Everyone knows that getting a good education is a key component for preparing children for their future adult lives. As such, every child deserves to have the resources that they need to succeed during each school year.
Since 2020, children in Sumner County have benefitted from a federal program that has provided funds to pay for all required school supplies. Known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, this program has helped ensure that every child could start off the school year on an equal footing, regardless of their economic status.
However, the ESSER program recently ended, eliminating the ability of Sumner County and many other school systems across the country to fund critical school supply purchases. While most families will be able to afford to purchase supplies for their own children, the elimination of the funding will place an undue burden on children from lower income families.
Fortunately, Hendersonville is a caring community.
Citizens from across the city and county are quick to rally together to support worthy causes, particularly those that involve children. For proof, one needs to look no further than the Live Love Nashville/Hendersonville Hometown Jam concert that took place at the Premier Center on June 30. That evening, hundreds of music lovers from across the county attended the event, raising funds that will provide much needed school supplies children in need.
“Every child deserves the tools they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, many students in our community start the school year without the basic supplies that help them learn, stay organized and feel confident,” said Live Love Nashville Executive Director Taylor Reed. “Because of the generosity and support from this event, over 1,500 students in Sumner County will have the supplies they need to start the school year off strong.
The concert kicked off at 6 p.m. with a brief introduction by concert emcee and Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Director Andy Gilley. Following his remarks, Andy introduced the opening act, Hendersonville native Ryan Bam and his band Clyde and the Barrows. After Bam concluded his set, Julia Cole and her band performed, exciting the crowd with her powerful voice and stage presence.
Following Cole’s performance, Kylie Morgan and her band gave a stirring performance, setting the stage for an electrifying performance by headliner and Grand Ole Opry member Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry.
After the concert ended, Andy expressed his gratitude for the success of the concert.
“To be able to partner once again with Live Love Nashville to help raise money for kids in our community is always something we’re proud to do,” said Andy. “I can’t say enough about the performers, sponsors, parks staff and volunteers that worked together to make this a night in Hendersonville we won’t soon forget.”
Since 2019, the Hendersonville Hometown Jam concert series has been a popular staple in the City by the Lake. Presented by the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department, the concerts have featured top tier talents who have performed for thousands of music fans across the community.
For the past four years, the Hendersonville Hometown Jam has partnered with local nonprofit Live Love Nashville to raise funds to help ensure that children across Sumner County have all the basic necessities that they need, including food, clothing, hygiene items and school supplies.