As a struggling new artist playing the morning shift on Broadway, I vowed that if successful in this business, my career was going to be about more than just the music. Growing up, I had many significant examples of the importance of service to others, highlighted by my Mom anonymously donating her kidney. That sacrifice helped me focus on the necessity of using my resources to make a positive impact on those around me. Getting married to my wonderful wife Hally was another step in realizing how fortunate I am. She also has a great sense of serving a higher calling and improving the world around her. So last year after a few conversations with my parents, we decided it was time to follow through on our instincts and start the Cooper Alan Family Foundation. Just like with my music, I believe the mission of the foundation has to be something I am passionate about. There are countless worthy causes, but because mental health is something I have battled for years and continue to confront, I chose this fight for our primary undertaking. Mental health struggles can become crippling without proper treatment and care. I have been really fortunate to receive help from a lot of amazing folks during my years in Nashville. Continuous therapy has allowed me to utilize helpful tools in my day to day to combat the negative effects of anxiety. The struggles never truly “go away”, but I have found that effective treatment and care helps make that anxiety manageable even on the worst days. The mission of the CAFF is to assist people with their mental health journey while normalizing the conversation surrounding this important topic. For our initial event we have chosen the HopeWay Foundation of Charlotte as the beneficiary. Just a little research revealed that HopeWay is a special facility that provides topline care to people of all ages and walks of life. They are trailblazers in their field and it is an honor to be associated with this type of organization. I encourage you to check out the website , read about how they differentiate themselves, and even better, get out and tour their facility. I guarantee that you will leave with a complete appreciation of their operation. We are kicking off the foundation on Friday night with a writers round featuring Walker Hayes, and myself. Saturday night the band and I will blow the roof off Filmore in downtown Charlotte. Thanks for your support and I can’t wait to see you there!
For more information and to make donations, contact
info@cooperalanfoundation.com
HopeWay is a Charlotte-based non-profit mental health treatment organization that serves children, adolescents and adults through various levels of care and services to help people find hope and healing. HopeWay also provides community educational programs to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health. Visit hopeway.org to learn more about available services.
