Riser Dierks Bentley To Be Recognized For Humanitarian Efforts

Dierks Bentley is finally getting accolades for something DB Congress members have known all along--Dierks is an amazing guy with a huge heart.

Country Radio Broadcasters announced this week that Dierks has been selected to receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the 2018 Country Radio Seminar. Created in 1990, this annual award recognizes the "humanitarian achievements of country artists." Dierks is the 28th recipient of the award; past recipients include artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Charlie Daniels.

Looking back on more than a decade of service, the examples of Dierks' humanitarian achievements are endless.

One of the most notable--the reason he was selected for this award--is his Miles and Music for Kids motorcycle ride and concert. This event, held for 10 years, raised more than $4 million for children's hospitals across the country, including the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Ready for tomorrow... @indianmotorcycle #DIERKSMM10

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Oct 31, 2015 at 3:38pm PDT

Another highlight that contributed to Dierks receiving this award were his efforts to support the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. In 2013, he partnered with Entercom Country KMLE/Phoenix and Guyann Communications Country KAFF/Flagstaff to host the Country Cares Concert in Arizona, which raised more than $500,000 for the families of the firefighters. He since played a part in promoting the major motion picture about the Hotshots, "Only The Brave," singing and writing the movie's featured song, "Hold The Light." (This song is so powerful, there is buzz about it being an Oscar contender.)

headed back from @onlythebravemovie phx premiere last night. last three days have been profoundly moving. met some great folks, made some new friends and learned a lot more about the bond that exists in the firefighter and first responder community. it was a honor to spend some time with all the people that come down from prescott az last night for the premiere and later at @dierkswhiskeyrow

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Oct 11, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT

He's also an advocate for the Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville, even featuring a family from the shelter in his "Riser" music video. The entire Bentley family has jumped in to support this shelter. Through these efforts, the family has brought tens of thousands of dollars in donations, not to mention countless opportunities for advocacy. Even last week, Safe Haven did a fundraiser where the Bentleys were on site and matching funds raised (his kiddos even helped serve).

We are excited to have @dierksbentley and @charles_esten here tonight at A Taqueria Holiday. For every $1 you spend, Safe Haven gets $6.

A post shared by Safe Haven Family Shelter (@safehaventn) on Dec 4, 2017 at 4:17pm PST

Beyond these three notable humanitarian efforts, in just the last year, Dierks has raised money for disaster relief for those affected by the hurricanes; hosted a private concert for first responders; donated blood; adopted from the humane society; supported our military; advocated for the National Park Service; fished to benefit cancer research; took on the volunteer position on the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. Not to mention his day job (of which we all are familiar!) and being one heck of a hubby and dad.

It's clear Dierks has taken his natural platform and made it a voice for good. We might be biased, but looking at all this man does, not just for his family and fans, but for the community, it's clear there is no one more deserving of this honor.

Congratulations, Dierks!

Successful night raising money for the kids! #mm4k10

A post shared by DierksBentleyCongress (@dbcongress) on Nov 1, 2015 at 10:30pm PST

The award will be presented at the Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 5 in Nashville.

Dierks previous received the Country Radio Seminar "New Faces of Country Music" award in 2004.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

"Five" Ways Cassidy Bentley Won In Boston

Cruisin’ the road on Monday, here are the top Five ways Cassidy Bentley, wife of country artist Dierks Bentley, won the 2017 Boston Marathon:

5. She learned how to use hashtags, all to promote her journey.

In just six weeks, Cass went from a brand-new Instagram page to almost 7,000 followers. Her second post (about hiking with Dierks) included the hashtag #firsttimehashtagging. From there … #nailedit.

4. She connected with thousands along the way.

Before writing this blog, we had to see what Cass said in her memoirs of the day. She didn’t disappoint. “Hugs to the little kids lined on the side of the street with their hands out to high five the runners. Hugs to the volunteers and everyone there keeping people safe. Hugs to the girls who cheered for me at mile 6 and the person who I couldn't see who screamed my name and "Safe Haven" at mile 10. I hope you heard me scream back. To everyone who shared encouraging words and those who donated to Safe Haven...gigantic bear hug.” She did this virtually, too, replying to comments on her social media pages and sending thank yous to donors.

3. She demonstrated her life is full of heart. And she’s incredibly real.

Cass shared thoughts through her website and social media pages that are quite vulnerable. She posted images and commentary discussing the feeling of “failing to impersonate someone who is comfortable and relaxed in front of cameras,” moments of “general grouchiness in the house,” and even a bloody toe. These were posted side-by-side with the reality of why she is doing this run. “I left today inspired by [Safe Haven] but with an aching heart … I wish you could have been with me today to see these kids, bright spirits, full of potential so you could feel how worthwhile their mission is.” By now, I think we’re all wishing she was the girl next door.

2. She finished.
And, man, did she. One thing could be heard from everyone who was in Boston on Monday—the heat took its toll. Overheating, exhaustion and dehydration were prevalent throughout the race, resulting in many not crossing the finish line. “The last six miles of yesterday's race were mind bending. I lost my center and everything hurt and it felt like it would never, ever end.” Yet, she endured, finishing the 26.2-mile course in a remarkable 3 hours, 26 minutes, 12 seconds!

I'm reaching the maximum number of posts that one can reasonably dedicate to one race so ill wrap up with hugs. Hugs to Boston. I can't believe how that city turns out for the runners. Hugs to the little kids lined on the side of the street with their hands out to high five the runners. Hugs to the volunteers and everyone there keeping people safe. Hugs to the girls who cheered for me at mile 6 and the person who I couldn't see who screamed my name and "Safe Haven" at mile 10. I hope you heard me scream back. To everyone who shared encouraging words and those who donated to Safe Haven...gigantic bear hug. The last six miles of yesterday's race were mind bending. I lost my center and everything hurt and it felt like it would never, ever end. And yet here I am already feeling nostalgic for it. That's the weird magic of a marathon...or I guess of anything that is hard but worth it.

A post shared by Cassidy Bentley (@cassrunsboston17) on Apr 18, 2017 at 8:57pm PDT

1. She raised $24,290 for Safe Haven Family Shelter. As she said, “This year, I wanted to find a way to use my run to connect with people and help others. I wanted to give it meaning beyond crossing the finish line or achieving a certain time.” Mission accomplished.

BONUS
She has one adorable pit crew!

Congratulations to DB Congress Member Nancy Eaton who also ran her second Boston Marathon, shaving almost 30 minutes off her time from last year. She ran on the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center team in honor of her friend and coworker who passed away while training for Boston last year. Great job, Nancy!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Cassidy Bentley Runs Boston Marathon for Charity Featured in "Riser" Video

This Monday, every mile will most certainly be a memory for Cassidy Bentley as she tackles the prestigious Boston Marathon!

Wife to our president, Dierks Bentley, and mom to their three adorable kids, Cass qualified for Boston for a second year—a winning feat unto itself. To even enter this event, she needed to run 26.2 miles in less than 3 hours and 45 minutes. (It’s clear to see why Dierks wrote Feel That Fire!)

"I've taken a lot of pictures with [Dierks] over the years in full, professional hair and makeup... But when I see pictures of me after races, sweaty and spent and proud and smiling, I feel a wave of recognition of my true self." 

As Taste of Country said, she’s absolutely gorgeous, “but her heart might be the most beautiful thing about her.” She’s not running Boston for the medal (well, not for only the medal); she’s doing it to raise awareness and support for the Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville.

Cassidy (right) and Dierks (center) with the Safe Haven staff. Photo from Nashville Post.

"This year, I wanted to find a way to use my run to connect with people and help others," she said on her fundraising website. "I wanted to give it meaning beyond crossing the finish line or achieving a certain time (although I do want to do that, too!)."

Cass describes Safe Haven as an organization that “keeps families who are homeless together, provides them with shelter and eventually permanent housing along with the therapy, support and training needed to gain self-sufficiency and rebuild their lives.”

Well, that’s a cause all of us can stand behind, even if we can’t run for it.

So she’s taken to the streets (and the treadmill!) to run in their honor.

And the donations have been pouring in ever since. In fact, she's raised $18,485 in the last six weeks. A couple familiar donations listed on her page include gifts from Nicole Kidman, Bobble Bones, Sheryl Crow (who performed with Dierks at Legends last week) and, ahem, a rather large gift from Doug Douglason (Dierks' Hot Country Knights alias, anyone?)! You, too, can still donate to Safe Haven for another four days!

The Bentley’s support of Safe Haven is years in the making. Dierks' notable “Riser” music video even featured a family whose life was changed through the support of this shelter.

“I’ve seen up close the incredibly important, desperately needed, inspiring work they do,” Cass said. “I’m thrilled to be running in their honor and in honor of present and future families who need Safe Haven.”

What started 11 years ago as jogging a couple miles to pass the time while her husband was on the road has turned into a notable running career that has the power to positively influence countless families.

Dierks and the kids are known for their unwavering support of Cass while she runs (though their daughter Jordan fully believes her mom should focus on winning). With signs, photos, and cheers to carry her along (and the thousands of comments she’s received through her Instagram and Facebook pages), she knows she’s not alone in this run.

The Bentley girls at mile 15 at Cassidy's first Boston Marathon in 2014

“I’m so proud of Cassidy and it’s so fun watching her get ready for this race,” Dierks said in a recent article. “It takes months and months of preparation and determination to pull this off.”

The only question we have now is: Does she listen to Dierks on her running playlist?

Enjoy the journey this Monday, Cass! The DB Congress is running with you!

You can join Cassidy in supporting Safe Haven by clicking here.

Also running Boston again this year is DB Congress member Nancy Eaton! She also has an incredible story full of overcoming tragedy. Read more about her story here.

This Monday, you can follow Cass and Nancy as they tackle Boston!
Cassidy's bib number: 12159
Nancy's bib number: 29825

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe