NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — They say laughter is the best medicine... and for a local non-profit... that "medicine" is money! We learned today a big fundraiser at Zanies last night — “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” — netted a whopping $200,000 for "The Store."
![Courtesy: Sean O'Halloran](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bc16a50/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6809x4542+0+0/resize/1280x854!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F18%2Ff91669f44c8c9dba54921aa46d71%2Fdusty-slay-dsc08322-sean-ohalloran.jpg)
Country star Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley founded the market near Belmont University in 2020. It allows low-income neighbors in Davidson County a place to shop for the basics -- all for free. The focus is to protect their dignity... while also providing hope.
![Courtesy: Sean O'Halloran](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0eb4b69/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4662x3110+0+0/resize/1280x854!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39%2F45%2F4bbe1ee144ce8252609eb9db2085%2Fjohn-crist-dsc08407-sean-ohalloran.jpg)
I had the chance to tour the operation last year when the non-profit received a portion of proceeds from the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.Since then, the need is even greater... which is why last night's sold-out comedy show was so important. Brad himself was on hand, along with popular comedians John Crist and Dusty Slay. Obviously it was a win-win — with the crowd enjoying a lot of laughs — while helping such an important cause.
You can learn more about The Store and how to get assistance on The Store's website.
![](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png)
It takes a village! Hats off to the Wilson County Rotary clubs for investing in our kids in such a tangible way. Putting 100,000 books in the hands of little learners is something to celebrate. I love that they store the books in a bank vault — they truly are priceless!
-Carrie Sharp