Dolly Parton plans Smoky Mountains Rise Telethon: A Benefit for the Dollywood Foundation's My People Fund
On Nov. 28, devastating wildfires burned some 17,000 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fires also affected parts of Gatlinburg and Sevier County, TN. Sadly, 14 people lost their lives in these terrible fires, and over 100 confirmed injuries were reported. Over 14,000 people were evacuated during the fires which damaged or destroyed more than 1,700 structures (homes, businesses and churches).
Sevier County is home to Dolly Parton and many of her businesses including the Dollywood Company and the Dollywood Foundation. In a video message on Dec. 1, Dolly announced a new effort by The Dollywood Company and The Dollywood Foundation to establish a fund to assist the victims of the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires in Tennessee. The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month for up to six months to Sevier County families who lost their homes in the wildfires.
Shortly after announcing the My People Fund a host of celebrities and entertainers pledged their support to the ongoing efforts and plans were made for Smoky Mountains Rise Telethon: A Benefit for the My People Fund.
Hank Williams Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Alabama, Don McLean, Ronnie Dunn, Jamey Johnson and Lauren Alaina have been added to the star-studded telecast, which will be broadcast on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD-TV and The Heartland Network.
During the telethon, viewers will be asked to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate to the My People Fund.
A number of celebrities will answer phones during the telethon. Paula Deen and her sons Bobby and Jamie, RaeLynn, Dailey & Vincent, Moonshiners’ Mark & Digger, T.G. Sheppard, Jason Crabb, Larry Gatlin, comedian Henry Cho, Tim Rushlow and more will help man the phone lines during the telethon. All of the celebrities are donating their time and performances to help the effort. Dolly said,
“Every day I’m touched even more by the number of people who are joining us to help raise money for the people of the Smoky Mountains. It is a special place and I’m honored that these people care so much about what we’re doing through the My People Fund to help those who have lost everything due to the wildfires.”
About My People Fund
On Dec. 1 Dolly Parton announced a new effort by The Dollywood Foundation, The Dollywood Company and all her dinner show attractions including Dixie Stampede, Lumberjack Adventure and Pirates Voyage to establish a fund to assist the victims of the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires in Tennessee. The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month for up to six months to Sevier County families who lost their homes.
For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
Please help the Dollywood Foundation share the word about this effort by using the hashtags #MyPeopleFund and #someplacespecial.
About The Dollywood Foundation
The Dollywood Foundation was established by Dolly Parton in 1988. The non-profit organization's early mission was devoted to serving the needs of children in Sevier County through scholarships. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a global book gifting organization which began in Sevier County, is considered the flagship program of the Dollywood Foundation. The My People Fund is yet another example of the Foundation's dedication to serving the needs of the people in Dolly's home county.
