Rally Idol - Thank You

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

A few weeks ago, Bailey was asked to participate in an event called Rally Idol. The idea began as the dream of 12-year old Emily Roach and evolved into a show where a group of cancer kids would perform and be judged by former Americal Idol contestants Bo Bice, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Anthony Federov. People could then vote and donate either online or during the show, with the goal not ever being about choosing a winner, but rather to raise money for childhood cancer research through the Rally Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

When Bailey convinced us to allow her to participate, we had no idea that the vision for the show was of such size and scope. The kids worked incredibly hard, practicing multiple times to ensure that it was a professional and polished night. One of the most impressive surprises though, was how dedicated the Idol judges were. They were inspired by these kids and 100% committed to using their celebrity to make a difference.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

The event was held Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Buckhead Theatre and the venue was packed. The show was awesome and we felt honored to be a part. I believe everyone in attendance would agree that the night was special - entertaining and fun, but equally as focused on the reality of childhood cancer, enough so to move people to action. Bailey was so happy and loved performing onstage. She is not a singer, so she played "Wagon Wheel" on the guitar while Emily sang. Their performance left Bo Bice in tears, which touched Bailey (and the rest of us) greatly. These cancer kids have walked through some very dark valleys, so when adults truly care about changing things, the kids are so grateful. It was of little concern to Bailey who Bo was, but more that he was willing to join the fight. These judges...they were the real deal and at the end of the night, Rally Idol raised close to $60,000. 

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography

Thank you to everyone involved. Thank you to the Rally Foundation for allowing Emily Roach to run with her amazing idea. Thank you Emily for dreaming big. Thanks to Shane and Alyson Roach for your dedication to putting a professional show together. Thank you to so many of our friends and family who either donated by voting online or coming out to support Bailey. And thank you most of all to Bo Bice, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Anthony Federov for taking time from your very busy lives to fight for these kids who cannot fight for themselves. We need celebrities to get involved in this battle and we are forever grateful that you were willing to do so. It was a moving night and we were blessed to be part of such a special event. 

Photo courtesy of Chuck Robertson Photography