Six-year-old Joel Westbrook, from Rossville, gives Merrill Osmond a high-five after he receives a football from the legendary entertainer.
Merrill Osmond and his grandchildren, Keaton Hallows and Aspen Osmond, listen to Michelle Stratton, a 15-year-old from Hixson, Tenn., as she sings one of her favorite country songs. Michelle recently performed a concert as part of her Make A Wish.
Merrill Osmond and his grandchildren, Keaton Hallows and Aspen Osmond, take a moment to drop some change in the Children’s Miracle Network donation barrel at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Merrill Osmond, the lead singer of the 1970’s iconic band, The Osmonds, executive producer of the Donny and Marie Show, and co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network, visited patients at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger on Monday.
Mr. Osmond is a man of many talents and skills when it comes to the entertainment business, but none are so duly noted than his support and dedication in helping people who are in need. Since the beginning of Children’s Miracle Network, over $4 billion has been raised around the world to support children’s hospitals such as Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Even though he has accomplished so much in his career and philanthropy work, Mr. Osmond continues to entertain the world through new music releases and tours with his brothers. “Music is an element that evokes all kinds of feelings that can be used to aid in healing like no other medium,” said Mr. Osmond. “I believe a song can change the world, so I plan to keep singing.”
The staff and patients at Children’s Hospital had the pleasure of witnessing one of Mr. Osmond’s many talents as he sang holiday songs while visiting the children. Some even had the opportunity to overcome their own fears and sing a song for him and his grandchildren.
“We are here today to support Children’s Miracle Network,” said Mr. Osmond. “Our family has been given so many blessings, and we want to give back. We all need to give. That is what this season is all about.”
Just like the entertainment business, The Children’s Miracle Network is certainly a family affair. When Mr. Osmond’s sister heard he was going to visit patients in Chattanooga, Marie Osmond said, “Give all my love and joy to them.”
Mr. Osmond’s visit to Children’s Hospital is made possible by the Forgotten Child Fund. The Forgotten Child Fund is a non-profit charitable organization that was chartered in 1965 and created by Chattanooga Fire and Police Officers who witnessed first hand children who had nothing for Christmas. It is comprised of 100% volunteers from the Chattanooga Fire and Police Departments, Hamilton County Sheriffs Department, Hamilton County Emergency Services, Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue and local county volunteer fire departments and supported by many volunteers from area high schools, businesses and civic groups. The organization is funded completely by private donations from businesses, fraternal and professional organizations, churches and organized fund raising projects. For more information, please visit.http://forgottenchildfund.com/.