NCFA Outreach: News Archive

Rodney Atkins Performs at White House Ceremony Celebrating National Adoption Month

On November 16, 2007, country music star and NCFA’s 2007-08 National Adoption Spokesperson, Rodney Atkins, performed at the White House before President George W. and Mrs. Laura Bush to celebrate National Adoption Month. 

The invitation-only event was attended by approximately 100 people, including the star of Bella, Eduardo Verastegui, members of Congress, leaders in the adoption and foster care community, and adoptive and foster parents.  Also in attendance were NCFA’s president, Tom Atwood; vice president for government relations, Pam Davidson; and NCFA Board chair Rosemary McDonough, and Board members Delia Stroud and Pamela Stevenson. 

President and Mrs. Bush welcomed guests to this National Adoption Day celebration in the East Room and spoke of the importance of adoption in finding families for children. Rodney then performed three of his songs and shared his own heartwarming story of adoption.  Rodney was joined by his wife Tammy, son Elijah, and parents Allan and Margaret Atkins.  Elijah listened to the first song, “These are My People,” while sitting on President Bush’s lap, and then joined his father onstage for the song “Watching You,” which Rodney wrote about Elijah. 

After Rodney’s exhilarating performance, guests were invited to relax and mingle at a reception in the State Room.   The event was truly a wonderful celebration of adoption and an unforgettable day for Rodney Atkins, his family, and NCFA.