Nashville, Tenn. (June 23, 2010) – Uniting with Music City entertainers in support of flood relief, the Nashville Predators and its partners presented a check to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee during last night’s Nashville Rising benefit concert. The donation, totaling $130,000 was presented by Nashville Predators President of Business Operations, Ed Lang alongside Community Foundation President Ellen Lehman, Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell and country music superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The contribution marked the first charitable donation of the evening.

“While the flood was devastating to many and presented unprecedented challenges to the community, it has been heart-warming to see people come together and help one another,” Nashville Predators President of Business Operations, Ed Lang said. “The Nashville Rising benefit concert is just one more example of why Nashville and Middle Tennessee is such a wonderful place to live. Seeing the entertainment community come together in support of those affected has been a constant reminder of the heart of this city. The Nashville Predators and its partners are proud to be a part of the relief efforts with our contribution to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.”

Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery, took place at Bridgestone Arena, the home of the Nashville Predators, and featured special appearances by Sandra Bullock, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Tennessee Titans personalities Jeff Fisher and Vince Young and musical performances from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and ZZ Top. Through this special concert, Music City united to assist victims of the floods that ravaged Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

All proceeds from Nashville Rising benefited the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which provides philanthropic services that enhance the Middle Tennessee area. The Foundation’s Tennessee Emergency Response Fund ensures that one gift can impact a wide range of charitable needs. In the course of rebuilding lives disrupted by this devastating flood, it is impossible to know just what the needs of those affected will be. This Fund is already operational and will continue to strategically address needs as they emerge. For additional information, please visit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

In addition to last night’s donation, the Predators organization has been involved in a myriad of relief efforts since the flooding. The Nashville Predators Foundation and National Hockey League were among the first responders to commit to donations to the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and additionally, every Predator player committed financial contributions to the American Red Cross. Through Hands on Nashville, teams of staff members worked with organizations such as Nashville Humane Association, LP Pencil Box, Youth Encouragement Services, St. Luke’s Community Center and in the following communities that were especially hard-hit: West Nashville, Bellevue, Cottonwood and Fieldstone Farms in Franklin. In addition to staff personnel, Predators forward J.P. Dumont was also on-site at several locations assisting with relief efforts. In the days and weeks following the flooding, Predators coaches, personalities and players Wade Belak, Martin Erat and Steve Sullivan also participated in numerous telethons, donation collections and fundraisers. The NHL community also rallied around the city of Nashville with monetary and in-kind donations to the relief efforts.

To assist with ongoing relief efforts, please visit Hands on Nashville and sign up to help today.