins ACM Lifting Lives in Chicago

LeAnn Rimes performs at ACM Lifting Lives at Joe’s Bar. Photo: Jeff Dykhuis/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives recently hosted its first-ever standalone benefit concert, giving away $75,000 in gifts to Chicago-based charities in line with its mission of improving lives through the power of music.

Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes headlined the sold-out event, which took place at a ACM  Nightclub of the Year winner Joe’s Bar Chicago and raised more than $11,000. The venue provided food and drinks for all ticket buyers, and Joe’s Bar owner Ed Warm helmed the event. Singer/songwriter and American Idol runner up Crystal Bowersox also performed.

“The generosity that Ed Warm has shown to ACM Lifting Lives is unparalleled,” said Gayle Holcomb, Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives. “He took a small idea and turned it into a very successful first-ever club event for charity, which in turn benefits so many worthy organizations.”

“As someone whose life revolves around the music industry, I am honored to help support ACM Lifting Lives in their efforts to improve lives through the power of music,” said Warm. “The night was very special for everyone who attended and we can’t thank LeAnn and Crystal enough.”

The following Chicago-based philanthropies were recognized by ACM Lifting Lives and awarded with funding:

• Chicago Children’s Choir, a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, received a grant of $10,000.
• Merit School of Music, a non-profit community music school providing education to 6,000 children, received a grant of $20,000
• Ravinia Festival, which works to ensure schoolchildren benefit from music education, received a grant of $25,000
• Snow City Arts, which provides hospitalized children with art and music education, received a grant of $25,000