'Stars' Benefit Riley Hospital In Akron

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer-

AKRON -ÊRosie O'Donnell. Elton John. Britney Spears. Elvis Presley. The Dixie Chicks and four dancing chickens.

No, it wasn't a strange broadcast of a recent episode of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."

Instead, the students of Akron Elementary School enjoyed a "Concert in the Gym" Friday for reaching a fund-raising goal for Riley Children's Hospital.

Rosie O'Donnell (Katie Miller) hosted the ceremonies while introducing such acts as The Dixie Chicks (Susan Davis, Brenn Dahms, Virginia Higgins), Elton John (Julie Baxter), Britney Spears (Chrissy Niedbalski), the dancing chickens (Janet Morgan, Julia Teel, Katie Campbell, Patti Newman) and the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley (Akron Elementary Principal Brett Boggs).

Teachers and other staff members at Akron were very willing to volunteer their talents for the show in front of the entire school. Special lighting and a police escort abetted in the entrance and exit of the King.

Friday's event was not the first time Boggs was asked to step out of character to help the students reach a goal for Riley. Two years ago, he dressed as a woman and performed the macarena. Last year, he spent an entire day on the roof of the school. The businesses of Akron helped in that celebration by launching 500 balloons to welcome the principal to the roof.

The school thanks the business community, the students, faculty and parents on helping Akron reach the goal.

The fund drive for the hospital is sponsored by the Akron Pride Council. [[In-content Ad]]

AKRON -ÊRosie O'Donnell. Elton John. Britney Spears. Elvis Presley. The Dixie Chicks and four dancing chickens.

No, it wasn't a strange broadcast of a recent episode of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."

Instead, the students of Akron Elementary School enjoyed a "Concert in the Gym" Friday for reaching a fund-raising goal for Riley Children's Hospital.

Rosie O'Donnell (Katie Miller) hosted the ceremonies while introducing such acts as The Dixie Chicks (Susan Davis, Brenn Dahms, Virginia Higgins), Elton John (Julie Baxter), Britney Spears (Chrissy Niedbalski), the dancing chickens (Janet Morgan, Julia Teel, Katie Campbell, Patti Newman) and the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley (Akron Elementary Principal Brett Boggs).

Teachers and other staff members at Akron were very willing to volunteer their talents for the show in front of the entire school. Special lighting and a police escort abetted in the entrance and exit of the King.

Friday's event was not the first time Boggs was asked to step out of character to help the students reach a goal for Riley. Two years ago, he dressed as a woman and performed the macarena. Last year, he spent an entire day on the roof of the school. The businesses of Akron helped in that celebration by launching 500 balloons to welcome the principal to the roof.

The school thanks the business community, the students, faculty and parents on helping Akron reach the goal.

The fund drive for the hospital is sponsored by the Akron Pride Council. [[In-content Ad]]

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