Has anyone noticed the deafening silence of the Hollywood and Nashville glitterati towards the victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton? Usually, this is the perfect time to virtue signal, but save for Dolly Parton, Morgan Wallen, Metallica, and even Taylor Swift, there hasn’t been much from the usual suspects who love to talk about how compassionate and caring they are.
In all fairness, at the end of October, there is a planned “Concert for Carolina” benefit in Charlotte with some significant names. But this week’s Feel-Good Friday is about the people who are stepping up now to show their compassion and support for victims suffering in the aftermath of Helene.
Jason and Brittany Aldean don’t just talk about compassion and action, they put their personal money where their mouth is. We all know Jason Aldean from his song, “Try That in a Small Town,” which had liberals screaming about racism and violence into the void that is the space between their ears. Both Aldeans are also unapologetic Trump supporters and make no bones that we need a change in our country.
But really, what the Aldeans preach is taking care of your neighbor, your community, and your country, and they showed this by contributing half a million dollars of their own money to the over seven million dollars raised for Samaritan’s Purse. This North Carolina organization has been the tip of the spear in aiding and supporting the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Georgia, and East Tennessee. Samaritan’s Purse is now in Florida, aiding in the aftermath of Milton.
Here’s the rub: Because Samaritan’s Purse is an unapologetically Christian organization, and its founder, president, and CEO, Franklin Graham, is also an unabashed Trump supporter, the charity has often been maligned and considered persona non grata by the entertainment and music set. Even if any one of them wanted to give money to Samaritan’s Purse, they know that the blowback would ruin their street cred and potentially their careers. The Aldeans have no such concerns. They really are principled folk, and apparently, Jason puts on a fabulous show.
Jason Aldean gave back to his hometown of Macon, Georgia in a big way during the final stop of his sold-out “Highway Desperado Tour” over the weekend at the new Macon Amphitheater.
Aldean stopped mid-show to recognize those impacted by Hurricane Helene during the concert, and in addition to personally donating $500,000 to Samaritan’s Purse, (an organization focused on Hurricane Relief efforts,) he was also joined onstage by Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to donate the total of GoFundMe relief effort donations to Samaritan’s Purse, totaling more than $6.5 million to the cause.
Aldean has been a busy man on the tour front. On October 4, he performed a benefit concert that raised funds for Macon, Georgia’s the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.
In addition to Saturday’s “Highway Desperado” show, Aldean also headlined a charity benefit, Concert For The Kids on Oct. 3 in Macon with proceeds going to the city’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Longtime supporters of the hospital, the Aldean family raised and donated more than $618,000 at Thursday’s event to support the hospital’s continuing lifesaving efforts, including the neonatal unit (NICU).
I’m not much of a country music gal, but I may have to hop over to my Spotify and do some downloads of Aldean’s music. I believe in supporting the musicians who support Americans in good times and bad. Ward Clark mentioned Aldean in his weekend music set, so along with Aldean’s song, give your toes even more reason to tap.
Start Your Weekend Right With Five (Six) Great ‘Merica Songs
