Industry Ink: Warner/Chappell, CTM Writer’s INK, T.J. Martell Foundation, SSM Nashville

The T.J. Martell Foundation Young Professionals Council raised more than $90,000 for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at the second annual Downtown Derby Bed Race, held in Nashville on Saturday, May 6. Twenty teams participated in a race up 5th Avenue to Bridgestone Plaza from companies such as APA, CAA, UTA, WME, Warner Music Nashville, Opry Entertainment, Margaritaville, Tin Roof, Jim ‘N Nicks, Omni Hotel, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and more. Team APA won the race with a record-setting time for the second year in a row. Awards were also presented for “Best Decorated,” “Best in Spirit” and The “Shining Star” award, presented to the individual who raised the most money through online fundraising.

“The T.J. Martell Foundation Young Professionals sought to build upon the scope, enthusiasm, and fundraising of our inaugural Downtown Derby Bed Race last year, and I’m proud to say that we succeeded beyond our own expectations,” said Justin Cahill, co-chair of the Young Professionals Council. “This year’s event raised over $90,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation, and we experienced the full embrace of the Nashville community. This felt like the year that the Downtown Derby established itself as an exciting and unique event in the growing Nashville landscape, and we can’t wait to come back with more in 2018.”

Co-chair Nick Garvin added, “We are so thankful for all of the sponsors and teams who helped us surpass last year’s fundraising total. Every member of our board takes great honor in playing our part with the T.J. Martell Foundation’s vision to Put Cancer To Bed.”