2011 CMA Music Festival Good For Charities

 
The 2011 CMA Music Festival did more than just provide fans with the opportunity to see many of their favorite artists perform—it was also responsible for thousands of dollars being raised for various charities. “Ride for the Cure,” a bike race through downtown Nashville last weekend, raised money for the T.J. Martell Foundation, which supports research to find cures for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. The 450 riders who participated were treated to performances throughout the day, including Bo Bice, Eric Paslay, Dean Alexander, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, and Laura Bell Bundy, while GAC’s Storme Warren and WSIX’s Big D emceed the event. The day was a success, with riders and donations bringing in $70,000 for the foundation.
 
Martina McBride and Rodney Atkins also did their part to help those in need. McBride hosted the YWCA Celebrity Auction to raise money for the group and to raise awareness about domestic violence. The highest bid of the day was $27,000 dollars for the black dress McBride wore when she sang at the re-opening of the Grand Ole Opry after last year’s flooding. Other notable items were the 1980s style outfit McBride wore in her Teenage Daughter video, which went for $1,500, a Garth Brooks autographed guitar for $10,000, and $2,500 for a top hat from Big Kenny, who participated as a guest auctioneer at the event. In total, the auction brought in over $153,000, and afterward Martina said, "I am always amazed at the big hearts of country music fans. Even in these tough economic times, they realize there is a need to help these women and children who have taken the first step toward getting out of a bad situation and are starting their life over. Their compassion and generosity inspire me."
 
Rodney Atkins contributed to the charitable atmosphere by headlining the first annual “Music City Gives Back” concert to raise money for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Fans enjoyed the music of this award-winning country favorite while over $90,000 in gifts, sponsorship dollars, and donations were brought in for a great cause.  Atkins states, “This concert was built out of a labor of commitment to give back to those in need after the devastating natural disasters that have recently wrecked havoc on so many people’s lives. We are thrilled to be able to have given fans an opportunity to enjoy a great night of music and to donate items and money to those in need.”