HOLLYWOOD — Multi-platinum selling artist Big Kenny of Big & Rich joined the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for a fundraising event celebration to benefit Operation HeartF.E.L.T. feeding children in Florida.

Through the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Hard Rock Heals Foundation, $40,000 was raised for the charity.

“What an unexpected blessing,” said Pattie Lovette Stepbach from Operation HeartF.E.L.T. “Operation HeartF.E.L.T. is humbled and beyond grateful for your generous donation of $40,000. Because of your support, we will be able to continue to feed all of our HeartF.E.L.T. children. Your donation will also make it possible to expand our program and reach more children in need. Operation HeartF.E.L.T. would not be where is today without the support of friends, community, family, and a very special young man, Kenneth Alphin. Big Kenny, as you all know him, was a student in my fifth-grade classroom in 1974. He was an unforgettable child; one who was kind, intelligent, creative but most importantly compassionate. Kenny’s empathy stood out and I’ve never forgotten what this meant to his fellow classmates. He truly stood out then and still does today. His compassion did not end in the 5th grade but has extended throughout his lifetime. Over the years, Kenny has helped so many who need a hand-up. His ongoing efforts have opened a lot of doors for us and continue to be a special blessing to the children of Operation HeartF.E.L.T. Thank you to both Big Kenny and the Hard Rock for partnering up to support our Foundation. With HeartF.E.L.T.”