Martina McBride Honored With Beacon of Hope Award for Youth Advocacy

Martina McBride has become known for her powerful telling of difficult stories through her emotional songs — "Concrete Angel," "Broken Wing" and "Independence Day," just to name a few — but McBride is not just telling those stories, she’s helping change them.

McBride was recently honored by Covenant House, an organization that assists and advocates for homeless youth, with its Beacon of Hope Award for her work with homeless and trafficked youth through Team Martina, which funds music programs to help provide healing to hurting individuals around the world. Team Martina has raised more than $300,000 via its U.S. initiatives, and has funded a music education program for Covenant House in Guatemala.

“As a mother, it is heartbreaking to know there are children suffering and struggling on their own,” McBride says in a news release. “And as a celebrity being blessed to achieve success throughout my career, it is my responsibility to help. I am so humbled and proud to share the Beacon Award with the dedicated members of Team Martina. I hope this is a reminder that every effort can make a difference.”

McBride also advocates for the prevention of domestic violence as the spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence and Tulsa Domestic Violence, as well as partners with Loveisrespect and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. She joins the ranks of other philanthropic superstars who have received the Beacon of Hope award, including Jon Bon Jovi, First Lady Laura Bush and George and Olivia Harrison.

Fans can help support Team Martina and Covenant House by signing up for a special sound check before her show in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on July 3, 2015, and entering for a chance to win lunch with McBride or a video greeting from the star. A donation of at least $20 earns an entry, and all proceeds will benefit the Martina McBride Music Program for orphaned children at Covenant House International. The deadline to enter is June 26. To donate, visit www.teammartina.com.

Martina McBride and Other Country Stars' Yearbook Pics!