I’m sure I’m not the only one surprised by the news this morning that there was a sold out benefit concert held to raise money for the residents of Music City affected by the massive flooding in the region.
It left me wondering…..why do some benefits receive mammoth attention and others just fall off the radar? Nashville is just as important as New Orleans, they are both American cities in need after unprecedented natural disasters.
The Tennessee flooding, caused by record rainfall in the region a month ago was responsible for the deaths of 22 people across the state.Two billion dollars in damage was recorded in one county alone and thousands lost their homes as a result.
Many celebs turned out for Nashville Rising, the benefit concert organized by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. A-Lister’s included Hill and McGraw, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and even Sandra Bullock.
When her Blind Side co-star Tim McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, asked her to introduce Faith, she figured she would come and spout off some funny bits, maybe have a wardrobe malfunction. After learning about the generosity of the community and everyone wanting to take care of one another in a time of need, she was compelled to give them all something more - the gift of song.
So, she strapped it on. That is, she strapped on a guitar, asked the audience quiet down, then began “Smoke on the Water.” Check it out:
Obviously, this is a comedy bit. We admire Sandy's run of charm-filled public appearances during a time most celebrities would be demanding total privacy.
Other celebs who could not be there in person taped video messages for the audience, including Tennessee native’s Reese Witherspoon and Dolly Parton. Matthew McConaughey also took part in the video tributes.
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They all assembled for one reason, to help The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Faith Hill took the stage, "Nashville will rise and that is why we have come together tonight. Musicians, football players, coaches, our elected officials, you in the audience, yes, we are all the same. We're just neighbors who care and friends who want to make a difference," she said.
Their aim was to raise $2 Million, if just one TV station carried the broadcast, they could have raised a lot more.
If you’d like to donate, please visit www.cfmt.org. Here is a video clip of Sandra's full introduction:
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