Country Music Artist Jake Owens Joins Florida Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida in Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts

NASHVILLE, TN. — Florida native Jake Owen has joined Florida Governor Rick Scott to help in relief efforts for Hurricane Irma victims. Jake reached out to the governor to find out the best way to help people in his home state who have been affected by Hurricane Irma.  The result is a campaign called “Bring Back the Sunshine,” where 100% of the funds raised will help victims in the Sunshine State. Funds will go toward disaster-related response and recovery through the Florida Disaster Fund, Florida’s official private fund for disaster recovery.

“I want to help my fellow Floridians any way I can and there is so much work to be done right now,” says Owen. “I’m thankful that Florida has such a great leader like Governor Rick Scott. We talked on the phone and we are joining efforts with Volunteer Florida in a campaign called ‘Bring Back The Sunshine.’”

After Jake spoke to Governor Scott, he reached out to his fans first via social media in a live video post that included a call to action. “Please TEXT the word SUNSHINE to 20222 to make a $10 donation. All of your money goes DIRECTLY to the people who need it the most. Florida thrives on tourism and people visiting our state. We aren’t just rebuilding homes. Together, we are rebuilding jobs, schools, infrastructure … we are rebuilding LIVES.” Watch the video on Instagram here.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “We are thrilled that Jake Owen is lending a helping hand to Floridians in need. As a native Floridian, Jake’s generosity and support is especially meaningful as our state continues the recovery process.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is grateful for Jake’s efforts to promote the Florida Disaster Fund and support the people of Florida. The Florida Disaster Fund is best positioned to assist Floridians across the state with response and recovery.”

Here’s how you can help:

Text to Give: To make a onetime donation of $10, text the word SUNSHINE to 20222.

A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Donor must be age 18+ and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “Florida Disaster Fund” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code “20222”; text HELP to “20222” for help. Privacy Policy

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. 100% of funds raised will go toward disaster-related response and recovery; there are no overhead costs. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, 501(c)(3) charitable organization and are tax deductible.
The Florida Disaster Fund distributes funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery. Individuals seeking financial assistance should register with FEMA at 800-621-FEMA or www.disasterassistance.gov.

To donate by check include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line:
Please make check out to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and mail to:
Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attn: Florida Disaster Fund
3800 Esplanade Way – Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311

For additional questions about the Florida Disaster Fund, please contact info@volunteerflorida.org or call (850) 414-7400.

About Jake Owen: Jake Owen has had six No. 1 singles to date – the 2X PLATINUM anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” PLATINUM-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You,” “The One That Got Away,” and, GOLD-certified “American Country Love Song.” Owen’s his fifth studio album, AMERICAN LOVE, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart. The album was produced by award-winning songwriters/producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman, plus, Owen co-produced three tracks, which marks his first time as a co-producer with Lukas Bracewell. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style. In February, Owen received “The Arnie Award” during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, alongside Peyton Manning and Phil Mickelson, as part of Golf Digest‘s “Golfers Who Give Back” event. The award recognized Owen for his many charitable contributions through The Jake Owen Foundation, which was created to offer its support on a national level to children battling cancer and other childhood diseases through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while also lending its support to youth organizations and various charities in Owen’s hometown area of Indian River County, Fla. The local organizations benefiting from the foundation’s annual concert assist youth with illnesses, shelter, food, education, health and fitness, the arts and the opportunity to better themselves through various programs and organizations. “Music truly seems to be the one thing that is the healing factor in a lot of people’s lives,” says Owen. “I will always be grateful for music, whether I’m performing or listening.”

For more information, visit www.jakeowen.net, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jakeowen, and follow him on Instagram @barefootjake & Twitter @jakeowen