Compassion International Awareness Concert

On Wednesday, December 2 several of Nashville’s country and pop artists performed for a standing room only crowd at Music City’s Mercy Lounge, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the Global Food Crisis Fund, an initiative of Compassion International, a leading Christian child advocacy ministry. All proceeds from the benefit went towards assisting children and families affected by the global crisis, specifically in the most needed areas of the world where Compassion serves.

Artists supporting the cause and giving unselfishly of their time and talent included Tammy Cochran, Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash, Carter’s Chord, Julie Roberts, Bryan White, Blaine Larsen, Rob Blackledge, Mica Roberts, Trailer Choir, Canaan Smith, Charmaine, Natalie Hemby, Alathea and other special guests. Radio veterans Tony Randall and Kris Rochester from the new national syndicated morning show “Tony and Kris in the Morning” hosted the heart touching event.

Mike Severson organized the event and also serves as Artist and Radio Relations for Compassion International. “We have taken several of these artists on Compassion trips to see the work being done to rescue children from poverty and give them hope,” said Severson. “Every artist upon return wanted to do something relevant to make a direct impact on the lives of the world’s most vulnerable. As we began to talk about long term strategies, there was an overwhelming consensus to put their passion and talent to immediate use in a way that will not only help those in critical need, but also raise awareness of that need. That’s what this show is all about.”

“Compassion has been involved within the music industry for over 30 years and now is forming partnerships within the country and pop formats,” Severson continued. “Artists have such a powerful voice and Compassion provides a platform where they can truly make a life changing impact whether it is through our holistic Child Development Program or one of our intervention programs such as the Global Food Crisis Fund.”

Bryan White has recently released a podcast (http://www.givmusic.com/2009/11/bryan-white-givmusic-podcast/ ) about his involvement with Compassion and says "We have constant defining moments throughout our life where we can either walk away or respond. For me, one of the defining moments, as far as figuring out what I really wanted to do in life, was make an impact apart from the nation I lived in," White explains. "I had always dreamed of looking beyond here as well and I was fortunate enough to go on a trip to Ecuador a couple of years ago with Spence, my friend, with Compassion. That is really what changed my life and made me 100% get involved with Compassion."

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from economic, social, spiritual, and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 26 countries.


Go to www.compassion.com for more information.

Additional photos of the event can be seen on Digital Rodeo at http://www.digitalrodeo.com/DRPhotos/photos/album/CompassionInternational
or on http://www.flickr.com/photos/momentsbymoser/sets/72157622944598074