Musical Legend Johnny Mathis Gives, Gets Surprise Tribute
Musical legend Johnny Mathis gave a tribute to others — and got a little tribute himself — at Child Justice‘s 4th Annual Heroes of Child Justice fundraising event in late September at the Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center.
The platinum Billboard star and Grammy Hall of Famer was on hand to perform, greet attendees, offer a tribute to the heroes of this year’s event, and check out the live and silent auction. But he got a little surprise when over 300 guests sang “Happy Birthday” to him — he turned 83 a few days later.
His own intimate performance that was definitely a highlight of the night, in which he was accompanied by Tim Goodman, former Doobie Brother, co-founder of the Southern Project and a Child Justice board member.
Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD) was in attendance to introduce Mathis, and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith, Maryland Executive Director of the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention Glenn Fueston were the heroes recognized for their leadership addressing the problems faced by child victims of domestic violence and those trying to protect them.
Money raised allows Child Justice to offer pro bono legal services to protect children after exposure to family violence, physical/sexual abuse, substance addictions or neglect.
Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan; and Paul Griffin, Child Justice legal director
*Images Mike Sanders for Child Justice
