Craig Morgan to headline annual Waltrip brothers' charity championship
Looking to build on the monumental success achieved in fundraising efforts last year, the Seventh Annual Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship (WBCC) welcomes country music star, Army veteran and award-winning TV host Craig Morgan as the headliner for its Champion's Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Franklin, Tenn.
Morgan will kick off Darrell and Michael Waltrip's two-day fundraiser that benefits Speedway Children's Charities, American Diabetes Association and Motor Racing Outreach (MRO). In just six years, the WBCC has surpassed the $2 million mark, and in 2015, shattered its fundraising record for the fourth consecutive year with more than $600,000 raised.
NFL on FOX host and NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw will emcee the Champion's Dinner after sudden illness sidelined him the night of the 2015 event. Joining Bradshaw as co-hosts are FOX NASCAR analyst Jeff Hammond and NASCAR on NBC host Krista Voda. Thursday's "no mulligan" golf tournament at Vanderbilt Legends Club rounds out the WBCC.
"It's hard to believe we're gearing up for our seventh Waltrip Brothers Charity Championship," Darrell Waltrip said. "What started out as a small effort has taken on a life of its own and raised a total of $2 million for some very worthy charities. We've brought on new benefactors this year with Speedway Children's Charities and the American Diabetes Association joining Motor Racing Outreach, and we have every reason to believe we'll shatter another fundraising record. With Craig Morgan as our headliner, it should be a fantastic night."
A multi-faceted entertainer, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music icon, TV host, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. One of country music's best-loved artists, the Black River Entertainment artist thrills massive crowds with signature hits, including "Bonfire," Almost Home," "International Harvester," "This Ole Boy," Wake Up Loving You" and the six-week #1, "That's What I Love About Sunday." Morgan's newest album, A Whole Lot More To Me, featuring singles "I'll Be Home Soon" and "When I'm Gone," released this summer. Morgan received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. In addition to a prolific country music career, he hosts the award-winning TV show "Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," now in its seventh season on Outdoor Channel. Prior to becoming a country music star and TV sensation, Morgan spent 17 years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves. He is an avid supporter of America's military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. For more on Morgan, CLICK HERE.
"I am a huge Craig Morgan fan," Michael Waltrip said. "We met at Texas Motor Speedway a few years back and became buddies. Just look at the names of some of his hits -- "International Harvester" and "Redneck Yacht Club." How cool and country is that? Then, of course, there's his touching hit "That's What I Love About Sunday." Craig is the perfect blend of country, Americana and inspiration."
Entertainment and sports stars will be among the more than 500 guests at the Champion's Dinner that features a live and silent auction consisting of dozens of autographed items from sports, music and entertainment icons. A portion of the live auction proceeds will go to feeding needy families designated by Feeding America and to assist Samaritan's Purse in building a new home for a family that was recently displaced. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's "Dialed in with Claire B. Lang" will broadcast live from the event.
Already confirmed are American Idol season 4 runner-up Bo Bice; NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kenny Habul; FOX NASCAR host/play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander; two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Seires champion and FOX NASCAR analyst Todd Bodine; FOX NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds; FOX NASCAR reporter Hermie Sadler; and FOX NASCAR analyst Kenny Wallace.
Last year's WBCC was the most successful to-date, raising more than $600,000 for MRO, Feed the Children and the Byrnes Memorial Fund. In just six years, the event has raised more than $2 million for charity. Tickets for the dinner and/or golf tournament are available at www.waltripbrothers.com. For further information, please CLICK HERE, visit WBCC on Facebook at Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship, follow on Twitter at @WaltripBrothers or contact Van Colley at vancolley@waltripbrothers.com.
