Darius Rucker raises more than $2 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Darius Rucker, known for his solo work like "Wagon Wheel" and his role as lead singer and pianist in Hootie & the Blowfish, has raised more than $2 million for children's cancer research over the past 10 years.

The money raised surpassed the $2 million mark this week after the star's annual "Darius and Friends" concert, which was held Monday night, and a golf tournament and silent auction Tuesday morning.

According to a post on the star's Facebook page, Rucker started the Darius and Friends fundraiser 10 years ago after his first visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I was struck on that first visit by how St. Jude not only cares for their patients, but also their patients’ families,” said Rucker. “They believe that a financial burden is the last thing a family should face when their focus needs to be on helping a kid get better, and St. Jude makes sure that their patients never pay a dime. It’s an honor for us to be able to help them continue such an important mission.”

According to a news release, the 2019 events raised more than $425,000, bringing the all-time total to more than $2 million.

The yearly Darius and Friends fundraiser proceeds the CMA Festival each year in Music City, which draws thousands of fans.