() The Danville City Commission will recognize Country Music entertainer Eddie Montgomery and his wife Tracy at the next regular meeting, on April 14, 2008, at 5:30 PM. Mayor Hugh Coomer and the Board of Commissioners will recognize them for their charitable efforts in helping the fire department's Christmas Toy Drive the past few years. Mayor Coomer cited the efforts of the couple, both in raising more than $20,000 over the past five years for the Toy Program, to bringing country music fans to Boyle County, where they reside.Eddie, half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, has appeared in the Middle East to meet and greet American soldiers stationed overseas, and has been a strong advocate in supporting military personnel and their families. Closer to home, he and Tracy have appeared across the state and the country in support of various groups and organizations, lending their names to various charitable enterprises. This sense of community and local spirit also factored in Mayor Coomer's efforts to recognize the Montgomery family's efforts.
Danville Fire Department records show that nearly $4,000 a year has been raised either through events or donations made by the couple to the Christmas Toy Drive. Their fan base has brought several truckloads of new toys given for distribution to needy children and families during the holidays. The Boyle County couple has organized several bus events, where they displayed tour buses used by top acts including Britney Spears, Faith Hill and their own Montgomery Gentry bus. Eddie and Tracy also spent many hours meeting and greeting their fans, some from several states away.
During those appearances, the Montgomery troop have endured freezing winds and steady rains, staying long after their scheduled appearance times to make sure fans got a chance to get a picture, an autograph, or to exchange a few words.
In addition to the proclamation Monday, the couple has expressed support for a fund-raiser on April 30 in Danville in support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Baskin-Robbins will be holding a 31-cent scoop night nation wide, and will donate $100,000 to the NFFF, which assists families who have lost firefighters in the line of duty. Local storeowners Bennie and George Thompson have welcomed Eddie and Tracy's participation in recognizing hometown heroes in the fire service.
