Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the nationwide music fundraiser Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® proudly announced this week that it has reached an extraordinary milestone: one billion dollars raised since 1989 to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.
The announcement was made at the program’s annual gathering, featuring performances by Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, and Megan Moroney in tribute to this remarkable achievement by the country music community.
Since its inception, Country Cares has generated funds through numerous initiatives like radiothons, the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign, and benefit events and concerts.
These efforts directly support St. Jude's ongoing work and mission, which requires close to two billion dollars annually to sustain and expand its vital programs.
“The country music community's achievements through Country Cares are truly inspiring," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"We are profoundly grateful for Randy Owen’s passion and commitment, ignited by our founder Danny Thomas, which has rallied artists, radio stations, and fans for over three decades.
Together, they have reached new heights, making this one of our most significant fundraising programs.” Shadyac added, “This is the power of country music and its fans: they motivate us all to support one another and to live charitably.
"Thanks to this incredible community, St. Jude families will never receive a bill, allowing them to focus on their child’s journey to recovery.”
As part of this celebration, a studio on the St. Jude campus has been dedicated in honor of Randy Owen and his wife, Kelly. Owen, a founding member of Alabama, helped establish Country Cares in 1989 and created the Angels Among Us award, which honors country music professionals for their dedication to the cause.
“We are deeply honoured by this studio dedication,” said Randy and Kelly Owen. “For 35 years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing St. Jude’s story with the world and seeing firsthand the impact of our work when meeting patients and their families. We are grateful to be part of this incredible mission.”
This year’s Angels Among Us award recipient, Old Dominion, joined previous honorees including Randy Owen, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Lady A, Jake Owen, and Brad Paisley.
As one of the leading music fundraising programs in the U.S., Music Gives to St. Jude Kids® has partnered with more than 350 radio stations and music industry leaders.
Each year, the country music industry rallies to raise over 70 million dollars, helping St. Jude treat children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Comments