Members from Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, former NFLers Kerry Collins, Blaine Bishop, Kyle Turley in attendance

(Nashville, Tenn. – May 2, 2012)  A mix of Country stars and former football players gathered in Nashville, Tenn., recently to show support for ex-NFL player Kevin Turner at the Kevin Turner Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament.

The two-day, inaugural fundraising event was held April 22-23 to help further ALS research efforts.  Turner, a fullback with the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots in the 1990s, was diagnosed with the disease in May 2010.  Mounting scientific evidence has linked repetitive head trauma to the onset of ALS.  Turner formed the Kevin Turner Foundation in 2010 to raise awareness about the connection and to help fund ongoing ALS research.

Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, Chuck Wicks, Amber Hayes and Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire were among the Country artists in attendance at the event, which included a celebrity mixer and silent auction on Sunday night.  A golf tournament was held on Monday at the Governor’s Club in Brentwood, Tenn.

Former Tennessee Titans Kerry Collins and Blaine Bishop were on hand to show their support for Turner, along with Kyle Turley, who performed with his Country/Rock group, Kyle Turley Band.  Turner’s alma mater was well represented with appearances from former University of Alabama players Siran Stacy, Lemanski Hall, Mark McMillian, Jeremy Nunley, Hoss Johnsonand Kevin Turner Foundation board member Craig Sanderson.  Turner played fullback for Alabama from 1988-1991 before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 1992.

“I was blown away by the support and turnout for this event,” said Turner.  “To see so many friends, former players and musical artists come out and donate auction items or sign up to play in the golf tournament was very humbling and inspiring.  We are making progress in the fight against ALS, but there’s still a long road ahead and a lot more that we are learning and discovering every day about concussions and this disease.  I am optimistic that one day in the future we will have a cure for ALS.”

Former professional wrestler and co-founder of The Sports Legacy Institute, Chris Nowinski was in attendance to speak to the crowd about the connection between repetitive head trauma and the organization’s efforts to make contact sports safer for athletes at all levels.  Turner works closely with SLI and Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy in their ALS and concussion research.

For more information or to donate in the fight against ALS, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

Pictured L to R: Kevin Turner, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney and KTF Advisory Board member Rob Burton on the golf course for the Kevin Turner Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament, held Apr. 23, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn.

Check presentation made before Boston Red Sox/New York Yankees game Sept. 1 at Fenway Park

(Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 8, 2011)  Former NFL player Kevin Turner and Country artist Ty Herndon were on hand Sept. 1 at Boston’s Fenway Park to help present a check to the ALS Therapy Alliance for $4.3 million.

In June 2011, Turner and Herndon were named celebrity spokespersons for the 10^th annual CVS/pharmacy “Researching A Cure” ALS fundraising campaign.  The campaign ran June 5-25 to help raise funds for ALS research and benefit the ALS Therapy Alliance.  Herndon’s “Journey On” video (view here) features Turner and was incorporated into the CVS/pharmacy in-store video spots, which ran in approximately 7,200 CVS/pharmacy locations.  Funds generated by this year’s campaign bring the total amount raised so far to more than $27 million.  Visit www.ALSTherapyAlliance.org for more info.

Campaign co-chairs Treg Charlton and Barry Winovich were also in attendance for the check presentation.  Charlton, a regional director of real estate for CVS Caremark, and Winovich, a childhood friend of Charlton, both suffer from the ALS disease.

Turner’s own non-profit ALS organization, The Kevin Turner Foundation, staged a private fundraiser in Nashville, Tenn., on June 18 that raised more than $100,000 for ALS research.  Diagnosed with ALS in May 2010, Turner formed the foundation to help raise awareness about the connection between concussions and the ALS disease and to generate funds for research.  Visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org for more information.

About the ALS Therapy Alliance (ATA):
The ATA was founded in 2000 to provide a vehicle for a diverse group of scientists and clinicians to coordinate research related to ALS. The scientists involved in the ATA are affiliated with some of the best universities and medical centers, including, among others, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard College, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston University and the University of Massachusetts. The ATA’s board is comprised of outstanding clinicians, scientists and business associates including two Nobel Prize Laureates, H. Robert Horvitz, Ph.D. and Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., who are committed to the organization’s mission. CVS/pharmacy is the largest corporate donor to the ALS Therapy Alliance. To learn more, visit www.ALSTherapyAlliance.org.

About the Kevin Turner Foundation:
Former NFL fullback Kevin Turner established The Kevin Turner Foundation in October 2010 to raise public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and to bring attention to the emerging evidence linking brain trauma in athletes and the ALS disease.  The nonprofit organization endeavors to raise funds for the study, treatment and cure of this debilitating disease.  Turner played for the University of Alabama (1987-91), the New England Patriots (1992-95) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-99).  To learn more, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

Pictured l to r: Former New England Patriots/Philadelphia Eagles NFL fullback and CVS/pharmacy “Researching a Cure” celebrity spokesperson Kevin Turner, Country artist and CVS/pharmacy “Researching a Cure” celebrity spokesperson Ty Herndon, CVS/pharmacy “Researching A Cure” campaign co-chairs Barry Winovich and Treg Charlton.  Photo: Sue Bruce Photography.

Pictured l to r: Boston Red Sox Ball Girl; President/CEO of CVS Caremark Larry Merlo; Executive VP of CVS Caremark Jon Roberts; Former New England Patriots/Philadelphia Eagles NFL fullback, ALS patient and CVS/pharmacy “Researching a Cure” celebrity spokesperson Kevin Turner; President of ALS Therapy Alliance Dr. Robert Brown, Jr.; Directors of ALS Therapy Alliance Dr. Merit Cudkowicz, Dr. Larry Hayward and Dr. Robert Horvitz; Regional Director of Real Estate for CVS Caremark, ALS patient and CVS/pharmacy “Researching a Cure” campaign co-chair Treg Charlton; ALS patient and CVS/pharmacy “Researching a Cure” campaign co-chair Barry Winovich and Boston Red Sox Ball Girl.  Photo: Sue Bruce Photography.

Legendary Alabama coach Gene Stallings, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, Alabama players on hand to show support for former teammate, NFL fullback Turner

(Nashville, Tenn. – June 22, 2011) With support from dozens of Alabama players and coaches, including legendary Alabama coach Gene Stallings, The Kevin Turner Foundation raised more than $100,000 at its inaugural ALS fundraiser this past weekend.

Held Saturday, June 18, at a private residence in Nashville, Tenn., the event was organized to raise money for ex-Alabama and NFL fullback Kevin Turner, who was diagnosed with the ALS disease in May 2010.   Former National Championship-winning coach Stallings, current Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and dozens of current and former Alabama and NFL players were among the nearly 300 attendees on hand to show their support for Turner and his nonprofit foundation, which aims to raise money and awareness about ALS and its connection to brain injury in athletes.

Brian Burgdorf, Michael DeJohn, Preston Dial, Chris Donnelly, Sam Gash, Lemanski Hall, Jim Bob Harris, Gary Hollingsworth, Baron Huber, David “Hoss” Johnson, Mike Johnson, Kermit Kendrick, Keith Martin, Woody McCorvey, Bubba Miller, Jeremy Nunley, Benny Perris, Cory Reamer, Craig Sanderson, Siran Stacy, John Walters, Clay Whitehurst and Mike Zuga were among the more than two dozen players in attendance.  Alabama commentator and former Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage served as MC of the event, which included a silent and live auction, a cigar tent, food, drinks and musical performances from Country artists Ty Herndon and Amber Hayes.

“Anyone that was there that night knows I was at a loss for words,” says Turner, who played a combined eight seasons in the ‘90s for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots.  “Well, I’m still speechless.  I can’t believe the generosity and concern that I’ve witnessed in the last year of my life.  I’ve said before that I feel blessed, and that may sound strange coming from a guy with ALS, but from where I stand, it doesn’t look that way to me.  From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of the people that made this event possible and were kind enough to help fund the Kevin Turner Foundation so we can continue our fight against ALS and find a cure for this disease.”

Auction items at the event included an original bleacher seat from Bryant-Denny Stadium, NFL and college football game tickets, golf and resort packages, specially commissioned artwork, jewelry and an assortment of autographed sports memorabilia, including jerseys and helmets signed by numerous Alabama players, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, current Alabama coach Nick Saban and former coach Stallings.  An original portrait of Turner was the highest-bid item of the evening, going for $5,000.

The Kevin Turner Foundation was created in November 2010 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and money to fund critical ALS research and the recent connection doctors have made between ALS and traumatic brain injury, specifically concussions.  Country artist Ty Herndon’s “Journey On” is the official song of The Kevin Turner Foundation.  Turner and two of his children star in the music video, which was shot at LP Field in Nashville.  To learn more about The Kevin Turner Foundation, donate or view the “Journey On” video, visit:  www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

About the Kevin Turner Foundation:
Former NFL fullback Kevin Turner established The Kevin Turner Foundation in November 2010 to raise public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and to bring attention to the emerging evidence linking brain trauma in athletes and the ALS disease.  The nonprofit organization endeavors to raise funds for the study, treatment and cure of this debilitating disease.  To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

Players and coaches gather at the Kevin Turner Foundation ALS fundraiser, held June 18 in Nashville, Tenn.  Pictured l to r:  Kermit Kendrick, Sam Gash, Dabo Swinney, Siran Stacy, Brian Burgdorf, Clay Whitehurst, Chris Donnelly, Gary Hollingsworth, Craig Sanderson, Preston Dial, Gene Stallings, Kevin Turner, John Walters, Cory Reamer, Michael DeJohn, Baron Huber, Mike Johnson, David “Hoss” Johnson, Lemanski Hall.  Photo credit: Jeff Jeffcoat.

Former Alabama football head coach Gene Stallings (l) with Kevin Turner at the Kevin Turner Foundation ALS fundraiser, held June 18 in Nashville, Tenn.  Photo credit: Christy Watkins.

Kevin Turner (r) examines the specially commissioned art that was created for the Kevin Turner Foundation ALS fundraiser, held June 18 in Nashville, Tenn.  The painting was the highest-bid item of the night, going for $5,000.  Photo credit: Chelsea DeLoach.

Kevin Turner, former University of Alabama, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots fullback.

(Nashville, TN – June 20, 2011) Country artists Ty Herndon and Amber Hayes were on hand this past weekend to help former Alabama and NFL player Kevin Turner raise just over $100,000 at a private Nashville ALS fundraiser event.

Held Saturday, June 18, at a private estate in Brentwood, Tenn., the fundraiser was attended by more than 250 people, including numerous current and former Alabama and NFL players and coaches.  Herndon and FUNL Music label mate Amber Hayes performed at the event, which included two auctions featuring collectible sports memorabilia and jewelry, a cigar tent, food, drinks and appearances by current Clemson coach and former Alabama receiver Dabo Swinney and legendary Alabama coach Gene Stallings, among others.  Herndon’s Grammy-nominated “Journey On” project is the official song and video of the Kevin Turner Foundation.

Turner, who played professional football for eight seasons in the ‘90s with the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, was diagnosed with ALS in May 2010.  In October 2010, the Prattville, Ala., native formed the nonprofit Kevin Turner Foundation to help raise awareness and money for critical ALS research and the emerging connection between ALS and concussions. The $100,000 raised at this weekend’s event benefits the Kevin Turner Foundation.

For more information about Kevin Turner and to see the “Journey On” video, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

Pictured l to r:  Former Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings, FUNL Music artist Amber Hayes, former Alabama/Philadelphia Eagles/New England Patriots player Kevin Turner and FUNL Music artist Ty Herndon pose at the Kevin Turner Foundation ALS fundraiser event, held Saturday, June 18 in Brentwood, Tenn.  Photo: Christy Watkins.

Tenth annual fundraising event to run June 5-25 in 7,200 CVS/pharmacy locations

FUNL Music recording artist Ty Herndon

Kevin Turner (l) and FUNL Music artist Ty Herndon

(Nashville, TN – Jan. 25, 2011) FUNL Music artist Ty Herndon and former NFL running back Kevin Turner were in Nashville Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 24/25) for a pair of media days to raise awareness about the Kevin Turner Foundation and its efforts to fight the ALS disease.  Their visit included stops at GAC for a segment of “On The Streets” with Suzanne Alexander and a special interview with WSMV Sports Director Rudy Kalis, to air Sunday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 p.m. CST on the station’s “Inside Sports” program.

Turner, an eight-year fullback for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots in the ‘90s, was diagnosed with ALS in May 2010.  The Kevin Turner Foundation was formed to raise awareness about the connection between repetitive head trauma and ALS.  Herndon’s song, “Journey On,” from his current Grammy-nominated album, Journey On, was selected as the foundation’s signature song.  Visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org or www.TyHerndon.com for more information.

Pictured L to R:  FUNL Music’s Ty Herndon, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, former NFL fullback Kevin Turner.

L to R:  WSMV Ch. 4 Sports Director Rudy Kalis, former NFL fullback Kevin Turner, FUNL Music’s Ty Herndon.

Herndon’s “Journey On” tapped as signature song and video for Kevin Turner Foundation and ALS awareness campaign; now available at CMT.com and at iTunes Dec. 13

(Nashville, TN – Dec. 7, 2010) Platinum-selling Country artist Ty Herndon has partnered with former NFL player Kevin Turner to raise awareness about ALS and its emerging connection to athletes exposed to repeated head trauma.

Turner, an NFL fullback for eight years with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, was diagnosed in May 2010 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  After meeting Herndon at an ALS benefit concert and hearing the Country singer’s uplifting “Journey On” single, the two men discussed using the track as a signature song for The Kevin Turner Foundation.  Although originally written as the title cut for his 2010 Journey On release, Herndon immediately recognized the connection between the song’s message and Turner’s condition.

“As an artist, you always dream of working on a project that makes a positive difference in the world,” says Herndon.  “However, I had no idea that working with Kevin Turner and his amazing family would make such a difference in myself and everyone involved in this very special project.  Wow!  It is my hope and prayer that this song and video will raise awareness about ALS to help The Kevin Turner Foundation reach its goal.  And that goal is a cure.”

Renowned directors Flick Wiltshire and Steven Goldmann (Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins) shot the music video for “Journey On” with Herndon and Turner at a Nashville football stadium in September.  It includes a personal message from Kevin about his fight against ALS and footage of his days as an NFL player.  Currently posted here at CMT.com, the video will be available for sale on iTunes beginning Monday, Dec. 13.  All proceeds from the sale of the “Journey On” video benefit Turner’s nonprofit organization, The Kevin Turner Foundation.

“Making the video was a new and exciting experience for me,” says Turner.  “The fact that my kids were a part of it as well made it infinitely more significant.  ‘Journey On’ is the calling card for The Kevin Turner Foundation, and we hope that its message goes far and wide to raise money and awareness in our fight to find a cure for ALS.”

Ongoing medical research has linked recurring head trauma and concussions, often suffered in football and other high-impact sports, to increased diagnoses in athletes of ALS and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).  In partnership with the Sports Legacy Institute, Turner has agreed to participate in critical research that studies the effects of repetitive brain injuries.  For more information, visit www.SportsLegacy.org.

To learn more about Kevin Turner and view the “Journey On” video, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org or www.TyHerndon.net.

About the Kevin Turner Foundation:
The Kevin Turner Foundation was established in October 2010 to raise public awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and to bring attention to the emerging evidence linking brain trauma in athletes and the ALS disease.  The non-profit organization endeavors to raise funds for the study, treatment and cure of this debilitating disease.  To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.KevinTurnerFoundation.org.

About Ty Herndon:
FUNL Music recording artist Ty Herndon, whose Country radio resume includes three No. 1 singles (“What Mattered Most,” “Living in a Moment,” “It Must Be Love”), multiple Top Tens and more than 4 million albums sold, took a figurative leap of faith with his 2010 release, Journey On.  The album marks Herndon’s first foray into songwriting, resulting in an album that Ty calls the most personal and spiritual project of his career.  Having co-written all 11 tracks on the album, Journey On incorporates Herndon’s trademark Country sound with an inspirational and modern Christian element.  For more information, visit www.TyHerndon.net.

Former NFL player Kevin Turner
Ty Herndon’s 2010 release, Journey On