Country music supergroup Rascal Flatts has been honored for their unflagging support of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The multiplatinum-selling band was presented with the Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Country Music and Home Depot during Sunday Night’s 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. The band – Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcusand Joe Don Rooney– also was named Top Vocal Group for the sixth straight year.
Rascal Flatts has pledged to raise $3 million for Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit teaching and research facility that’s ranked one of the 10 best in the nation and serves more than 100,000 patients a year. The band also has visited and played concerts for patients and staff.
"We have been blessed with some incredible successes in our career the past couple of years," Rooney said. "The most rewarding thing for us is the opportunity to give back to our communities.”
In its seventh year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. Rascal Flatts was selected by a committee of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for their ongoing community service and charitable giving of their time and talent.
The group received a crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. and will be honored with a playground in a city of its choice donated by The Home Depot and national nonprofit partner KaBOOM!
“The Humanitarian Award embodies the kind of giving spirit that the Academy strives to foster within the industry,” said Bob Romeo, executive director of the Academy of Country Music. “The selfless giving to others by artists like Rascal Flatts helps bring that spirit to life, and makes us so proud to be part of the country music community.”