Michael W. Smith Named Philanthropist of the Year & Honored by Nashville Association of Talent Directors

 

Michael W. Smith Named Philanthropist of the Year & Honored by Nashville Association of Talent Directors

Multiple Grammy award winning artist Michael W. Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in early November. Smith was also honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville music and entertainment industry. 

Smith was honored on National Philanthropy Day (November 5) for his extensive work with Rocketown, which is a youth center/music venue/skate park that he founded in 1994. In 1999, Rocketown moved to a central location in downtown Nashville. The current facility has three stages for live entertainment and Middle Tennessee's only current indoor skatepark, The Hub snack bar, a recording studio and photography, art and dance studios. More than 800 teens from across the Middle Tennessee region participate in Rocketown programs each week. For more information, visit http://rocketown.com.

The 2014 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Steve Tolman of LogiCom. "Our honorees are from varying entertainment backgrounds and professions, and they have each brought their expertise, their commitment and their vision to ensure that Music City continues to flourish and grow," Tolman said.

Smith released his new album Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart and features top guest artists including Vince Gill and Lady Antebellum. He is prepping his "The Spirit of Christmas Tour" in support of his new album. The tour will kick off November 30 and will hit several cities in the U.S. and Canada. 

Michael W. Smith has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP's 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as "a cornerstone of Christian music," for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. 

 

 

Tags : Michael W. Smith michael w. smith philanthropist of the year 2014 philanthropist of the year philanthropist of the year 2014 Nashville Michael w. smith 2014 Christmas tour Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas album Vince Gill lady antebellum