Country Music Star Darius Rucker Tops $2 Million Raised For St. Jude
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Country music star Darius Rucker has now raised over $2 million for St. Jude.
His annual "Darius & Friends" benefit concert, followed by a golf tournament and silent auction, raised nearly $500,000 this week, bringing his total to over $2 million raised.
It all began 10 years ago, when Rucker visited St. Jude for the first time.
"I was struck on that first visit by how St. Jude not only cares for their patients, but also their patients' families," said Rucker in a press release.
"They believe that a financial burden is the last thing a family should face when their focus needs to be on helping a kid get better, and St. Jude makes sure that their patients never pay a dime."
10 years ago I visited @StJude and knew I wanted to do everything I could to help those kids and the amazing doctors who work tirelessly to find cures. Because of all of YOU, we've raised over 2 million dollars for them. Thank you. #DariusandFriends ???? https://t.co/gGhqFgtbIl pic.twitter.com/hQh1DXxUzs
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) June 6, 2019
In a tweet, Rucker said his first visit motivated him to do whatever he could to help the kids and the organization.
"Darius & Friends" has become a heartwarming way to kickoff CMA Fest as country music fans flock to Nashville for the event.
This year, the concert was held at the Ryman Auditorium. Some of the biggest names in country joined Rucker, like Luke Bryan, Brett Young, Jimmie Allen and Sheryl Crow.
The singer attributed the fundraiser's success to his fans.
.@dariusrucker is a leading light of country music's support of St. Jude. His annual Darius and Friends benefit concert has raised more than $2 million, and this year's 10th edition sold out even before the guest lineup was announced. #StJudeInspire https://t.co/pl5Wu6hOET
— St. Jude (@StJude) June 7, 2019
In a story posted on St. Jude's website, they say Rucker's involvement with the children's hospital started when he was fresh off his run with Hootie & the Blowfish and opening for Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley.
He says that Bentley asked if he wanted to visit St. Jude with him, and Rucker agreed.
Since then, he's been using his spotlight and platform to help the kids and the "amazing doctors who work tirelessly to find cures."
