The Grand Ole Opry is marking its 90th anniversary this year, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt will be the first of nine charities to benefit during a campaign called “Cause for Applause.”
April’s theme is “Thank God for Kids,” and Children’s Hospital will receive 10 percent of all ticket sales for April performances at the Opry when buyers use the code 4THEKIDS at checkout.
In addition, the Opry will be bringing artists to Children’s Hospital throughout the month.
The campaign kicked off at the Grand Ole Opry House Tuesday with country star Brad Paisley and a host of Vanderbilt representatives, including Steven Webber, MBChB, the James C. Overall Professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Children’s Hospital.
“Vanderbilt is very pleased to team up with the Opry, which has generously dedicated a month to our Children’s Hospital. Not only will the ticket proceeds help our patients, but the patients and their families will see be so excited to see the performers visit the hospital,” Webber said.
Country music artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Scotty McCreery, Casey James, Kellie Pickler and Charlie Daniels will be taking the Opry stage in April during the benefit shows.
“We’re excited to celebrate the Opry’s landmark 90th birthday by supporting nine causes which have been especially meaningful to the Opry and our country music community,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “We’re pleased to begin our Cause for Applause initiative with “Thank God for Kids” and our friends at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“We’ve been honored to see their work firsthand, and some of the Opry’s most popular artists are already strong champions of the good things happening there every day. We look forward to playing a part in their great work throughout April as we kick off the 90th party at the Opry,” Fisher said.
Other charities that will benefit from “Cause for Applause” will be announced in the coming months.
