Maddie & Tae, along with the Nashville Predators, launched the “Shine Bright” letter-writing campaign at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Wednesday, performing and greeting patients. Until the end of January, participants can write letters with “Words That Shine” to patients at the Children’s Hospital, engaging the local community to brighten the day of the patients, their family, and the hospital staff.
The duo have been visiting Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital since long before signing with record label Big Machine Music. “We would come perform for the kids and kind of test out the songs,” Maddie Marlow says. “Whichever ones the kids liked more were the good ones because they would dance and they would have their shakers and tambourines and play music. It’s such a special thing to come back after our lives have completely changed and get to play the butterfly room that we’ve played probably six times now – it’s just very humbling, such a blessing for us.”
“As much as we hope to inspire them, they inspire us,” they add. “Their strength and what they’re going through and how strong they are is so incredible.”
The duo met with patients, chatting about favorite colors and fairy princess outfits, and performed, playing current single “Shut Up and Fish,” debut #1 “Girl In A Country Song,” and empowering hit “Fly.”
Maddie & Tae, both 20, emerged on the music scene with the girl-powered “Girl In A Country Song” and continued to empower with second single “Fly,” a strength they credit to strong parents and strong faith. “Our parents definitely raised us to be strong independent women and go for what we want no matter what,” Tae Dye says. “There’s gonna be a lot of doors slammed in your face, but you’re just one ‘no’ closer to your ‘yes.’ ‘Girl In A Country Song’ and ‘Fly’ – they’re two different songs yet they share that same empowerment that we’re always going to be passionate about.”
The “Shine Bright” campaign taps that same empowerment. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and generosity of our community partners—the Nashville Predators and Maddie & Tae,” said John W. Brock III, surgeon-in-chief for Children’s Hospital, director of Pediatric Urology and Monroe Carell Jr. Professor. “Caring for children requires a true community effort—from the doctors, nurses and staff at the Children’s Hospital to the friends, families and neighbors of Nashville and beyond. We could not do the work we do every day without their support. The letters that will be delivered to patients will go a long way to brighten the day for a lot of children.”
Upcoming “Shine Bright” letter writing dates and booth locations in Middle Tennessee include:
Dec. 3 – Predators vs. Panthers at Bridgestone Arena
Dec. 4 – TSSAA BlueCross Bowl at Tucker Stadium/Cookeville, TN
Dec. 5 – TSSAA BlueCross Bowl at Tucker Stadium/Cookeville, TN
Dec. 6 – Music City Invitational Swim Meet at Centennial Sportsplex
Dec. 8 – Women in Business Mixer at Homestead Manor
Dec. 9 – Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball vs Dayton at Memorial Gym
Dec. 10 – Predators vs. Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena
Dec. 12 – Music City WinterFest at Centennial Park
Dec. 15 – Predators vs. Flames at Bridgestone Arena
Feb. 18 – Ice rink/Family night at Walk of Fame Park
For a full list of dates and locations and additional information about the “Shine Bright” campaign and how you can get involved, please visit www.ShineBright.org.