Encino, CA (August 28, 2009) –
Carrie Underwood’s new hometown foundation, the Checotah Animal, Town &
School Foundation (C.A.T.S.) and the Academy of Country Music’s charitable
arm, ACM Lifting Lives partnered to surprise students today in Checotah,
Oklahoma with a gift valued at more than $117,000 in new instruments for their
music programs—and a special appearance and performance by ACM Entertainer of
the Year, Underwood
Music students district-wide were
invited to a special “last-minute” assembly at Checotah High School, with buses
bringing Checotah Intermediate School and Checotah Middle School in for the
occasion. Students and faculty alike were surprised when Checotah High Principal
Brian Terry introduced Underwood to the stage, alongside Erin Spahn, Director
of ACM Lifting Lives.
Spahn and Underwood then unveiled
the gift, including an electric guitar and amp, electric piano and brass
instruments such as saxophones, French horns, tubas and much more. The
instruments will be shared throughout the Checotah school district, and were
ordered through Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs at a special philanthropic
price.
During the presentation, Underwood
asked 5th grader Kennedy Rittenhouse to join her onstage to perform
“So Small,” a performance that brought the house down. Checotah High
School senior Brooke Ramsey, student council president, presented Underwood and
Spahn with a bouquet of roses to thank the organizations for the gift.
“We are so lucky as a school
district and a town to have an ambassador like Carrie,” said Brian Terry,
Principal of Checotah High School. “She was Valedictorian here and continues to
be an outstanding citizen of Checotah. Today was a very special day for the
students and faculty.”
“When Carrie came to us with this
idea, it just seemed a natural fit,” said Erin Spahn, who met with Underwood
earlier this summer to plan the gift. “The Board of ACM Lifting Lives liked the
concept so well, we’ve decided to build on it. Every year, we will
present a matching gift opportunity to the ACM Entertainer of the Year for any
endeavor that uplifts through the power of music. Carrie started that ball
rolling, and we’re really proud to be a part of this with her today.”
“I am so proud to have come from
such a wonderful community that helped shape me as a person,” said Underwood,
“and I can think of nothing better than to share the gift of music with the
students in my hometown. It’s so great to be able to give back in a way
that can truly better the lives of these kids and help create dreams and
opportunities. I’d like to give a very special thanks to the Academy of
Country Music’s ‘Lifting Lives’ for helping me make this dream come true.”
For photos from the special event,
visit www.acmcountry.com