Country in the Rockies IX Highlighted by Record Donations and Top Entertainers.

Entertainment Editors/Assignment Desks

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2003

The Country in the Rockies celebrity ski event has become synonymous with great music, great fun and great activities. The 2003 event has just wrapped up with a record $1.3 million raised to the theme of "Imagine a World Without Cancer". Proceeds will be used for cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories, a division of the T.J. Martell Foundation at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The event is held at the Club Med resort in Crested Butte, Co. is noted for the magic combination of intense sports, unique mixture of talent and one of a kind auction items. This year, Ira Dean of Trick Pony, parted with some of his locks for a $25,000 donation. The cut curls are being used for a wig for cancer patients. Gary Morris has designated a diamond and emerald necklace he purchased for at the first CITR event as a rotating gift. In the same spirit as conveying the Miss America crown each year, the necklace will be auctioned for a one-year lease, so it becomes an annuity for Country in the Rockies. Drawings for his and her Harley motorcycles and a Ford Thunderbird were included as well as a barrel of custom whiskey from Jack Daniels Distillery. The handwritten lyrics of Alan Jackson's song "Where Were You" also brought in a hefty donation, contributing to the impressive total raised.

Country in the Rockies will celebrate its 10th year in 2004. It is the most successful event hosted by the T.J. Marteollo Foundation. The tenth annual CITR will be held January 27 through February 1, 2004. Information can be found at www.citr.org or by calling 615/401-2118.

All of the funds raised support research at the laboratories, which explore new ideas and advantage therapies in breast, colon, ovarian, prostate and lung cancers.

Sponsors of the event include: Amsouth, Bank of America, BMI, Brown-Forman, Club Med, Coke, Dasani, Coors, Fisher Skis, Jack Daniels and Sony.

Artists participating included: Deborah Allen, Sherrie Austin, Brooks and Dunn, Jodee Messina, Lonestar, Mandy Barnett, Aaron Barker, Blackhawk, Suzy Bogguss, Chuck Canon, Lari White, Gary Chapman, Dean Dillon, Billy Dean, Marv Green, Andy Griggs, Robert Earl Keen, Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsey, Gary Morris, Matt Morris, Will Robinson, Will Rambeaux, Anthony Smith and Trick Pony.

PHOTO EDITORS: PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON ALL ARTISTS LISTED INCLUDING: JODEE MESSINA CUTTING (TRICK PONY) IRA DEAN'S HAIR, RONNIE DUNN SNOWMOBILING, CONTACT: [e-mail] OR 615-269-0474.