As part of its annual Celebration of Thanksgiving event, Shawnee Mission Health is celebrating gratitude with the Kansas City community throughout the month of November.
A member of Adventist Health System, SMH is once again offering its free Celebration of Thanksgiving concert on Nov. 21 as a thank you to the community from associates, physicians and staff. This year’s show will feature two local Kansas City musicians—Oleta Adams and Gracie Schram.
Concert headliner Adams saw her career blossom with her 1990 debut and Platinum album Circle of One, and the hit single “Get Here” which became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War. Adams has inspired a growing legion of fans in the U.S. and Europe via songs that draw deeply from her roots in gospel, while crossing into the realms of soul, R&B, urban and popular music.
Schram, also from Kansas City, will open for Adams. At a mere 17-years-old, Schram already possesses the songwriting and vocal brilliance needed to earn fans among critics and casual listeners alike.
For more than 20 years, SMH has given the community the gift of an inspiring concert to show their gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community’s healthcare needs while also providing Kansas Citians with a fun, inspirational way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family.
This year, SMH is extending the festivities well beyond the event day by featuring a social media campaign that will highlight videos of individuals sharing stories about why they are thankful.
“When we know why we are grateful, giving thanks is more meaningful,” said SMH administrative director of Spiritual Wellness, Mark Stoddart. “We want to encourage people to think about why they are grateful for the blessings they receive while also showing the community how Shawnee Mission Health makes a difference in people’s lives through our mission of Improving Health Through Christian Service.”
The videos will be created by SMH, and community members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite stories. SMH will feature the winning story during the concert.
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Jackie Woods is a writer for Shawnee Mission Health.
