Randy Owen and John Rich. Photo courtesy of St. Jude.

Randy Owen presented John Rich with the first-ever Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award during the annual songwriter’s dinner at the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids seminar over the weekend. The award recognizes a member of the country music industry who has demonstrated commitment and dedication to kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, John won NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, where he competed on behalf of St. Jude and raised more an $1.4 million for the organization.

“St. Jude holds a very special place in my heart,” John said. “It’s like no other place and I’m just so honored to help raise awareness for this organization and to receive the first-ever Angels Among Us Award from Randy.”

“This past year John really embodied what Country Cares for St. Jude Kids is all about,” Randy said. “It’s really unbelievable to look back over the past 23 years and see what the country music industry has helped us accomplish for St. Jude. This award is a way for us to say thank you to select members of the industry for their continued commitment and support.”

Randy organized Country Cares for St. Jude Kids in 1989 when he appealed to fellow country music artists, radio stations, and country fans to help support St. Jude’s mission. Since it began, Country Cares has raised more than $400 million for St. Jude.

More than 25 artists were on hand to participate in Country Cares including Lauren Alaina, Kix Brooks, Martina McBride, Brent Anderson, Katie Armiger, Lee Brice, Edens Edge, Eli Young Band, Randy Houser, Kip Moore, Josh Thompson and James Wesley. Nearly 800 radio and music industry professionals were also present to work together on executing the annual radiothon fundraisers for St. Jude. To learn more about Country Cares for St. Jude Kids visit www.countrycares.org.

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