Chicago actor, recording artist, and previous contestant on NBC’s “The Voice” Mark JP Hood brought a little holiday cheer to the children at One Family Illinois this year through the Karaoke For Kids Toy Drive, presented by his new organization, the Hood Dreams Foundation.
Focusing on “Turning Dreams Into Reality”, the Hood Dreams Foundation was excited to partner with One Family Illinois to remind the children that they are not forgotten. The Foundation collected over 100 toys and gift cards during the Karaoke event at the Hard Rock café on Thursday, December 21; and Mark was able to distribute the gifts in person during a holiday pizza party at the Chicago Village on Friday, December 22. Since these events also were in celebration of Mark’s birthday, the children at One Family Illinois presented Mark with homemade birthday cards, birthday cake, and of course, sang happy birthday to the rising star.
Mark said, “I’ve seen what abandonment and neglect can do to young people. It can make them feel like they aren’t worthy of love, and shatter all hopes in the possibility of their dreams manifesting into reality. Being surrounded and supported by a loving, supportive family and faithful friends made it possible for me to attain my dreams. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with One Family Illinois, an organization that truly creates the necessary Village of love and support needed for a child who’s been abandoned to still receive the quintessential love and support that is crucial to achieving success.”
We look forward to many more partnership opportunities with the Hood Dreams Foundation, and we thank Mark for his generosity and wish him continued success.