The inaugural performance at the Orion Amphitheater will be one to remember. Not only is country superstar Jake Owen set to perform acoustically, but the opening performance is for a great cause, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s annual Huntsville Classic fundraiser.
The history-making show will take place Saturday, May 7, 2022, and the country music superstar will perform for an anticipated sell-out crowd.
“Hosting the Huntsville Classic as The Orion Amphitheater’s inaugural event is meaningful in a multitude of ways,” said Ryan Murphy, the Orion Amphitheater’s President and General Manager.
“Huntsville Hospital Foundation has done immeasurable work in our community. We’re thrilled that the Foundation and their guests will be among the first to experience The Orion.”
Ryan Murphy, President and general manager of the orion amphitheater
Hosted by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the event benefits Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. The money raised through this year’s Huntsville Classic will help expand specialized pediatric services at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, so kids can receive the frequent – potentially lifesaving – treatment they need right here in Huntsville, instead of traveling to Nashville or Birmingham. Additionally, the event will also benefit the much-loved Canines for Coping facility dog program, which improves outcomes and decreases anxiety for pediatric patients.
Launched in 2019, the Canines for Coping facility dog program helps patients and families cope with their hospital experience. Dogs are trained from birth to work in the hospital and the canine handlers are Certified Child Life Specialists whose roles are to support children with procedures, help them understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, and process through traumatic experiences with proven evidence-based results.
“The Canines for Coping program has been an incredible asset to our hospital and pediatric patients,” said Sarah Savage-Jones, president of Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “Not only do they add normalcy and warmth to the normalcy and warmth to the hospital setting, but they also improve outcomes like increased healing and decreased anxiety. To provide just a little bit of joy and quality of life during times of sadness and uncertainty is such a gift, and we are honored to work with donors to make this possible for our patients and caregivers.”
The program currently has two canines, Aster and Orbit; the foundation is funding a third dog to expand the program’s reach and impact. The new pup is expected to start seeing patients in April 2022.
“By supporting the 2022 Huntsville Classic, you can celebrate the work of our health care heroes over these last few years, while contributing to the future of our children’s health care in this dynamic community. Proceeds from this inaugural show in the Orion Amphitheater stay local,” said Savage-Jones. “Huntsville Hospital cares for our entire region, and your support ensures we can continue to offer world-class facilities, technology and programs. Tickets not only give you access to a historic event, it will also make a difference for the lives of patients and families across North Alabama.”
You can support the cause by purchasing your ticket at theorionhuntsville.com. Tickets range from $29.50 to $75.
Since 1989, Huntsville Classic has raised more than $7.4 million and contributed significantly to the growth of Huntsville and Madison Hospitals.
The 2020 Virtual Huntsville Classic raised $460,000 in net proceeds for the Foundation’s Vision 2025 campaign, funding priority technology, facility and program needs for Huntsville Hospital Health System.
