Ninth Annual ‘Stars For Second Harvest’ Benefit Concert Raises Record-Making $100,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

Acclaimed songwriter Craig Wiseman’s ninth annual Stars For Second Harvest event, presented by O’Charley’s, raised a record-making $100,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed the hungry in Middle Tennessee. The June 4 concert at the Ryman Auditorium was headlined by Ronnie Dunn, Florida Georgia Line with a special appearance by Nelly, comedian Ralphie May and more. The event, combined with the live auction and several generous donations, helped to make this the most successful fundraising year.

Wiseman exclaims, “When I got the numbers I couldn’t believe we finally did it! Since we started this show in 2005, it has been a goal of mine to get to $100,000 for Second Harvest. With help from all of the artists, and the continued help of O’Charleys, we finally reached that goal this year. Now I am raising that goal to $250,000!!”

In the last nine years, this event has raised $611,032 to feed hungry children, seniors, and families in Tennessee. Because each dollar provides four meals, the funds raised from the nine years of this benefit concert have provided Second Harvest with means to supply 2,444,128 meals.

This year’s benefit concert line-up included a songwriters round with Wiseman, Rhett Akins, Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton and a special performance from Ronnie Dunn, who sang his iconic song “Believe.” Comedian Ralphie May got the audience laughing before country duo Florida Georgia Line closed out the show with a few acoustic songs and then surprised all of the guests by having rap artist Nelly come out to sing one of his songs – the entire audience at The Ryman were on their feet singing along with Nelly and Florida Georgia Line to “Ride With Me.” The show closed with Florida Georgia Line performing their No.1 hit song “Cruise.” All of the artist then joined on the main stage to sing along and close out the night.

*Photos by Peyton Hoge