Smoky Mountains Rise was a three-hour telethon broadcast simultaneously on television networks, radio chains, and online newspaper websites on December 13th with the goal of raising money for the My People Fund, through the Dollywood Foundation. The fund was announced by Dolly Parton shortly after the East Tennessee wildfires and is designed to benefit those directly affected by the fires’ destructive paths in Sevier County, TN.
Lifestyle
Smoky Mountains Rise a Huge Success for Families in East Tennessee
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Millions Tuned In, and Millions Were Donated
Photo: Flickr/Linda Stanley
Literally millions of people tuned in to watch the telethon and subsequently, millions of dollars were raised. Broadcast on GAC, RFD, The Heartland Network and AXS-TV, the telethon received large donations from families throughout the United States, as well as musical stars such as Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Paul Simon, and Dierks Bentley. Over 1,300 families were displaced as a result of the wildfires and subsequently, Parton established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1000 per month, for up to six months, for each family that lost their primary residence in the aftermath.
Gracious and Generous
Photo: Facebook/Dolly Parton from the smokies to the world
Dolly, of course, thanked everyone in saying, “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who have donated from all over the country and to my friends who donated their time, their talent, and money for My People. The response has been so overwhelming that we haven’t been able to count all of the donations yet; right now, in total, we have raised about $9 million dollars for the folks who lost everything in Sevier County.”
There’s Still Time to Donate.
Photo: Facebook/The Charlie Daniels Band
As mail donations are eventually tallied and the telethon is anticipated to be rebroadcast over the coming days, the total amount of donations is expected to rise. Those that would still like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund can visit dollywoodfoundation.org. And those wishing to send donations by mail, the address is My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Donations are also being accepted by texting DOLLY to 501501 for a one-time $10 donation or DOLLY25 to 501501 for a one-time $25 donation. Messaging and data rates will apply.
