Church Collection: EMI Nashville's Eric Church and wife Katherine's foundation Chief Cares donated $1 million to the JDRF for type 1 diabetes research Saturday (10/22). The Hope Gala in Charlotte honored Church's parents Ken and Rita Church with the Living and Giving Award. "I can't think of a more fitting occasion to make Chief Cares' largest donation than in honor of my mother and her battle with type 1 diabetes," said Eric.