Charity Fundraiser
April 20, 2026
An Unforgettable Evening
Join us at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry on Monday, April 20, 2026, for an unforgettable evening dedicated to a single, powerful purpose: creating hope. At this unique fundraising event, we have the opportunity to change lives. Your support will benefit two remarkable organizations: CU4Kids, which provides critical, life-saving care for sick and injured children in our local hospitals, and Inheritance of Hope, which helps families create a lasting legacy of memories when a parent is terminally ill.
Come together for a night of incredible music and generosity, and leave knowing you have made a profound difference for children and families in their moment of greatest need.
The evening’s attire is semi-formal. We invite you to add a touch of fun by wearing your favorite cowboy boots or hats with your suit or cocktail dress. Traditional black tie and cocktail wear are also welcome.
All proceeds from this event will go directly to CU4Kids and Inheritance of Hope.
Space is limited at this event, so reserve your spot early. Don’t hesitate to contact the Events Team: events@yourleague.org with any questions regarding this event.
Boots & Bowties Update
$134,593
Raised
Exclusive Venue
Experience the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, home to country music’s greatest performances.
This is a unique opportunity to attend a private reception and dinner held on the iconic stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
Since 1925, the Opry has been the home of country music, hosting generations of artists and shaping the genre’s sound. Step onto the famous circle of oak where legends have stood and experience a piece of American music history firsthand.
Meaningful Impact
Every ticket and sponsorship directly supports CU4Kids and Inheritance of Hope, making a difference in families’ lives.
Each day, 562 children will lose a parent to a terminal illness. Let today be the day you and your organization help that family create a lasting legacy by sponsoring or attending the event.
Collectively, CMN Hospitals in Tennessee and Mississippi care for more than 509,000 patients annually, an average of 1,395 patients per day.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy world-class performances from renowned artists in this historic musical setting.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Nashville singer-songwriters up close on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
This year’s lineup features Ava Paige, who has written with hitmakers behind songs for Lee Ann Womack and Chris Stapleton; Brice Long, with cuts by Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Reba McEntire; and Emily Shackelton, writer behind Carly Pearce’s number one hits.
Evening Schedule
A carefully curated evening of exceptional experiences.
5:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
Begin your evening with premium cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in an elegant setting. Network with fellow supporters while enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere.
6:30 PM
Dinner on the Grand Ole Opry Stage
Dine on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage itself. A once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring gourmet cuisine in music history’s most sacred space.
8:30 PM
Live Music Performance
Experience unforgettable performances from artists, including Ava Paige, Brice Long, and others.
All Evening
Live and Silent Auction
Bid on exclusive experiences, luxury items, and unique memorabilia. Every bid supports our charitable causes while offering incredible opportunities.
Contact events@yourleague.org to donate an item for the auction. All proceeds from this event go directly to CU4Kids and Inheritance of Hope.
Featured Artists
Nashville’s finest songwriters join us for an intimate Writers’ Round on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
A Nashville Writers’ Round is an intimate, acoustic show where several songwriters share the stage, taking turns performing their original music. Unlike a typical concert, the spotlight is on the songwriting itself. Before each tune, writers often share the backstory, whether it’s the inspiration, a funny writing-room moment, or a name drop of a well-known artist who has recorded the song. This gives the audience a personal connection to both the music and the writer. There’s also a spirit of camaraderie, with writers jumping in on harmonies or backing each other up, creating warm, unscripted, and often humorous moments. The vibe is that of a true “listening room,” where the audience is engaged, respectful, and tuned into every word.
Ava Paige
Writing songs since she was small and taking guitar lessons since 7 years old, she is decidedly unique from other teenagers. Her idols have always been the creators of songs and she has never wavered in her desire to be one of them. She continues to work with some of the industry’s best, including Marla CannonGoodman ( “The Fool” /Lee Ann Womack) Kendell Marvel (“Either Way /Chris Stapleton), Terri Jo Box (“God Bless the Boy”/Cody Johnson), Tony Lane (Little Past Little Rock/ Lee Ann Womack) John Bettis (“Human Nature”/ Michael Jackson ) and Artists such as Drake White, Craig Campbell, John
Schneider and Charles Esten.
Brice Long
Brice has enjoyed a successful 25+ year music career. As a songwriter he has had over 175 of his songs cut with artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Houser, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan, Cody Johnson, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Casey James, Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery, Porter Wagoner and many more.
Emily Shackelton
Emily Shackelton is a singer/songwriter proudly hailing from Biwabik, Minnesota. She celebrated her first No. 1 with Carly Pearce’s breakout single, “Every Little Thing” in 2018, and recently celebrated her second No. 1 with Pearce’s hit song, “What He Didn’t Do”. Her writing catalog also includes singles and cuts by Reba McEntire, Joe Nichols, Lauren Alaina, Rita Wilson, Jennifer Nettles, Sara Evans, David Cook, and more, as well as TV shows like Nashville, American Idol, and Dancing With the Stars.
Don't Miss This Extraordinary Evening
This is one event of the year you don’t want to miss. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fine dining, and meaningful giving.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with us for Boots & Bowties and align your brand with a premier opportunity to give back to those in need. All proceeds from this event will go directly to these organizations. This is a unique opportunity to connect with our distinguished guests and showcase your commitment to CU4Kids and Inheritance of Hope. Below are the opportunities to support these two great credit union causes, gain valuable exposure, and enjoy an unforgettable evening.
Please contact the Events Team: events@yourleague.org with any questions or for more information about available sponsorship opportunities.
Premier Sponsorship Tiers
SOLD OUT
Headliner Sponsor
$25,000
As a Headliner Sponsor, your organization will receive the highest level of recognition, positioning your brand as a leader and key partner of our event.
- VIP Hospitality: One (1) reserved VIP table for ten (10) guests with premium placement.
- Live Recognition: Prominent, live acknowledgment from the stage by our event emcee.
Brand Visibility: Featured recognition in all printed and digital program materials. - Digital Promotion: Featured logo placement on our official event website and dedicated recognition across all social media channels.
- Exclusive Experience: Your guests will receive VIP photos taken by a professional photographer to commemorate the evening.
Presenting Sponsor
$25,000
As a Presenting Sponsor, your organization will receive the highest level of recognition, positioning your brand as a leader and key partner of our event.
- VIP Hospitality: One (1) reserved VIP table for ten (10) guests with premium placement.
- Live Recognition: Prominent, live acknowledgment from the stage by our event emcee.
Brand Visibility: Featured recognition in all printed and digital program materials. - Digital Promotion: Featured logo placement on our official event website and dedicated recognition across all social media channels.
- Exclusive Experience: Your guests will receive VIP photos taken by a professional photographer to commemorate the evening.
Marque Sponsor
$25,000
As a Marque Sponsor, your organization will receive the highest level of recognition, positioning your brand as a leader and key partner of our event.
- VIP Hospitality: One (1) reserved VIP table for ten (10) guests with premium placement.
- Live Recognition: Prominent, live acknowledgment from the stage by our event emcee.
Brand Visibility: Featured recognition in all printed and digital program materials. - Digital Promotion: Featured logo placement on our official event website and dedicated recognition across all social media channels.
- Exclusive Experience: Your guests will receive VIP photos taken by a professional photographer to commemorate the evening.
Opry Circle of Honor Sponsor
$15,000
This prestigious sponsorship offers high-level visibility and a premier experience for you and your guests.
- Guest Hospitality: One (1) reserved table for ten (10) guests.
- Brand Visibility: Recognition in all official program materials.
- Digital Promotion: Logo placement on the event website and social media recognition.
Exclusive Experience Sponsorships
SOLD OUT
Boots & Bowties Reception Sponsor
$10,000
Be the sole sponsor of our signature reception, placing your brand front and center as guests arrive and network.
- Guest Hospitality: Reserved seating for ten (10) guests.
- Dedicated Signage: Prominent signage featuring your brand at the reception.
- Program & Digital Recognition: Recognition in program materials and on our website and social media.
SOLD OUT
Band Sponsor
$10,000
Sponsor the evening’s live entertainment and associate your brand with the energy and excitement of the performance.
- Live Recognition: Special acknowledgment from the stage by the band and event emcee.
- Guest Hospitality: Reserved seating for ten (10) guests.
- Program & Digital Recognition: Recognition in program materials and on our website and social media.
Backstage Pass Sponsor
$10,000
Offer a unique, behind-the-scenes brand experience with this exclusive sponsorship.
- Guest Hospitality: A reserved table for ten (10) guests.
- Dedicated Signage: Exclusive on-site signage.
- Program & Digital Recognition: Recognition in program materials and on our website and social media.
SOLD OUT
Green Room Sponsor
$7,500
Provide a memorable, exclusive experience for your guests with this unique sponsorship.
- Exclusive Experience: Souvenir photos for your guests, taken by a professional photographer in the Green Room.
- Guest Hospitality: A reserved table for ten (10) guests.
- Program & Digital Recognition: Recognition in program materials, on our website, and on social media.
Table & Group Sponsorships
SOLD OUT
Encore Table Sponsor
$5,000
Host a full table of guests at the event and enjoy a wonderful evening of networking, giving back to a wonderful cause, and entertainment.
- A reserved table for ten (10) guests.
- Recognition in program materials.
SOLD OUT
Stage Side Sponsor
$3,000
Join us with a group of four and receive recognition for your generous support.
- Reserved seating for four (4) guests.
- Recognition in program materials.
Individual Tickets
SOLD OUT
All Access Individual Pass
$299
Enjoy the full event experience, including the reception, dinner, auction, and the live band performance. All Access Passes are available for credit union staff, committee members, board of directors, and their guests.
Headliner Sponsor
Bonnette Dawson
Reception Sponsor
Band Sponsor
Backstage Pass Sponsor
Green Room Sponsor
Encore Table Sponsors
Stage Side Sponsors
AC Hotel Nashville
Special Room Rates Starting at $304 ++