ACM Lifting Lives Announces Two Star-Studded Initiatives

ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable organization run by the Academy of Country Music, has announced two programs to help kids with special needs, while also helping country fans hear some great music.

First, the organization has once again teamed up with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities to host the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, which will take place June 18 - 22 in Nashville. Big & Rich, Lauren Alaina, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Jana Kramer, David Lee Murphy and Paul Worley have all signed on to help special-needs campers learn about writing and recording music. Those campers will then have the special opportunity to sing with Big & Rich at the Grand Ole Opry on June 22.

"I've always been proud of the work that Lifting Lives has done. They truly lift lives through music -- something we all aspire to do," says John Rich.

"We are honored we get to be a part of the campers' special night as they share their talent with the Opry audience and lift lives," adds Big Kenny.

ACM Lifting Lives has also paired up with Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band to sell concert tickets benefiting the charity, as well as charities of the artists' choices. And these aren't just any tickets -- these are some of the best seats in the house, in sold-out sections. Click here to buy concert tickets through the Tickets-for-Charity program, which supports many different causes.

"To me, there's nothing more important than helping kids. It's a great feeling to be on the road and know that my fans are joining me in helping to make a difference through this program," says Zac Brown.

"I'm honored to be part of the work that ACM Lifting Lives is doing and so glad to have fans join me in supporting the St. Jude Target House as part of this program," Brad Paisley reports. "The Target House is an incredible place for families to stay as they endure all of the treatments their child goes through - these are some of the bravest kids and families you'll ever see."

"In my job, you get to go to a lot of places and see a lot of things, but there's not much in my world that's more gratifying or important than helping families in need," echoes Toby Keith. "In my hectic schedule, I always make time for a USO tour for two weeks and my Toby Keith Foundation which helps families in Oklahoma with kids who are battling illness. It's two very important things to me: American children, Oklahoma children specifically, and my warriors and my troops overseas. It's just wonderful to be in a position to give back."

Learn more about ACM Lifting Lives here.