Alabama frontman Randy Owen was presented with the CMA Foundation’s Humanitarian Award in surprising fashion.

Under the guise of presenting radio vet Lon Helton with an industry honor, Randy and wife Kelly attended a reception at Nashville’s Analog at Hutton Hotel on Nov. 19. As the event unfolded, Lon took the stage to present Randy with the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.

“I’m truly surprised and grateful for this award,” says Randy. “Hopefully, this will inspire other artists to follow their hearts to help the down and out, the helpless and especially sick children and families in need. I am so grateful to my longtime friend Lon Helton for presenting me with this award.”

Randy’s philanthropic efforts include starting Country Cares, which has raised more than $875 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its inception in 1989. Randy is also involved in a variety of additional philanthropic endeavors, including tornado and hurricane relief efforts.

After postponing more than 25 shows on their 50th Anniversary Tour in 2019 as Randy dealt with vertigo and migraines, Alabama is planning to announce rescheduled shows for 2020 in the coming weeks. Two shows in Nashville have already been announced.