Photo credit: Sheila Jones
Almost four years ago, Martina McBride’s fans from around the world joined together for an extraordinary philanthropic endeavor. In partnership with the Country icon, a unique, mobile fan-powered charity effort titled “Team Martina” was born. CBS This Morning will highlight the amazing fundraising and spirit-fueled initiatives of the group tomorrow, June 26, airing on CBS beginning at 7A in all time zones (check local listings).
Team Martina, who initially formed after finding inspiration in the powerhouse vocalist’s hit “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” has certainly experienced their passion and drive paying off. The group has raised over $300,000 and donated to various non-profits in five countries, including the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, The Chastain Park Conservancy and Covenant House. Martina encourages local participation of her fans to do good works in the towns where she makes tour stops. CBS This Morning Correspondent Dean Reynolds lent a hand during the May 14 tour stop in Merrillville, IN where Team Martina volunteered assembling boxes of food for the needy at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
Just last month, Covenant House honored Martina with the Beacon of Hope Award in recognition of her charitable work at a reception held at Lincoln Center. Along with her generous fans, Martina helped start a music program for young girls living at Covenant House orphanage in Guatemala City. Team Martina has raised more than $40,000 over the last year to provide the orphanage with instruments and a music teacher for the girls. Martina was also recently presented Music Business Association’s prestigious 2015 Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award for her efforts on behalf of domestic violence and using her voice throughout her musical career. USA TodayRolling StoneCountry Weekly and more have taken notice of the legend’s work outside of the studio.
Martina continues to thrive in the studio as well. She is in the early creative process for new music on Nash Icon Records, a joint venture between the Big Machine Label Group and Cumulus. Over the course of her illustrious career, she has sold more than 18 million albums, scored six #1 singles and became the first solo female artist to debut at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart with an independently released and distributed album in the chart’s 50-year history. Martina has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association, and the petite powerhouse’s EVERLASTING TOUR has been well received with sold-out shows across the country. Next weekend Martina will headline Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing! as free entertainment and fireworks cascade across downtown Nashville. AT&T will lifestream the festivities, which kickoff at 6:30P CT and also feature the Nashville Symphony, Mikky Ekko and a spectacular fireworks display.
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