Diamond Rio headlines first Annual Tony Stewart Foundation Benefit Concert

NASHVILLE, TN. (Arista Nashville) - Arista Nashville hitmakers Diamond Rio headlined last night's first-ever Tony Stewart Foundation Benefit Concert, the brainchild of the group's longtime friend, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver and 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.
The event was a huge success, earning over $300,000, and featuring performances from Rio and country artist Trace Adkins, with appearances by NASCAR stars Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kyle Petty, Petty's wife Pattie, and World of Outlaws racing champion Danny Lasoski, as well as the evening's host, Tony Stewart.

Held at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center in Paducah , KY , and presented in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops and Hultman Inc., the evening concert included a Q&A with the drivers, and a grand-finale surprise, as Diamond Rio and Trace Adkins kept Stewart on stage to play a little guitar for the show closer, 'Born to Be Wild.' Stewart, who's received the occasional lesson from Rio ace bassist Dana Williams, was up to the challenge, and helped close the evening in style.

The Tony Stewart Foundation will be donating funds to Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman , NC and Paducah-area children's charities, Easter Seals of Western Kentucky and The Dream Factory. Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie, Victory Junction is a year-round camp, serving children with life-threatening illnesses from the Carolinas and Virginia .

The concert event was taped for a one-hour television special set to air on GAC - Great American Country on October 24.