Lynn fundraiser for flood victims reaches almost $1M

Loretta Lynn's Friends: Hometown Rising with the tagline "when Loretta calls, you can't say no" had raised $933,000 by Thursday. People can text-to-donate (text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321).

The funds will help Humphreys County following the destruction from severe storms and extreme flash floods, which left more than 500 homes affected by floodwaters, including 272 that were totally destroyed. The $933,000 and counting in donations and concert proceeds will directly benefit the residents of Waverly and surrounding areas, as well as local small business. The flood hit home for Lynn as among those killed were Wade Spears, a foreman on Lynn's ranch.

"I've heard from so many friends that the show Monday night that my friends put together for our community not only raised money, but it also raised spirits after a long few weeks of loss and heartbreak," Lynn said from her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. "I loved the performances and the stories. While we shared some heartbreaking images and footage from our hometown, what I saw in those moments was the resilience people have shown amid so much loss. We'll all be okay as long as we continue to help one another."

BRELAND, Brooks with Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, McEntire, Brittney Spencer, Combs and Urban held a two-hour benefit concert and donation drive on Monday night at the Grand Ole Opry House with hosts Storme Warren and Nada leading the in-house sold-out crowd and broadcast/livestream audience.

The program also featured recorded appearances from Tracy Lawrence, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood called on fans to support the important recovery work being done by United Way of Humphreys County. Several major donations were also announced during the evening, with City National Bank and Lawrence's "Mission: Possible" charity both contributing and the Academy of Country Music matching $25,000 of fan donations in honor of Lynn being named one of this year's ACM Poet's Award recipients at the recent ACM Honors.

"And we're so thankful for our good friends of more than 40 years, MX Sports, who've held motocross events at the Ranch and came to our aid through their Racers 4 Waverly Fund," Lynn said. "I'm simply overwhelmed by how everyone rallied behind this small town by showing so much love."

"With the funds raised this week, the United Way of Humphreys County will be able to release more checks to not only individuals but also small businesses that have been displaced since Aug. 21," said Nioka Curtis with United Way. "As soon as I had said a little prayer that we'd be able to help small businesses in addition to families, within this last week that prayer has been answered."

Lynn also partnered with Kendra Scott to garner additional support for the cause, with the jewelry company donating 50 percent of proceeds from the sale of their Tennessee Guitar charm throughout the month of September to United Way of Humphreys County. The charm is available for purchase at KendraScott.com or in retail locations.

Only a few commemorative show posters remain from the evening, available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting the cause.

Donations can still be made online or by texting TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321.

The set list was:
Luke Combs: "Forever After All," "Beer Never Broke My Heart"
Little Big Town: "Wine, Beer, Whiskey," "Boondocks"
Reba McEntire: "I'm A Survivor," "Fancy"
Luke Bryan: "Most People Are Good," "Drink A Beer"
Chris Janson: "Good Vibes"
Brittney Spencer: "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)," "Compassion"
BRELAND: "Cross Country"
Keith Urban: "Blue Ain't Your Color," "Wasted Time"
BRELAND & Keith Urban: "Lean On Me"
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood: "After The Fire Is Gone," "Golden Ring," "Whiskey to Wine," "She's In Love With The Boy," "Friends In Low Places"