The Academy of Country Music and The Home Depot(R) announced today that
multi-platinum country music group RASCAL FLATTS will be the 2008
recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot(R)
Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF
COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music's best and hottest
emerging talent. The show will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand
Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live
ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
In its seventh year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes country music
artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the
dreams of those in need. The members of RASCAL FLATTS — Jay DeMarcus,
Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney — were selected by a special blue-ribbon
committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well
as local and national philanthropic leaders for their ongoing community
service and charitable giving of their time and talent.
"We have been blessed with some incredible successes in our career the
past couple of years," said Rooney. "The most rewarding thing for us is
the opportunity to give back to our communities. We'd like to thank The
Home Depot and the Academy for recognizing us in such a humbling way."
As the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, RASCAL FLATTS will receive
a beautiful crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. during the
live CBS telecast. They will also be honored with a playground donated
by The Home Depot and the Company's national nonprofit partner KaBOOM!,
which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every
child in America. The playground will be built by The Home Depot
volunteers and community members in the city of RASCAL FLATTS choice.
Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Brooks & Dunn,
Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy and Reba McEntire.

"The Humantarian Award embodies the kind of giving spirit that the
Academy strives to foster within the industry," said Bob Romeo,
executive director of the Academy of Country Music. "The selfless
giving to others by artists like Rascal Flatts helps bring that spirit
to life, and makes us so proud to be part of the country music
community."

"Philanthropy and giving back are embedded in The Home Depot culture
and are at the core of the Humanitarian Award," said John Ross, vice
president of advertising for The Home Depot. "The members of Rascal
Flatts show a true dedication to charitable giving and community
service and exemplify the values represented by both The Home Depot and
the Academy of Country Music. We are proud to recognize them for their
contributions and impact on improving our local communities."

“It’s great to be able to be home and be able to do this. It’s more like a party than an awards show,” singer Gary LeVox said. Adds Jay DeMarcus , “Thank you so much to the fans, first of all. Everybody knows this is fan voted, and we love you guys. We’ve got the best
in the world.”

Congrats, guys!!