Michelle’s Angels Foundation’s
First Annual Angel Artist Appreciation & Celebration Concert …
Honoring Josette Amsilli
Listening Room Café in downtown Nashville, Tennessee was the scene on July 17, 2009, for the First Annual Angel Artist Appreciation & Celebration Concert produced and sponsored by the Michelle’s Angels Foundation, Inc (MAF).
The evening enabled the MAF to honor the artists who so generously donate their time, talent and their gift of music to those who are suffering and who turn to the MAF for love, hope and assistance. It also provided the MAF with an opportunity to honor Josette Amsilli, a Vietnamese-American who lost her beloved husband Gilles Amsilli to cancer in February 2008, and who herself was diagnosed with cancer later that same year.
Josette celebrates evening with daughters Kim Amsilli (L) and Lea Hibdon |
Surrounded by family and friends, Josette watched and listened to ten of Nashville’s most talented singer-songwriters perform their personal works. From the musical gifts of MAF’s Music Director Ken Harrell to the famed Tom Kimmel, the audience witnessed the love and hope the MAF is famous for as it engulfed the room. Additional performances were presented by Nashville’s Rob Harris, Greg Johnson, A. J. Masters, Kim Parent, Marcia Ramirez, TonJa Rose, Rita Whitmer and Nicole Witt. Tears and emotions were in good supply.
The audience loved Featured Angel Artist Tom Kimmel |
As each artist concluded their performance, they approached Josette to share a private moment of fellowship and encouragement for what may lie ahead for her. Blessings were bountiful for all who attended as so many people were deeply moved by what they witnessed.
“I can’t believe anyone would make such trouble over me,” Josette said as she took in the sounds and sights of her tribute. “Michelle’s Angels Foundation gave us a special evening with all of these people. We are so grateful to have crossed paths and been chosen to be honored at this special event. And it means a lot more when your family is all in Europe, and elsewhere; knowing that we have people who surrounded us, supported us, cared for us, without having met us or known us, really touched me and my daughters. We sincerely thank all who were involved- the musicians, wait staff, and all who attended, and especially Herb!”
The crowd cheered the performances of Angels TonJa Rose and Rob Harris |
The former resident of Paris, France, who met her husband Gilles while they attended the 6th grade, decided to move to the United States following a one-year sabbatical here in 1980. She and Gilles made Nashville their home beginning in 1990. Upon their arrival, Josette was hired by Vanderbilt Hospital. Josette continues to serve Vanderbilt, most recently accepting a promotion to her current assignment at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Today, Josette’s cancer is under control as she continues to be seen at the Vanderbilt Cancer Center. Most recently, Josette completed her NATS training certifying her qualifications to serve as a volunteer patient caregiver at nursing homes, hospitals and for Hospice.
MAF volunteers Cathy & Bruce Zgoda, Mike Bailey and Deirdre Dineen |
Commenting on the event, MAF Information & Technology Director Mike Bailey of Howes Cave, New York said, “This evening brought the Michelle’s Angels Foundation to life. It made the MAF’s mission real for me.”
The success of this event has prompted the MAF to consider similar tributes in locations across America. While the MAF Annual Angel Artist Appreciation and Celebration Concert will continue, the MAF will also look for opportunities to produce a production featuring its Angel Artists. These events will be known as Michelle’s Angels HOPE Celebration Concert Series.
Those interested in learning more about the MAF HOPE Celebration Concert Series should contact MAF president Herb Knoll at: herb@MichellesAngels.com.