Canaan Smith Launches ‘Smashing’ Charity Initiative
Canaan Smith
Mercury Nashville artist Canaan Smith has launched the charitable initiative Smash Cancer, which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On stage earlier this year and feeling the energy he shares with his fans, Smith had an impulse to smash something. He says, “I didn’t realize what was happening, all of a sudden I’m clutching this drum I just bashed.”
Smith now autographs the drums he smashes in concert and auctions them off after each show to raise money for the organization. Prior to its official launch, Smash Cancer has already raised nearly $20,000 for St. Jude and caught the attention of Guitar Center. The instrument retailer generously donated a considerable number of drum sets and guitars to the cause.
Thompson Square Headlines Buchholz Bowl
Pictured (L-R): L-R: Keifer Thompson, Lindsay Buchholz, Clay Buchholz, Shawna Thompson
Thompson Square helped raise $250,000 for the Clay Buchholz Foundation when they headlined the fourth annual Buchholz Bowl on July 7 at the House of Blues in Boston. This year’s proceeds will benefit Melmark New England, Family Reach Foundation, Pitching in for Kids and Christopher’s Haven. The duo shared the stage with comedian Josh Wolf as the host and were joined by country artists Wade Bowen and Kevin Fowler.
“We always love to go to Boston but this past visit was particularly special,” says Keifer Thompson. “We always jump at the opportunity to be a part of a good cause but now with our son Cooper, charities that help children in need, like the Clay Buchholz Foundation, really strike a chord with us. I’m glad we were able to be there and do our part.”
Created by Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz and wife Lindsay in March 2013, the foundation works with established and qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations to provides health, educational and sports opportunities to improve the lives of children in need.
Jimmy Wayne’s Book Surpasses 100K Sales
Jimmy Wayne‘s book, Walk to Beautiful, celebrates a milestone this week as it crosses the 100,000 sales mark for print copies. Wayne’s memoir was released in October 2014.
“I wrote Walk To Beautiful with best-selling author Ken Abraham after walking from Nashville to Phoenix to raise awareness for at-risk foster children,” says Wayne. “When I was 16, I was given a home by Bea and Russell Costner, and I wouldn’t be here today if not for their kindness and generosity.”
“Jimmy Wayne is an inspiration to all who meet him, and there have been so many that have now met him through the pages of Walk to Beautiful as well,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President of Thomas Nelson and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Jimmy is a tireless promoter for a healthy foster care system in this country and has done more to advance this great cause than almost any other individual in the last few years. This book is just one small part of that effort, and we’re honored to partner with him.”
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
