The Back2Back Foundation, a nonprofit that helps families in need in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, raised $107,750 at the Brice Long and Friends benefit concert Saturday with McBride & The Ride at the Alhambra Theatre, the organization announced in a press release.
“It’s been amazing what we have been able to accomplish in 20 years. I was so excited these guys were willing and able to come celebrate with us. It was a phenomenal night of music,” Long said in the release.
The fundraising efforts coincides with a couple of milestones. Back2Back is celebrating its 20th year as a regional nonprofit after surpassing $1 million in funds raised since the effort was established.
A Hopkinsville native, Long is based in Nashville as a performer and songwriter. More than 140 of his songs have been recorded by other other musicians, including Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Porter Wagoner and John Michael Montgomery.
Every year Long performs a concert in Hopkinsville with other musicians from Nashville, and the money raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and silent auctions provides assistance to local families — especially during the holidays.
To mark the 20th anniversary of Back2Back, Long wanted a special headliner for this year’s concert and brought McBride & The Ride to Hopkinsville.
The downtown theater’s green room has been named in honor of Long and Back2Back, Pennyroyal Arts Council executive director Margaret Prim announced Saturday.
Last year, Back2Back helped 130 families with Christmas gifts, organizers said in the press release.
Groups receiving assistance this year include Grace and Mercy, Redeemed & Restored, Sanctuary House, Forgotten Angels, Cumberland Hall, Genesis Express, Helping Hands of Trigg County, Boys & Girls Clubs, Joy’s Closet, Trace Industries, Shop with a Cop, Rotary Clubs in Hopkinsville and Elkton, Pennyroyal Hospice, The Way, Men 2 Be and Alpha Alternative.
At Saturday’s concert, the foundation presented a $1,500 donation to Teen Talk, a group led by Brittanie Bogard, a Challenge House ambassador whose family has received holiday assistance from Back2Back.
