St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Honors Darius Rucker with Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award

Darius Rucker received quite the surprise on Saturday while attending the 28th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Seminar. 

Written by Lauren Jo Black
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Honors Darius Rucker with Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award
Darius Rucker and Randy Owen with Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC; Photo courtesy St. Jude

GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker received quite the surprise on Saturday (Jan.14) while attending the 28th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Seminar at The Peabody Memphis.

Before taking the stage to perform in a songwriter’s round alongside Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and John Oates, the “If I Told You” singer was presented with the renowned Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, which recognizes “individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit.”

Throughout his successful career, Rucker has raised nearly $1 million for St. Jude, a one-of-a-kind facility that has helped drive the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since opening more than 50 years ago. One of the most unique things about the hospital is that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

“Darius Rucker’s generosity, passion and humanitarian spirit inspire us all, and we are honored to recognize him with this well-deserved award,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “His numerous contributions and generous donations are a testament to his continued commitment to helping St. Jude save the lives of children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases around the world. We are extremely grateful for the support of Darius and countless other country music artists who lend their hearts, time and talent to help further our mission.”

While accepting his award, the South Carolina native was also surprised with a $50,000 donation to St. Jude, given in his honor from ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy of Country Music’s charitable arm.

Past recipients of the including Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award include Alabama front man and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, Randy Owen, singer John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously) and St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council member, Sharon Eaves (posthumously).

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