Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Keith Anderson helped to raise over $200,000 at Halfway to Hazard’s 2nd Annual Charity Trail Ride in Tennessee last week.
Nearly 25,000 fans flocked to Eastern Kentucky for the event, held on August 22-23. The weekend saw families enjoying music, family activities and ATV rides while supporting Buckhorn Children’s and Family Center, which cares for suffering children in the area.
Halfway to Hazard’s Chad Warrix said, “We were hoping to just double last year’s attendance of 7,500 and raise more than the $110,000. The fact we more than tripled attendance and doubled money raised this year is staggering! We applaud all the volunteers and artists for helping us in accomplishing and surpassing our goals.”
The event was made all the more special by the volunteers who took part, building the stage in the midst of the beautiful Appalachian hills of Eastern Kentucky. Country superstar Tim McGraw flew in on a helicopter to open the show, followed by a star-studded line-up including Gabe Garcia, Krista Marie, Lee Brice, Danielle Peck, Keith Anderson, Dierks Bentley, and of course, concluded with a high-energy performance by Halfway to Hazard. Special appearances included NASCAR legend Kyle Petty, Lt. Governor of Kentucky, Daniel Mongiardo, University of Kentucky football coach, Rich Brooks, and Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin.
The combination of events derived from Tolliver and Warrix’s previous days in their respective hometowns. “I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, where riding these trails and playing music was our main source of entertainment and a way of life. Coupling a ride with a concert where we grew up while being able to give back to our community is a dream come true. Seeing all the volunteers that help make all of this happen is also pretty extraordinary.”
