Barrett Media produces over 20 stories per day on the music, news, and sports media industries. Stay updated on the latest happenings by signing up to receive our newsletters straight to your inbox.
Country Cares for St. Jude Kids recently marked its 35th anniversary, celebrating a remarkable achievement of raising $1 billion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its establishment in 1989.
The announcement was made during the organization’s annual event in Memphis. The gala featured performances by artists Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, and Megan Moroney.
St. Jude has successfully generated funding and secured monthly donors through various initiatives, including radiothons, the “This Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, and various events and concerts. These efforts are crucial in covering the organization’s annual operating costs, which approach two billion dollars.
Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, said, “What the country music community has been able to achieve through Country Cares is breathtaking. We are deeply honored and grateful for [Alabama’s] Randy Owen’s passion and dedication in answering the call from our founder, Danny Thomas, to get involved and for rallying fellow artists, radio stations, and fans for over three decades to support St. Jude. Together, they have scaled new heights with this program, placing it among the very highest level of fundraising in our history. That is the power of Country music and its fans, who inspire all of us to find ways to help one another and live charitably. Thanks to the support of this amazing community, St. Jude can continue to ensure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for that treatment so they can focus on helping their child live.”
In recognition of his significant contributions, a studio at St. Jude has been named in honor of Owen and his wife, Kelly. Owen was pivotal in launching the Country Cares program and establishing the Angels Among Us Award, which honors Country music artists for their dedication to St. Jude.
This year, the award was presented to Old Dominion, adding to a list of past recipients, including Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Lady A, Jake Owen, and Brad Paisley.
“It is an honor to have this studio named after us,” says Randy and Kelly. “For 35 years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the story of St. Jude with the world and seeing the impact our efforts make through meeting patients and their families. I am grateful to serve this incredible mission.”
