Kix Brooks was honored with a star on the Walk of Champions at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Brooks was celebrated for his longtime commitment to the hospital’s patients and families.
The Walk of Champions, located on the hospital’s main floor, was created to honor individuals from the entertainment industry who are lifelong advocates for Monroe Carell.
“It is an honor to induct Kix Brooks into the Walk of Champions at Monroe Carell in recognition of his indelible leadership and contributions to the hospital’s growth and excellence. Kix introduced countless music industry leaders to our hospital, and for decades has been one of its most loyal supporters,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean of Vanderbilt
University School of Medicine. “Through his devoted friendship and advocacy, Kix continues to make it possible for us to deliver world-class services to children and families all across the region and increasingly throughout the country.”
For over two decades Brooks and his wife, Barbara, have donated their time and resources to Monroe Carell, helping support the construction of the hospital in 2003, and then the recently completed four-floor expansion made possible through the Growing to New Heights Campaign, a $40 million philanthropic effort that Brooks co-chaired. He has also served on the Monroe Carell Advisory Board for more than 20 years and served as Board chair from 2020-2022.
“I am truly excited to celebrate Kix with a star on our Walk of Champions,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell. “While we know him as an icon in the country music industry, I know him as an icon and friend for Monroe Carell. He has walked with us for well over two decades to ensure we achieve our vision. What sets Kix apart is his heartfelt connection to our mission and attention to our present or emerging needs. When we ask him to help, he does! I am so very grateful for his gifts of
advocacy, time and philanthropy that have helped us become a leader in children’s health care and that will sustain us for years to come. He is a true champion for children!”
As a co-owner of Arrington Vineyards, Brooks hosted the Arrington Vineyards Harvest Party for many years, raising funds and awareness for the hospital and its programs. A philanthropic leader in the community and within the music industry, he has either hosted or been a key supporter of other events for the hospital, including Behind the Music and Celebrity Golf Classic. In addition to all this, Brooks has spent hours performing for patients, visiting hospital rooms and doing interviews at the hospital’s Seacrest Studios.
“I can in all honesty say I have never been so humbled by any award as this,” said Brooks. “The doctors, nurses and staff at Monroe Carell who dedicate their lives every day are such an inspiration. I know it has to be so meaningful for parents to have the hope that is within these walls. And to think that walking on these floors, that you’re going to get to walk on Kix Brooks, maybe you’ll look down there, and it will make you smile one day. I am so proud to be a part of that.”
The celebration continued into the evening with Champions for Children, a special event celebrating Brooks and raising vital support for Monroe Carell. Held on the stage of Ascend Amphitheater and presented by Ascend Federal Credit Union, the event underscored a shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge pediatric care and research that transforms the lives of children and families. Ascend Federal Credit Union deepened that commitment with a $100,000 donation to Monroe Carell.
“We are honored to support Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and help advance the incredible work they do for children,” said Ascend President and CEO, Matt Jernigan. “Recognizing the generosity of supporters like Kix Brooks highlights the impact donors can have in improving lives. It was a pleasure to be part of this special evening and contribute to an important cause.”
The event featured tribute performances by country artists Jamey Johnson and Brothers Osborne. The highlight of the evening was when Brooks was presented with a replica of the permanent star on the Walk of Champions.
