SOLID Presents CMA Foundation With Large Check

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Pictured (L-R): Victoria Rutledge, CMA Director, Major Gifts; Lindsey Jones Morrison, CMA Community Engagement Manager; Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director/CMA SVP of Industry Relations and Philanthropy; SOLID’s Music Market Chairs Jenny Methling, Lizzy Stone & Colin McKay. Photo: Drew Noble (CMA)

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) recently delivered a check to the CMA Foundation for $37,900, setting a new benchmark for SOLID as it was the largest contribution to the CMA Foundation in the organization’s 26-year history.

The funds were raised via the SOLID’s Backstage Auction at CMA Fest, which sets up shop during the festival where attendees can bid on items from country superstars. This year marked the first time that the Backstage Auction was both onsite and online via Better World. The web-based online auction portal allowed fans the convenience of staying up-to-date on their favorite items without having to make return visits to the exhibition.

“We are truly grateful for SOLID’s continued partnership during CMA Fest, and this year is further proof of our shared commitment in supporting music education programs throughout the United States,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “We often say it takes a village, and thanks to the generosity of not only our industry but our fans, we have the opportunity to positively impact students, teachers and communities across the country.”

“The Backstage Auction establishes the financial backbone of our organization,” says SOLID President Erin Pettit. “In 2018, it was elevated to the auction inside CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X and this year, the event chairs took it to a whole new level by establishing a multi-year partnership with the CMA Foundation and adding an online element for more inclusion and participation for the festival’s fans. We love to see return patrons visiting each year and welcome the new fans who are always interested in the uniquely curated collection of items and experiences up for bid.”

The backstage auction was coordinated and executed under the direction of the 2023 SOLID Music Market Chairs Jenny Methling (615 Leverage + Strategy), Lizzy Stone (Wiles + Taylor & Co.) and Colin McKay (Clair Global).

Pettit says, “I’m incredibly proud of the innovation and determination of our Music Market Chairs, Jenny, Lizzy and Colin for executing such a monumental event and raising an unprecedented donation for the foundation. Thank you to all of the members that volunteered their time and to the music community for donating items and resources to set this new record. The partnership with the CMA Foundation is one that truly is life changing for our organization and we look forward to continuing this relationship supporting one another for years to come.”

The 2023 partnership with the CMA Foundation also brought the Backstage Auction to ticket holders at Nissan Stadium each night via a video anchored by Thomas Rhett airing in rotation on the side stage screens.

“We are so thrilled with the support that both the CMA and CMA Foundation offered as part of our multi-year partnership,” says Methling. “Much of this year’s success can be attributed to the mass promotion in newsletters, social channels, the CMA Fest website and mobile app in addition to the stadium. We are excited to have a blueprint for successful auction events for the next few years and look forward to continuing SOLID’s support of the CMA Foundation.”

LB Cantrell
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