A Goodwill Ambassador
Additionally, the 12.14 Foundation has recently named American Idol
winner and country music star Scotty McCreery as its first national
goodwill ambassador. Mr McCreery visited with foundation board members
and families affected by 12/14 this past December at Edmond Town Hall.
According to a press release issued the week of February 3, “He will
play an active role in promoting the foundation’s arts programming,
supporting its fundraising efforts, and building awareness for the
organization’s plans to build a world-class performing arts and
education center in Newtown.”
“When we were approached [about becoming the
national goodwill ambassador for 12.14 Foundation], I saw the passion
they had, and it fit in with what we are trying to do,” said Mr McCreery
in a phone interview, Tuesday, February 11. “Having a number one record
is nice, but the main thing for me is impacting people’s lives in a
positive way through music and the performing arts, and that’s what the
12.14 Foundation is doing,” said Mr McCreery.
“Scotty has accomplished great things at a very
young age,” said Dr Baroody. “He shows perseverance and commitment, and
is an exceptional role model to young people. He is in college, while
maintaining a career. He’s a wholesome role model, and kids can relate
to him, because he is so young,” he said, epitomizing the kind of
performer the 12.14 Foundation hopes to attract to the proposed
performing arts center. “We see Scotty as more than a one-time thing.
When we met with him in December, we developed a relationship. He was on
board with what we are trying to do,” Dr Baroody said. Mr McCreery’s
star value will serve as a welcome public relations piece, reaching
people far beyond Newtown, and put a face to the project, he said. Mr McCreery’s future involvement with the 12.14
Foundation could include leading programs, and even giving input to the
design of the center, said Dr Baroody.
“Being the ambassador is something I want to carry
around with me. At every concert I’ll be representing [the 12/14
Foundation],” Mr McCreery said. It is a responsibility he takes very
seriously. While he has been involved with other charity groups,
including the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child and World
Vision, this is the first time he has been involved with something of
this significance in the states, he said.
Just as Mr McCreery looked up to his own father as a
role model, as well as country music singers Josh Turner and Brad
Paisley, he appreciates that kids connect to him.
“It’s really cool,” he said, “when a kid comes up to
you and says, ‘I want to be like you.’ I want to make sure all I do is
not something that will disappoint [the kids],” he said.
“I’m lucky to work with some of the best in the
business, in music and sound. If the foundation ever needed input, I
would love to be able to give good advice, and more than happy to help
however I can,” Mr McCreery said. He looks forward to a return to Newtown. “Hopefully,
one day, when the performing arts center is up and running, I’ll be
back to maybe do a concert there,” he said.
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