Overwhelming Response at Zanies’ Event

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In times of need, a local non-profit gleans hope through the echos of laughter. A remarkable fundraising event – “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” – held at Zanies last night, raised an impressive sum of $200,000 for the non-profit “The Store.”

The unique “local market” was the brainchild of country star Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley. They established it near Belmont University in 2020 with the noble mission of providing low-income residents of Davidson County a supportive outlet to shop for essential goods, free of cost. This initiative has a dual focus: to ensure that the dignity of these individuals stays intact while fostering hope.

The Rise and Impact of ‘The Store’

After observing the operations of ‘The Store’ during a tour last year during the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, it was evident that the need for such an initiative has greatly amplified in the recent times. This revelation underscored the importance of the fundraiser comedy show that sold out on the very same night.

Paisley himself made an appearance at the fundraiser, further enhancing the event’s appeal. Renowned comedians, including John Crist and Dusty Slay, shared the stage, eliciting peals of laughter from an audience who got to enjoy an evening full of humor while also contributing to a worthwhile cause. To learn more about ‘The Store’ and to access assistance, patrons can visit The Store’s website.

Additional Efforts to Propel ‘Groceries with Dignity’

The success of this comedy show fundraiser is indicative of the broader community’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. This aid reflects the prevalence of a sense of responsibility in our population, eager to lend a hand to their fellow neighbors.

This event was just one example of the numerous initiatives extraordinaire that this small non-profit has carried out in our community. Addressing a unique niche, it has been pivotal in providing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a platform to articulate themselves through art. Be it original stage performances guided by registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards, or even dancing, these inspiring efforts are indeed a cause for commending and celebrating.

A Humorous Gala for a Noble Cause

By amalgamating the lightness of comedy with the gravitas of a meaningful cause, the ‘Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without’ event stands as a beacon of community camaraderie and the power of collective contribution. With time, we hope to see repeated and further successes that continue to foster a sense of dignity and hope in the community.