Reigning CCMA Female Artist and Songwriter of the Year Tenille Townes raised more than $418,000 during her 13th annual Big Hearts for Big Kids benefit in her hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta. 

This year’s event featured a songwriters round with Dean Brody, Caylee Hammack and Eric Paslay, as well as a headline performance from Townes, who started the fundraiser in 2010 to benefit The Sunrise House, a youth shelter in her hometown. 

Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $3m and expanded to support Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, S.A.F.E. Animal Haven and the Manna House. In December, using funds from Townes’ fundraiser, The Sunrise House opened a new facility to serve three times the number of youths in need.

“I grew up in a community that taught me how to look out for each other and putting on this event through the past 14 years has shown me the power of a small group of people coming together. I'm so proud of the way everyone continues to show up, gather around some music, bid on some auction items, and change the course of many kids lives because of it,” said Townes.

This year, a portion of proceeds also benefited Nashville non-profit Room in the Inn, where Townes has been volunteering, via an auctioned trip to CMA Fest in Nashville this year. For more info on Big Hearts for Big Kids, click here.

Having released her latest project, Train Track Worktapes, in 2023, Townes is currently writing and recording with new music coming soon. 

Seen above wearing their hearts on their sleeves are (l-r) Paslay, Townes, Hammack and Brody.

Photos Credit: Robert Chavers