Ryan Seacrest to Welcome Tower of Talent

Music Therapy program of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta benefits from 7th annual talent show.

By Robyn Spizman Gerson November 24, 2020, 2:24 pm Edit

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.

Special for the AJT

Celebrity icon Ryan Seacrest, a Dunwoody native, will welcome those who virtually attend the 7th Annual Tower of Talent Nov. 28 to benefit the music therapy program of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. It will be aired and livestreamed on 11Alive (WXIA-TV) and shown internally in all three of Children’s hospitals.

The show includes inspirational stories of current and former patients at Children’s and celebrates how music has made a significant difference in their lives. Along with some of Atlanta’s most outstanding youth performers, the show’s theme is “Music Is Life – Why Hearts Have A Beat.”

This year due to the pandemic, Tower of Talent pivoted overnight from a stage show to a televised special and virtual fundraiser. The show is underwritten and inspired by the generosity of Michael Greenbaum, CEO and owner of Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, along with his wife Anne, son David and the entire Greenbaum family. Tower of Talent has raised over $2 million with every dollar going directly to Children’s.

Michael Rainwater plays piano at Tower of Talent.

Michael said, “My passion for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is inspired by the generations of my family. I’ve been able to see firsthand the miracles that are done with the music therapy program at Children’s. Music inspires people and helps with so many things you wouldn’t think about. I’m so proud of the kids who dedicate their time to helping other children through their music. This is a show you won’t want to miss! These kids are truly extraordinary. Their talent is as big as their hearts!”

Having the honor of serving as the executive producer and Ambassador of Smiles of Tower of Talent since the show’s beginning, it’s been such an honor to work with Michael who envisioned a show that would redefine fundraising in an entertaining and inspirational way.

Ed Harris, producer and longtime friend, joined us as the show’s producer with his wealth of entertainment knowledge and talents. Now an original television production, the show enlisted the outstanding efforts of the gifted founders of Brand New World Studios (executive producers) Joey Reiman and Brad Siegel. They and their producers, Kevin Wagner and Emily Breault, seamlessly led the show’s look, purposeful mission and live tapings, assuring COVID practices were in place. Along with the wonderful help of 11Alive, our 2020 dream team pulled off this year’s show as Siegel and Reiman promised and delivered, “National quality and as professional as any award show or fundraiser you’ve ever seen,” Siegel said.

According to Laura Turner, Children’s Community Development Officer, “We are incredibly grateful for the community of support for Tower of Talent over the past seven years. This wonderful event allows us to raise much needed funds for our music therapy program, allowing our patients to express themselves, cope with painful procedures, and relax their mind and body.”

Co-chairs for the concert include Drs. Marianne and Stephen Garber, Susie and Joey Moskowitz, Linda Suvalsky, Gail and Lyons Heyman and Nadia Bilchik. This year’s plan is to surpass the collectively raised $2 million mark. Some of the kids appearing in the show are patients at Children’s, and every talented young performer wants to help other children live their dreams.

Dancer Kayla Trinity Peltier leaps into action for the 7th Tower of Talent.

As one of the only freestanding pediatric healthcare systems in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology.

Children’s is one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country, managing more than 1 million patient visits annually at three hospitals, Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics and 19 neighborhood locations. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted the lives of kids in Georgia for more than 100 years thanks to generous support from the community.

Children’s recently announced the naming of its newest hospital, made possible through a generous $200 million donation from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Opening in 2025, the Arthur M. Blank Hospital is a transformative $1.5 billion project, which will improve quality of care, patient experience and access to specialized pediatric healthcare for Georgia’s children and families.

Turner added, “We thank The Greenbaums and Tower of Talent for partnering with us to raise awareness and funds, one note and important dollar at a time.”

Tower of Talent will air multiple times on Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, 11Alive (WXIA-TV) and be livestreamed at 11alive.com during the weekend following Thanksgiving, at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 and 11 a.m. Nov. 29, and at 11 a.m. on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. The show will air at the three Children’s hospitals for patients to view. Visit www.choa.org/toweroftalent or text TOT to 24587 to donate. For a sneak peek, check out: www.youtu.be/NOhDNmqiimM

Robyn Spizman Gerson is executive producer of Tower of Talent.

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