HUNTSVILLE — It was a night to celebrate a music legend and honor two of Huntsville’s men in blue.
And, it was a community coming together with the world of country music.
The April 25 tribute concert, “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” raised more than $80,000 for the family of slain HPD Officer Garrett Crumby and wounded Officer Albert Morin.
Nancy Jones, widow of the late George Jones, presented a check Wednesday at a ceremony in partnership with Concerts 4 A Cause, The Wounded Blue, and the Von Braun Center.
“I am beyond thankful for the friendships I have with so many artists who agreed to sign guitars to help raise this money,” said Jones. “Everyone did their part and we did the right thing here.
“I hope this money will help these families not have to worry about some of the day-to-day bills that put a burden on you when you are dealing with health and tragic situations.”
Police Chief Kirk Giles accepted the fundraiser proceeds on behalf of Morin and Crumby’s family.
“The outpouring of love from our community was overwhelming following the death of Officer Garrett Crumby and the critical wounding of Officer Albert Morin,” Giles said. “Thank you to Nancy Jones, the artists, these organizations, and everyone who donated to support Officer Crumby’s family and Officer Morin following this tragic shooting.”
Along with the music, guitars autographed by Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Wynonna, Dierks Bentley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll, and others were sold.
“Concerts 4 A Cause was established to do this very thing,” said Josh Bleidt, Concerts 4 A Cause Founder. “We raise money and help those in need through music events and the artists’ giving hearts. We pulled this guitar promotion together within 48 hours with just an idea and it worked.
“Today, we are helping two families of law enforcement. Tomorrow it may be a veteran or a child. We are happy we can do our part by bringing some financial relief to these families.”
To help spread the word nationwide, Jones contacted The Wounded Blue, whose mission is to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers.
“The Wounded Blue is proud to have played a role in the amazing Country Music event that raised funds for the family of Huntsville Police Officer Garrett Crumby’s family who was tragically gunned down and for Officer Albert Morin who was also shot and critically injured,” said founder and Chairman Randy Sutton. “The kindness and compassion shown by Nancy Jones in her quest to help these families shall be honored by the entire law enforcement community.”
The concert was one of the highest-grossing concerts at the VBC as it brought artists together for a celebration of country music.
“We knew an event of this caliber would be very successful – not just for the VBC, but for the entire city of Huntsville and North Alabama – because it would attract thousands of people to our community who love listening to music by the great George Jones,” said VBC Executive Director Steve Maples. “This sold-out concert was one of the top five highest-grossing events ever held in the VBC’s 48-year history and had an estimated economic impact of over $1.2 million.
“However, the amazing generosity of Nancy and her team to our local law enforcement is what will make this one of the most legendary events to be held in Huntsville.”
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