Pedigree Brand pet products is teaming up with reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood to rally dog lovers nationwide. With Pedigree’s belief that all dogs deserve a loving home and Underwood’s outstanding advocacy for adoptable dogs, Pedigree is serving as a sponsor of Underwood’s Play On Tour, offering an ideal way to highlight the cause that’s close to Underwood’s heart: dog adoption.

“I can’t imagine life without my dog, Ace,” said Underwood. “I’ve had a passion for animals my entire life. They’re such sweet and gentle souls that love you just because you love them back. That’s why I’m really excited about the opportunity to partner with The Pedrigee Adoption Drive to help get other people involved in this important cause. Showing your support is easy, just become a fan, help a dog.”

Every year nearly four million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations, and Pedigree is launching its sixth annual Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs in America. The program focuses on helping dogs in need through a variety of efforts that help generate awareness, food and funding.

Dog lovers who want to do their part to help can become a fan of The Pedigree Adoption Drive on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pedigree). For each new fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to help feed shelter dogs nationwide. While on the Facebook page, dog lovers can also show their support by donating money to help find dogs loving homes, a portion of which will be matched by Pedigree up to $500,000. All donations go to The Pedigree Foundation, a non-profit, organization benefiting animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide.

Songplugger’s collective Chicks with Hits is raising money for some very worthy causes by doing what they do best — pitching songs. On Tuesday, February 23 at BMI The Chicks will be pitching songs every 15 minutes to producers, artists and labels.

Confirmed participants include artist Heidi Newfield, Big Machine’s Allison Jones; Capitol Nashville’s Autumn House, who will be bringing new EMI artist Troy Olsen; Carole Ann Mobley from Warner Bros.; and producers Frank Liddell, Michael Knox, Blake Chancey and Doug Johnson. All will be coming to hear songs and participate in the fundraiser. If they pass on a song, they will donate ten dollars. When they put a song on hold, the Chicks with Hits will donate $10.

The unique event will raise money for Breast Cancer, MS and Miller Harris Asthma Camp. Sign up for your slot today by calling Ree Guyer at 830-7297 or by emailing ReeGB@aol.com

The Nashville Public Schools Hall of Fame is gettting ready to induct six new members, including former CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and country star/CMA board member Kix Brooks. Genovese and Brooks were “instrumental” in the generous donations to the Nashville Alliance for Public Education through the CMA’s “Keep The Music Playing” program. The pair will receive the 2010 Distinguished Service Awards.

To date, the CMA donations, generated through the CMA Music Festival, have provided over $2,245,000 for new musical instruments replacing instruments for the first time in 20 years, supporting more than 41 Metro public schools.

Also being honored, with 2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards are Keith B. Churchwell, M.D., nationally renowned cardiologist, McGavock High School, 1979; Richard H. Fulton, former Congressman and Nashville Mayor, East High School, 1945; R. Milton Johnson, Executive Vice President/CFO of HCA, Stratford High School, 1974; and Walter G. Knestrick, founder of Knestrick Construction, Hillsboro High School, 1955.
The event will take place Tuesday, March 2 at 6 PM at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. To included in the printed program, attendees must RSVP by February 11. For ticket information click here or call the Alliance at 615-783-2810.

MusiCares, established by NARAS in 1989 to help musicians in need, will hold a benefit show on Tuesday, March 9 at the Listening Room in Nashville’s Cummins Station. The show will run from 6 PM to 10 PM with an admission charge of $10.

The event will present a lineup of four one-hour songwriter rounds, with currently confirmed songwriters including Wynn Varble, Ashley Gorley, Billy Dean, Benita Hill, Chas Sandford, Lisa Carver and the Nashville Songbirds (Kirsti Manna, Bridgette Tatum, Julie Forester and Lorna Flowers). Additional  artists are still to be confirmed.

The evening will also include a silent auction and raffle prizes. Anyone wishing to donate auction items (signed T-shirts, jackets, ball caps, CDs, lyrics, guitars, etc) should email Lorna Flowers at lornaflowers@comcast.net or Kirsti Manna at kirstimannasongs@comcast.net.