Kellie Pickler photo courtesy of BNA Records
January 23, 2007 — Scores of country artists recently toured St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and visited with patients during St. Jude's Radio Training Seminar, an annual event in which musical artists and radio representatives reaffirm their commitment to the hospital and pledge to help raise awareness and funds.
Among the artists participating were Kellie Pickler, Jason Michael Carroll, Danielle Peck, Pat Green, Kellie Pickler, Clay Walker, Sarah Buxton, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, Jake Owen, Chris Young, and George Strait.
"It's the most rewarding feeling when you walk into the room and they're so happy to see you," Kellie says. "I hope they know I'm just as happy to see them. It's awesome to go in there and meet with the families and hang out with the kids and learn about them."
Since Alabama's Randy Owen began the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program in 1989, more than 200 country radio stations across America have raised more than $280 million in pledges for the children of St. Jude. "When we first started, who would have thought we'd still be here making a big difference in the lives of the beautiful children?" Randy said. "I want these kids to grow up and be creative and healthy, to be as normal as possible. I want the whole family to understand that we really care about them."
Surprise keynote speaker Ronnie Milsap motivated attendees to keep to their goals, noting that as a teen he was told he would never make a living as a musician. "What a difference you've made in their lives, and I thank you for that," he said, ending his speech with a call to action that brought the crowd to its feet with cheers and claps: "Thank you, and let's keep rolling on!"
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