The patients at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children were treated to a morning of fun and musical performances on Thursday when celebrity entertainer Nick Cannon and a few of his famous friends came to visit.
Cannon—an actor, musician and host of reality talent search “America’s Got Talent” who has two children with internationally known songstress Mariah Carey—emceed the event, which included musical performances by American pop group Anthem Lights and “America’s Got Talent” alumni Alicia Michilli and The CraigLewis Band.
The Harlem Globetrotters entertained with basketball tricks, and Miss USA 2015, Olivia Jordan, posed for pictures with the children.
This is not the first time that Cannon has visited the children’s care facility. He is a member of the St. Mary’s board of directors and has presented his children’s book to its patients, along with other frequent visits and fundraisers.
“I remember the first day walking in the energy the love that was in this place was so overwhelming from all the young people, the staff,” Cannon said, “and it’s like, however I could be a part of this, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Grammy-winning musical artist Nelly also appeared at St. Mary’s Hospital. He will be headlining an annual charity concert for St. Mary’s on the same night dubbed “Nick Cannon ROCKS Times Square.”
All of the other musical groups from the daytime visit are set to perform as well, and the concert will raise money for St. Mary’s.
According to St. Mary’s President and CEO Dr. Edwin Simpser, more than 3,000 children receive care from the hospital every day. He thanked everyone who was involved with setting up the visits, including JP Morgan Chase Bank and Barclay’s financial services.
Simpser gave special thanks to Cannon, saying he worked hard to raise funds for St. Mary’s.
“This is a wonderful, wonderful event that highlights the work that our special staff does with our special kids every single day,” Simpser said.
