Saturday’s JDRF Hope Gala honored Eric’s parents, Ken and Rita Church,
with “Living and Giving Award”
Eric Church alongside wife and co-founder of Chief Cares, Katherine Church, surprised crowd with $1M donation presentation from Chief Cares to JDRF; event reaches record $2.1M
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Since Hurricane Matthew devastated regions in Haiti, Eric and Katherine Church’s foundation Chief Cares (aptly named after the singer/songwriter’s third career album Chief and largely funded through concert ticket proceeds) has been helping six townships in the region with more than 500 families aided thanks to the non-profit’s efforts. However, the impact of the less-than-three-year-old foundation’s mission was also felt domestically last night as its outreach focused on the seven-time GRAMMY nominee’s home state of North Carolina with an organizational record $1 million donation to a cause that has personally impacted the Church family—type 1 diabetes. The JDRF’s Hope Gala held in Charlotte, N.C. was honoring Eric’s parents, Ken and Rita Church, with the “Living and Giving Award” for their dedication when Eric and Katherine Church surprised the 1,000+ audience.
“Our foundation work and giving to others in need is my absolute favorite thing that we get to do,” said Katherine Church. “We are blessed to be a blessing! What a special opportunity it is for us to give through Chief Cares and present this gift tonight to JDRF in honor of Rita to eliminate this disease!”
“I can’t think of a more fitting occasion to make Chief Cares’ largest donation than in honor of my mother and her battle with type 1 diabetes,” said Eric Church.
“JDRF is thrilled and grateful to Eric and Katherine Church for their generous gift to further type 1 diabetes research,” said Laura Maciag, Executive Director, JDRF Greater Western Carolinas Chapter. “We have made incredible progress to treat, prevent and cure this disease and are at such an exciting stage in our journey. The commitment and dedication of the Church family is extremely appreciated as we move forward in our vision to create a world without type 1 diabetes.”
For more information, visit ericchurch.com/chiefcares.