Nashville Songwriters, World Vision Head To Dominican Republic

Global humanitarian organization World Vision continues to follow its mission of giving back to children, families and their communities worldwide.  This past month, World Vision sent a group of artists and songwriters to the Dominican Republic to give back and meet with families in need.
Participating artists and songwriters included Ella Mae Bowen, Russell Dickerson, Elenowen (The Voice), Melissa Fuller, Natalie Hemby (“White Liar,” “Only Prettier,” “Pontoon”), Molly Hunt, Luke Laird (“Downtown,” “Beat This Summer,” “Pontoon”) and Matt Wertz. Artists who have previously worked with World Vision include Sarah McLachlan, LoCash Cowboys, Scotty McCreery (American Idol), Gwen Sebastian (The Voice), Kris Allen (American Idol) and Patty Griffin.
The songwriters also had the chance to meet with the families in which their efforts would be helping. While in the Dominican Republic, the group traveled to a school in Santo Domingo where both the songwriters and the children performed music for each other. Each songwriter got to experience firsthand the work of World Vision and their impact on foreign communities.
“This special group of songwriters are not only incredibly talented artists, but people of strong character who want to do something beyond themselves,” said World Vision’s Mike Severson. “We were honored to have them journey with World Vision and look forward to collaborating with each of them in some way.”
The World Vision experience not only helps communities in need, but it also leaves songwriters with a sense of fulfillment from their journey.
“By taking this journey, World Vision has opened my eyes not only to the adversity, but also to the advocates,” said Country music songwriter Natalie Hemby. “World Vision is reaching through the cracks of humanity and planting hope throughout the World… One child, one family, one community, one country at a time.”
World Vision launched the annual event for Country music artists and songwriters to network with each other while helping a community in need. Plans are already underway for next year to return to the Dominican Republic.