Country
Stars Chris Young, Brenda Lee and Ryan Weaver Lend Talent To Support
Fundraising Event for The Journey Home Project on October 27
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 28, 2015) – It may have been country music legend Charlie Daniels’
birthday party, but all of the presents were addressed to military
veterans and their families. A total of 290 guests gave an invaluable
gift to those who have served our country through the purchase of a
table at Charlie Daniels’ birthday bash on October 27 at The Palm
restaurant in downtown Nashville, which raised funds for (501)(c)
non-profit The Journey Home Project.
“Big-hearted
Middle Tennessee turned out again last night and made our event a great
success. I love this place, these people and this cause. It’s making a
difference,” said Daniels.
In
sum, the birthday celebration is estimated to have raised over $100,000
for The Journey Home Project, which assists other not-for-profits in
securing funds to help causes that benefit veterans of the United States
Armed Forces and their families. The organization was co-founded in
2014 by Daniels and board members David Corlew, Ed Hardy and Joe and Mercedez Longever.
It
was a star-studded evening complete with a red carpet, white
tablecloths, and a five-star surf-and-turf meal from The Palm. Celebrity
emcee Storme Warren, radio personality on SiriusXM “The Highway,” hosted as the event’s emcee, and guests enjoyed acoustic performances by rising country star Ryan Weaver, a military veteran and former Blackhawk Helicopter Aviator, as well as country star Chris Young, known for hits such as “Tomorrow,” “Voices,” “I’m Comin’ Over,” and others.
“Taking
your birthday and making it a celebration of the military – it’s just
so admirable. I have done this event before, and as soon as I get asked
to participate, if I’m here I jump at the chance to do it. Obviously
I’ve got a lot of military connections in my family, and a lot of the
people that are here work with some organizations that I’ve either done
shows with or been overseas to visit military with. It’s just such a
great thing anytime you get a chance to give back to military and give
your time, and The Journey Home Project, what they’re doing with that,
it’s truly amazing,” said Young.
Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee
surprised Daniels, her long-time friend, by showing up and thanking
Charlie for all he has done to give back to the troops. She also
serenaded him with her own colorful rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Lieutenant General (Retired) Keith M. Huber
spoke on behalf of veteran students at Middle Tennessee State
University (MTSU) and poignantly expressed his gratitude for The Journey
Home Project and all is has done for the military community of
Nashville and beyond. The school will benefit from funds raised through
The Journey Home Project at Charlie Daniels 40th Anniversary Volunteer
Jam on August 12, 2015 for the completion of its new Veterans and
Military Families Center on campus.
“The
new Veterans and Military Families Center at MTSU will encourage and
facilitate the success of our veterans as they transition out of uniform
into academics, and then into future employment opportunities, as they
strive to become leaders in the community much like they were in
uniform. It will also help to answer all of their questions and give
them a place to go where they’re talking to people with a commonality of
background, purpose and focus,” Huber said.
A
silent auction featuring signed guitars, fiddles, rifles, ammunition,
lavish vacation trips, sports memorabilia and much more also helped to
contribute to the cause.
Produced
by David Corlew & Associates, the event was made possible by The
Palm Restaurant, Wondergraphics, Military Systems Group, Horizon Wine
& Spirits, Anglin-Reichmann Snellgrove & Armstrong P.C., Outback
Concerts, Copperweld, Remington, Mid South Wire, Rea, APA and William
Morris Endeavor.
All Photos Above by Moments by Moser