Chrissy Metz, Taylor Lewan Help CAA Raise $30,000-Plus for Charity at Pre-CMA Event

By Justin Kroll

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – CAA hosted its annual pre-CMA Fest BBQ on Monday evening at Martin’s Bar-B-Que in Nashville, and in the process, helped raise more than $30,000 for two organizations that help support students at local public schools.

Communities in Schools of Tennessee in Nashville and the PENCIL Foundation, both of which have a long-standing relationship with the agency, will be benefactors of the charity, which is now in its 26th year. PENCIL links community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools, while Communities helps in student dropout prevention.

The attendees at the event included a range of music and sports stars, as well as high-ranking execs, agents, and managers from across the industry, including -Nashville co-heads Marc Dennis, Brian Manning, and Darin Murphy. On the sports side, CAA Sports clients Taylor Lewan, Derrick Henry, Bennie Logan, Ben Jones, and Steve Hutchinson of the Tennessee Titans attended. Former NFL player Jake Long, Titans QB Blaine Gabbert, and ESPN analysis Rex Ryan also showed support.

Rock and Country acts such as Judah & The Lion, Needtobreathe, Dan + Shay, Jon Pardi, Midland, Kip Moore, Cale Dodds, and Muscadine Bloodline were also present.

“This Is Us” star Chrissy Metz, who will present at the Awards, was in attendance as well.