NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The T.J. Martell Foundation raised $535,000 to benefit leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at Monday night’s (2/27) 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala, for a total of over $3 million raised since 2009. Honorees were treated to performances by George Strait, Brad Paisley, Frankie Ballard, Clare Bowen, Kelsea Ballerini and Tommy Shaw and special presentations by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, John Esposito, Joel Katz and John Huie. The Gala also featured a special tribute to the late founder of the T.J. Martell Foundation, Tony Martell.
This year’s honorees were:
Janet Miller – Spirit of Nashville Award
Dr. Joseph Smith – Medical Research Advancement Award
Scott Hamilton – Lifetime Humanitarian Award
Rod Essig – Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Louis Messina – Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
Janet Miller – Spirit of Nashville Award
Dr. Joseph Smith – Medical Research Advancement Award
Scott Hamilton – Lifetime Humanitarian Award
Rod Essig – Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Louis Messina – Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
The Nashville Honors Gala is one of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s premier events that pays tribute to outstanding community leaders and presents special musical performances with heartwarming presentations that celebrates the evening’s honorees. In addition to the performances, there was a live and silent auction with proceeds benefiting leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.