(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Oct. 21, 2011 -- The Nashville community rallied last night for a special
event to raise funds in support of local non-profit teen outreach, Rocketown.  The “Redneck Rally for Rocketown,” presented by Rocketown founder and multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith, renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy as well as primary sponsor Journeys, brought together more than 500 attendees and grossed in excess of $350,000 for the organization.

Hosted at Rocketown in downtown Nashville, the casual evening consisted of a VIP reception prior to a catered dinner by Black-eyed Pea home style cooking, music by The Hummingbirds, featured entertainer Jeff Foxworthy, and both live and silent auctions.  Great American Country television personality Storme Warren emceed the event.

Attendees included political notables such as Governor Bill Haslam, Mayor Karl Dean, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Jim Cooper, the Honorable Zach Wamp and a representative from Senator Corker’s office.  Also present were Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood; Tennessee Titans players Rob Bironas, Jake Locker and Barrett Ruud; Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A; and Dave Ramsey.

Among those auction items drawing top dollar were Michael W. Smith’s fully restored 1957 Ford T-Bird Convertible, which fetched $26,000; a Pro-Team 175 TXW Bass Tracker Boat going for more than $13,000; two tickets for the “Michael W. Smith & Friends” 2012 Canada/New England Cruise; and a guitar signed by Carrie Underwood.  Together the live and silent auctions brought in more than $70,000.

Smith comments on the event, Rocketown’s most successful fundraiser to date, “I’m humbled by the support we’ve received this year.  This city rallied as a community on Rocketown’s behalf and because of that, we get to keep serving kids and families.  A special thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, who shared his special brand of comedy with us.  I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed as hard!”

Foxworthy adds, “Rocketown gives people a feeling of significance, a feeling that somebody cares, somebody listens and somebody believes.  That you got a gift and you can develop it.  Boy, if as a community we can do that; if we can help more kids on the front end, it’d cut back on the number of people needing help on the back end.”
 
“Rocketown was created on Michael W. Smith’s vision and continues to grow through Nashville’s generous support,” shares ReGina Newkirk, Executive Director Rocketown.  “The success of this year’s fundraiser will allow us to reach more at-risk kids through after school programming, fun and safe entertaining activities and free counseling and case management services.  We’re so thankful for everyone who is committed to investing in the teens we serve.”
 
To donate, volunteer or find out more about how to support Rocketown, please visit:
www.donate.rocketown.com