GAC’s Flood Benefit Concert Raises $1.8 Million, Re-Airs May 20
Scripps Networks Interactive check presentation (l to r:) Ellen Lehman, president CFMT, Ed Hardy, president GAC, GAC’s Storme Warren, Suzanne Alexander, Food Network’s Pat Neely, Gina Neely, HGTV’s Vern Yip, Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, Adam Richman. Credit: Ed Rode/edrode.biz
From large corporations to small kids, their goal was the same: help middle Tennesseans rebuild after devastating floods. Donations from Sunday night’s live concert event and telethon, Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief on Great American Country Television, have reached $1.8 million and that amount will grow as donations made at www.gactv.com/help and through a texting component will continue through this Sunday, May 23.
With an all-volunteer production staff, crew and talent line-up, 100% of the money raised is going to help those most affected by what has been estimated to be $1.5 billion in damages. Organizers GAC, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gaylord Entertainment incurred all necessary expenses tied to the event.
The televised concert included performances by Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, CeCe Winans, Keb’ Mo’, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Montana and Will Hoge. NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer also appeared. Hosts James Denton and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were joined by on-air personalities from GAC, Food Network, The Travel Channel and HGTV. Stars also spent time manning phone banks alongside a fleet of volunteers. Click here to see photos from the night.
Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief will re-air tomorrow, Thursday, May 20, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m./Eastern on GAC. Phones will be open during the re-air and donations can also still be made at www.gactv.com/help or by texting “GAC” to 501501 to make a $10 donation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Continue Reading
