ATLANTA, GA. (Home Depot/ www.homedepot.com) -
Neal McCoy was named the recipient of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the 40th Annual Academy of Country
Music Awards on May 17, 2005. The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, has sponsored the fan-voted award for four years. Other nominees for the 2005 The Home Depot Humanitarian Award were
Diamond Rio and Brad Paisley.
The Home Depot Humanitarian Award recognizes an artist or group in the country music industry who serves others, has a generous spirit and helps build the dreams of those in need. The Home Depot Humanitarian Award recipient is honored with a KaBOOM! playground build in the city of his/her choice. Past recipients are Reba McEntire, Lonestar and Martina McBride.
Twice voted "Entertainer of the Year" (TNN/Music City News), McCoy has sold more than five million albums (including three platinum and one gold) and has had five hit singles. McCoy is also dedicated to giving back to those in need. Ten years ago, McCoy and his wife, Melinda, founded the East Texas Angel Network (ETAN) which provides financial support for families of children living with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. ETAN has raised over $3 million dollars to date and has helped ease some of the financial burden confronting these families. McCoy has also participated in eight USO tours in various regions of the world that U.S. soldiers are serving.
"Neal truly embodies the spirit of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award through his charitable work and community giving," said Roger Adams, senior vice president, Marketing, The Home Depot.
"The Humanitarian Award gives fans, the Academy of Country Music and The Home Depot a chance to recognize country music stars who make time to give back. All three of this year's nominees shared their time unselfishly to help others."
In 1992, The Home Depot established Team Depot, an associate volunteer program that encourages associates to participate in community service projects. Through Team Depot, partnerships with nonprofit groups and The Home Depot Foundation, the company donates millions of hours, tools and supplies to support community service projects every year. In 2004, The Home Depot completed its first annual Week of Service donating more than 260,000 hours of service in 1,600 projects in more than 1,000 communities.
