The Academy of Country Music announced a return of the partnership between Aflac, the leader in supplemental insurance sales at the worksite in the U.S. and exclusive insurance partner of the ACM Awards, and ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, to present the Aflac ACM Lifting Lives Honor for the second consecutive year. This year’s recognition will be given to an individual for his or her outstanding support in the music community.
ACM Awards nominee Carly Pearce presented the honor, Friday, April 5th, in the Marquee Ballroom at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino during ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, which will be taking place as part of the 7th Annual ACM Party for a Cause leading up to the 54th ACM Awards.
As a songwriter, I know firsthand the healing power of music and its ability to move us forward through life’s moments – both the highs and lows,” shared Pearce, whose No. 1 ballad “Every Little Thing” became a breakthrough hit. “I am honored to represent ACM Lifting Lives in spotlighting amazing impacts on our community in remarkable ways.”
“Aflac believes music has the power to connect diverse audiences and transcend entertainment to ultimately heal and change lives,” said Shannon Watkins, vice president of Brand and Creative Services at Aflac. “We are proud to continue our support of the ACM Lifting Lives program by collaborating with Carly to recognize an artist who is using his or her talents to help others in their time of need – just like Aflac products help our policyholders in their time of need.”
“Improving lives is at the core of our mission at ACM Lifting Lives. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Aflac which enables us to honor an unsung hero in the music industry for his or her dedication to helping others through the restorative and powerful gift of music,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives.
The purpose of the Aflac ACM Lifting Lives Honor is to acknowledge an individual who has made significant impact by healing through the power of music. The ACM Lifting Lives Board and Aflac selected the recipient based on his or her long-term efforts using his or her music abilities to make a positive impact in the community.
In celebration of the Aflac ACM Lifting Lives Honor, Aflac will donate $50,000 to Musicians On Call, a nonprofit celebrating 20 years of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. ACM Lifting Lives and Aflac’s donation of Musicians On Call will support its signature Bedside Performance Program locally in Las Vegas, following Musicians On Call’s emergency response efforts after the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy where they brought country artists to deliver the healing power of music to the victims and caregivers.
Aflac is committed to standing behind its promise to be there for its policyholders and community in their time of need, and few know that more than children and families facing childhood cancer. Over the past two decades, Aflac has contributed more than $133 million to the childhood cancer cause, including $5.8 million to the Family Support Team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta. Part of that funding has supported the nationally recognized cancer center’s music therapy program.
The award announcement is part of the Week Vegas Goes Country, which culminates with the 54th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, which will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 8:00 PM ET on the CBS Television Network.
For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events including ACM Party for a Cause, visit ACMcountry.com.
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