Today the CMA did what we hoped it would do. They announced that next month's CMA Music Festival will now split who the benefactor is for the event. instead of 'just' being for arts programs at schools, the CMA will give 50% of the money generated to flood relief efforts.
In response to the devastating floods that have plagued the City of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, CMA has announced that 50 percent of the net proceeds of 2010 CMA Music Festival will be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief. This is in addition to CMA's already established annual donation of 50 percent of the net proceeds to Metro Nashville Public Schools for music education through the Keep the Music Playing program. In total, 100 percent of the net proceeds of the event will be given to benefit Nashville's public school students and Middle Tennessee families in need.
CMA Music Festival is Nashville's signature music event, drawing 56,000 people from the region as well as every state in the nation and visitors from 26 countries around the globe, while bringing in more than $22 million in direct visitor spending to the local economy.
"This year with all the downtown businesses as well as our tourism industry suffering huge losses due to flood damage, it is vitally important to the Nashville business community that CMA Music Festival continues as planned," said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. "CMA is proud to step up and help our area by donating half of the CMA Music Festival's net proceeds to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help its flood relief efforts while we continue our important commitment to children and music education."
"CMA has always been a great supporter of Music City through the Association's Keep the Music Playing initiative," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. "This added contribution to aid in flood recovery efforts will be incredibly helpful and demonstrates the great partnership that exists between the City of Nashville, CMA Music Festival, and the Country Music industry."
"Millions of lives have been affected by this disaster. While some will recover quickly, others will take months or years to rebuild, and The Community Foundation's disaster funds will continue to strategically address needs as they emerge and evolve," said Ellen Lehman, President of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "It has been incredible to see this community's outpouring of generosity, and we are thrilled, but not surprised, to see CMA join in leading the efforts to help this city rebuild."
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has activated its Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to support relief efforts. Grants from the fund will be made to nonprofits supporting relief, restoration, and clean-up efforts in the Davidson County area.
CMA Music Festival has benefited charity since 2001, but in 2006 a decision was made to direct all funds to one central cause - music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools - through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. To date, CMA has donated more than $3.3 million to purchase more than 3,000 instruments and musical equipment and supplies, providing thousands of Metro Nashville Public Schools students with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school. According to Metro schools statistics, 98 percent of students in arts programs graduate.
Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival began as Fan Fair in 1972 as a unique celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City. More than 2,000 Country acts, from the legends and superstars to today's rising hit makers and hopefuls, have lent their time and talent to the event over the decades.
Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America's music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.
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