Scotty McCreery Visits Newtown as Ambassador

Scotty McCreery visited Newton, Conn., on Tuesday (Feb. 25) as an ambassador for the 12.14 Foundation.

The foundation was created in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and seeks to provide emotional healing to the community through the arts.

"I'm glad to help in any way I can," McCreery tells the Danbury News Times. "The goal of this thing is really to look toward the future, and provide hope to people that were affected, much like me, and the people of Newtown and around the country. I feel like through the performing arts we can do that, and can provide long-term healing to people struck by this tragedy."

The 'American Idol' Season 10 winner heard about the 12.14 Foundation through the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and traveled quietly to Newtown just before the one year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook in December to meet privately with families of the victims.

"You could still see the hurt, even a year later, in their eyes,'' he says. "It's something that will always be there, but we're hoping that through what we're doing we can provide maybe an escape; just if they go see a musical or go to a concert. We'll never be able to take it away, but we're hoping we can be here for folks who were really struck by the tragedy."

The foundation hopes to provide local children and adults with opportunities to express themselves through music and performance. Last August, they collaborated with Broadway leaders to produce the musical 'Seussical' with 100 children from the area.

For more information about the 12.14 Foundation and to make a donation, click here.