CRS 2025 is proud to honor Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, host of mornings on Cumulus KSCS/Dallas, as the recipient of the prestigious Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award. The award, named after the late Tom Rivers, recognizes individuals in country radio who exhibit outstanding public service and humanitarian efforts.
Hawkeye’s charitable work has made a significant impact over the past two decades. His involvement with Cook Children’s Hospital began in 2002, and he has served as a camp counselor for the hospital’s Camp Sanguinity for cancer patients and as a board member from 2004 to 2006. He led the launch of KSCS’s first radiothon in 2014, which, along with sister station KPLX, has raised nearly $4.5 million to date, including over $1 million in 2023 alone.
In 2023, Hawkeye auctioned his lifelong collection of more than 17,000 baseball cards, raising over $10,000 for Cook Children’s Hospital. Beyond his work with the hospital, Hawkeye supports numerous causes, including veterans’ initiatives such as the annual 10,000 For The Troops program, which collected over 152,000 handmade cards in 2023, and Pets For Vets, which raised $20,000 to train service dogs for disabled veterans.
As an avid runner and a long-time board member of the Dallas Marathon, Hawkeye also helps raise funds for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. His enduring commitment to community service and public good exemplifies the spirit of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award.
The presentation of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award will take place during the New Faces of Country Music® Show, one of CRS’s most highly anticipated events. A limited number of tickets remain and can be secured by contacting Ashley Bourque at Ashley@crb.org. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on-site.
Adding to the excitement of CRS 2025, the event will feature the return of Elaina Smith, host of Westwood One’s Nights with Elaina, as the emcee for the New Faces of Country Music® Show, sponsored by ACM and St. Jude Children’s Research, for the fifth consecutive year. Known for her engaging personality and strong connection to the country music community, Elaina’s continued involvement highlights CRS’s dedication to creating a memorable and dynamic experience for attendees.
CRS 2025 will also introduce a new initiative, the Strings for Hope: The Unwind Experience, a hands-on activity designed to promote mindfulness, support survivors, and give back to the community. This meditative experience invites attendees to untangle recycled instrument strings, contributing to the creation of handcrafted jewelry by Strings for Hope, a nonprofit empowering survivors of trauma and adversity.
Aligned with CRS 2025’s focus on mental health and wellness, this calming activity fosters mindfulness and reduces stress amid the busy conference. Additionally, programs funded by Strings for Hope provide trauma survivors with creative outlets to rebuild confidence, find purpose, and improve mental well-being.
CRS 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable event filled with meaningful programming, exciting performances, and opportunities to connect within the country music community.
