Fourth Annual #ACountryThing Raises $1.5M for Parkinson’s Research in Evening of Comedy and Country Music Headlined by Legendary Talent: Eric Church and Little Big Town

"Over the years, this event has raised so much money to fight Parkinson's and it's a beautiful thing and we're so glad to be a part of," said Little Big Town member, Jimi Westbrook, on the red carpet at the fourth annual 'Country Thing' fundraiser. "Nashville always responds and comes out with their hearts and wallets and we're doing everything we can to raise enough money to get rid of this disease."

On Wednesday, April 15, over 1,000 guests celebrated the incredible progress in Parkinson's research at the fourth annual "A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's" fundraiser in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendees gathered for The Michael J. Fox Foundation's (MJFF) sold-out event at the Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Belmont University featuring legendary country music, comedy and a delicious food and cocktail menu curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Jake Howell of the popular Nashville restaurant, Peninsula.

The star-studded evening brought the community together for country music performances by legendary artists Eric Church, Joanna Cotten and Little Big Town, as well as hilarious comedic sets by Dusty Slay, Maggie Hughes DePalo and Aaron Weber. The evening was hosted by MJFF Board Member Willie Geist, anchor of NBC's Sunday TODAY and MS Now's Morning Joe.

Willie Geist opened the show with heartfelt remarks followed by a spectacular performance by Little Big Town of hit songs including "Boondocks," "Better Man," "Throw Your Love Away," "Stay All Night," "Girl Crush" and "Wine, Beer Whiskey." Following their performance, Kimberly Schlapman took to the stage to provide heartfelt remarks on her family's journey caring for her mother who has lived with the disease for nearly two decades.

Schlapman then introduced a short film written and directed by MJFF Founding Board member Nelle Fortenberry. The film highlighted the Foundation's incredible progress in Parkinson's research over the last 25 years as well as the milestones, breakthroughs and momentum that is building right now - and the role we all play in advancing it. The audience was moved by the impactful reflection on 25 years of relentless work and the promise in today's research pipeline.

In a touching moment, Willie Geist and Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Deborah W. Brooks joined Michael J. Fox in conversation to thank MJFF's dedicated community for supporting the event and for their continuous support of the Foundation's mission to speed better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease. Brooks provided an update on the defining moment happening in Parkinson's research right now with the launch of the Foundation's "All Grit, No Quit" campaign, expressing gratitude for every contribution.

The spectacular evening continued with A-list performances including hilarious comedy sets from Dusty Slay, Maggie Hughes DePalo and Aaron Weber, who had guests laughing in their seats. Eric Church, award-winning country singer, amazed the audience with a set list including major hits, "Atlantic City," "Record Year," "Johhny," "Springsteen," "Like Jesus Does," "Hell of a View" and "16th Ave." Together, the performances reflected the evening's spirit of community and shared commitment to advancing Parkinson's research.

Since its inception in 2000, MJFF has funded over $3 billion in high-level impact research programs. The Foundation's fourth event in Nashville raised over $1.5M with 100% of the proceeds from the evening going directly to speed the Foundation's global research programs.

#ACountryThing special guests in attendance included Marc Cohn, Laura Prepon and Dusty Slay along with former NHL players David Backes, Ryan Johansen, Joey Kent, Brent Peterson and former NFL players Kevin Dyson, Brad Hopkins, Dan Keczmer, Marc Mariani.

Speaking exclusively with Entertainment Tonight, Michael J. Fox highlighted the power of the Nashville community and its role in advancing critical Parkinson's research.

"The Foundation's association with the Nashville area and our 'Country Thing' fundraiser are really important to us. This group of people are the most generous in the world and it's become a great event and tradition for us," said Michael J. Fox in his interview.

Watch more of Michael's reflections in his exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight here.

The evening was made possible by event sponsors, Bass, Berry & Sims; HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health; Lipman Brothers; National Hockey League, Pinnacle Financial Partners; Todd Baird/Wells Fargo Advisors; Amazon; Appello Pharmaceuticals; Gibson Gives; Labcorp; NFL Foundation; Tennessee Titans ONE Community and WME.

Check out these top highlights from #ACountryThing.  

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• Lucy Peterson

  Corporate Communications Specialist