Country Star Honored With Special Award For Saving Children

One country star celebrated a birthday over the weekend, but he had more than just a new year to be excited about.

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This past weekend was the annual Country Cares Seminar with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many familiar faces in the country music industry. Each year, it is held at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN.

While St. Jude has been open to children with all forms of cancer for 60 years, it became the leading cancer research hospital for children because of support from the country music industry and ,of course, from generous supporters like you.

Together, we make it possible for a child to receive the best treatment for their cancer, without their parents having to worry about a medical bill, because St. Jude is able to cover all of the costs.

You may not know this, but Randy Owen, front man for the country band Alabama, is the biggest reason that country artists around the world joined in the mission of St. Jude.

Over 30 years ago, Randy Owen stood in front of an audience of industry members at the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS), asking for their help. He wanted to launch a campaign to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and he had hoped that his friends in country music would join him in the mission..

After his plea, Owen triggered a spike in radiothons and fundraising efforts around the world. Since 1989, they have raised more than $800 million to help St. Jude treat children with pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

He’s written songs for the kids at St. Jude, including Angels Among Us, which inspired an award that is now given to country stars today that go above and beyond for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year, the award went to Scotty McCreery for his dedication to St. Jude.

He received the award the day before his 29th birthday, so Randy Owen had everyone sing Happy Birthday to him.

McCreery spoke about his love for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

You can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital when you click here.

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