Kenny Chesney has confirmed that his scheduled concert on May 25th in Tuscaloosa, AL will go on as planned and that Chesney's fees, as well as those of his management and booking representatives, will be donated to GiveTuscaloosa.com, a clearinghouse for local charities and social services founded specifically to address the devastating tornado that ravaged the city on April 27th.
According to Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, "Thanks to the resilience and compassion of our community, the City of Tuscaloosa is in the process of healing. On this road to recovery, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater plans to host Kenny Chesney on May 25th as scheduled. As we respond to one of the worst natural disasters in our state's history, we refuse to let April 27th define our future and hosting Kenny Chesney is another step forward to a new tomorrow. On behalf of the City of Tuscaloosa, I want to thank Kenny and his team for their generosity and compassion. It is the kindness of others that will carry us through as we rebuild Tuscaloosa."
Chesney, whose 2011 'Goin' Coastal' Tour marks his return to the US stage after taking last year off, considered postponing the date, but was convinced by Mayor Maddox that the concert would be tremendously positive to the community, both emotionally and as a fundraising boon.
"When we first heard about this tragedy we were stunned, as we have so many fans in the area and have enjoyed every visit that we've made there over the years," Chesney said. "But Mayor Maddox convinced us that this is a great opportunity to bring the people of Tuscaloosa together in a positive way, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help them in this way."
About GiveTuscaloosa.com:
In cooperation with the City of Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund has been established by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. The fund was created as a means for individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible contributions for basic human services and recovery efforts in the Tuscaloosa community and surrounding areas.
For more information or to make donations to GiveTuscaloosa.com call 205-758-7588 or visit
www.givetuscaloosa.com. Contributionsmay be made by making checks payable to "Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund" and mailing them to P.O. Box 020410, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
