Since 2000, the Reading, Writing and Rhythm Benefit Concert in Nashville has been raising money to help equip underprivileged kids with instruments.
Country music star Chely Wright began the organization to help kids without the means get a musical education and raise awareness about the importance of music as a part of a child's education. Originally Chely hoped to raise $5000 a year, but now raises around $125,000 each year surpassing her wildest dreams.
Chely Wright is best known for her country hits "Single White Female" and "Shut Up and Drive". She has received many honors during her music career including the Academy of Country Music's Award for Best new Female Artist in 1995 and she has been featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2001. What really touches her heart though is being able to give kids the chance to develop a love of playing music. Profits from the concerts go towards buying equipment for school music departments around the United States.
Each year Nashville's Wild Horse Saloon is filled to the rafters with people come to support a worthwhile event and see some great performers strutting their stuff on stage. Each year Chely announces the line up in advance, but keeps a little surprise in store. Past surprises have included Wynona Judd and Ronnie Milsap.
In addition to raising money from ticket sales, there are auctions between performances that increase the tally for the night. Auction items in the past have included Harley Davidson motorcycles, airline passages and tickets to Tim McGraw in concert, shopping sprees and a Tammy Wynette dress worn to the CMA Awards.
