Country Music Herald

I have lots of interests, but perhaps the one closest to my heart is developing leadership and service skills in teenagers. That is the main reason I became a high school teacher. I love working with high school kids and hope to teach them some great life skills such as how to give back to their communities. In fact, I’ve been involved for 15 years now with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program which fosters leadership skills in high school sophomores with an emphasis on community service. I went through the program as a sophomore and have been highly involved ever since because I believe so much in the cause. In fact, I’m currently the Iowa HOBY corporate board president and I’m very proud of our work.

When I was asked to help promote CMT’s involvement with Global Youth Service Day, I was more than happy to oblige. This year’s service days are April 25-27 and Diana Degarmo from “Gone Country” and “American Idol” fame will be the honorary spokesperson this year. CMT’s One Country is a proud partner of the program, and it’s a great initiative that I support 100%.

To learn more about Global Youth Service Day, read the press release after the jump.

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Artists aren’t the only ones winning at the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS on Monday, April 14, as CMT ONE COUNTRY will be gifting $2500 to winners in each category of the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS for the charity of their choice, it was announced today by CMT’s Director of Public Affairs, Lucia Folk. CMT ONE COUNTRY, CMT’s pro-social initiative, was launched in the fall of 2005 to inspire CMT viewers to take action and bring about important change in their communities. Visit CMTONECOUNTRY.com to learn more information about the nominated artists’ charities.

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Photo credit: Rusty Jarret / Getty Images for NASCAR

Coming out of retirement sure gets a guy a lot of gigs. Garth Brooks has released his Ultimate Hits album (including some new songs), had a string of 10 concerts in Kansas City, did his part to help with fundraising for the California wildfires, and now he’s going to be the face of NASCAR for 2008. The announcement was made this afternoon from Daytona by NASCAR President Mike Helton, along with Brooks. There is just no rest for a non-retired guy!

The year 2008 marks the fifth year for the NASCAR Foundation’s “NASCAR Day”. Over the past five years, the NASCAR Foundation has raised almost five million dollars on NASCAR Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday in May. The day finds fans all across the country donating $5 to The NASCAR Foundation and receiving a commemorative pin to raise funds for the NASCAR Family of Charities. This year’s NASCAR Day will take place on Friday, May 16th. If you would like to donate and become a part of a worthy cause, head on over to the Official NASCAR Day Website.

Garth Brooks will become the face of the campaign, appearing in print, radio, and television ads promoting NASCAR Day. The ads will begin at the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February and run through May. Past celebrities involved with NASCAR Day include Will Farrell and Kelly Clarkson. Once I can get my hands on the print campaign ads and the video clips of the television commercials, I will be sure to post them here, so stay tuned for more information about Garth Brooks and NASCAR Day 2008.

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The Holiday season always seems to bring out the giving spirit in people, and country music stars are no different. Many Nashville superstars help out different charities all throughout the year, but it seems everyone steps it up at this time of year and either holds an event or announces one that will be coming up soon.

Here’s a look at upcoming and recent charity events hosted by some of country music’s brightest stars:

Aaron Tippin Entertained the Troops
Thanksgiving with Troops in Iraq and Kuwait

One thing we should all be thankful for is our freedom. Aaron Tippin took it one step further and personally thanked the troops currently stationed in Iraq and Kuwait this Thanksgiving. Tippin headlined shows in both countries over the Holiday weekend along with other entertainers on the Stars and Stripes Tour.

Rodney Atkins Helps the Make-A-Wish Foundation
December 2, 2007 in Michigan

Rodney Atkins will headline a concert for the Michigan Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of Maddie Trudel, a little girl who died of bone cancer at the age of 7. Rodney had learned her favorite song was “If You’re Going Through Hell” and went to meet her. She touched him with her courage as he spent an entire day with her in the hospital before she passed away. Her father Paul organized this concert and Rodney was instantly on board to help raise money for the worthwhile charity in memory of Maddie.

Clay Walker to Hold Golf Tournament for MS
March 16-17, 2008 in Houston, Texas

There is a first time for everything, and there is no better time to kick off a pro-am golf tournament to benefit Clay Walker’s not-for-profit organization Band Against MS. The tournament will pair a celebrity with a professional golfer. The weekend will also contain an awards banquet, silent auction, and private concert by Clay and other musicians to be announced at a later date.

Tracy Byrd’s “Beaumont Boys Bash”
April 25-27, 2008 in Beaumont, Texas

Tracy Byrd, Mark Chestnutt and Zona Jones will host a weekend long charity event in Beaumont, Texas coming up this April. Lots of great events are planned, including a bass fishing tournament, a golf tournament, a wild game and casino night, and a concert by all three artists and one more to be determined. Tracy’s no stranger to hosting charity events in his hometown. Up until 2005, he benefited local charities with his “Tracy’s Homecoming Weekend”. The proceeds of the Beaumont Boys Bash will go to such great causes as the Children’s Miracle Network in Beaumont, Netcasters Youth Ministries, the Garth House, Boys’ and Girls’ Haven and the Southeast Texas Humane Society.

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Some of your favorite country music artists are doing their part to help out some worthy charities. One way they support these great causes is by donating personal items to be auctioned off for the charity. CharityFolks.com is an organization that coordinates these auctions and they do a great job getting items and bids. There are over 200 auctions going on right now featuring items from celebrities of all walks of life, including some great country music related auctions. All auctions and current bids are accurate as of the original date of this post:

Trip to the 2007 CMA Awards

You and a guest could be flying to Nashville to see the CMAs live! The package includes hotel, airfare, and tickets to the CMAs and after party for two people. This auction benefits Save the Children. Current Bid: $3500.

Martina McBride’s Clothes

Here’s your chance to buy a piece of clothing worn on Martina McBride’s summer tour. Proceeds benefit the Keep a Child Alive campaign. Current Bid: $100

Rascal Flatts Guitar

You can own an acoustic guitar signed by Gary, Jay, and Joe Don of Rascal Flatts. The winning bid will benefit the Fulfillment Fund. Current Bid: $500.

Reba McEntire Concert

The winner of this auction will win 2 tickets and backstage passes for the Reba McEntire concert in Las Cruces, NM on Oct. 19th. All of the money will go to Habitat for Humanity. Current Bid: $1300.

Carrie Underwood’s Dress

Win Carrie Underwood’s dress (size medium) that she wore to the Baby Phat fashion show (seen in the picture above). The winning bidder will also receive an autographed picture of Carrie and the proceeds will be split between Keep a Child Alive and the Humane Society. Current Bid: $300.

Happy bidding and good luck!

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