Richie McDonald, former lead singer of the Country Band Lonestar, and a New Solo Artist, made a Surprise Visit to Henry County last week to be a Distinguished Judge and Entertain for the Sixth annual Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant on July 12.
“Dreams Do Come True” says Melissa Dodgen of Hampton, the first ever Miss Special Henry County 2003. Melissa has been a friend of Richie’s for eight years and had dreamed of him attending the annual special needs pageant. Two years ago, Richie made an opening DVD with Melissa in Nashville at the Fan Club Party and sang “Amazed” playing the guitar to welcome everyone to the pageant since he could not attend. But Melissa still did not settle for that! With Richie’s hectic touring schedule with Lonestar, he could not commit to coming to Georgia for the pageant. When Richie left the band last November to pursue his own dreams of becoming a solo artist, he knew he now would have control of his own schedule. Melissa asked Richie again last December when he was touring with Jim Brickman on a Christmas Tour at Cobb Energy Center and Richie told her that he had the date on his calendar! He would come from Nashville, be a Judge, and also entertain as a surprise guest for the thirty-seven special needs contestants and the 700 surprised people that purchased a $5.00 ticket for the Adult Pageant.
Melissa’s dream did come true! Richie drove down for the day on July 12 from Nashville, TN, attended the Judges Dinner at The Season’s Bistro, signed autographs and had pictures made with excited contestants and attendees in the Lobby an hour before the pageant, and then quickly changed into his tuxedo to be a Distinguished Judge. After intermission, Melissa introduced her Special Guest proudly and Richie performed two songs on the piano for the audience. The first song he played on piano and sang was “Amazed”, which he dedicated to Todd McEarchern and the other 36 contestants. (Todd is a big fan of Richie’s and had attended some of his live concerts) Then Richie sang a new song he wrote that will be on his new Country CD called “Slow Down”, coming out in the fall. The title of the song is “Footprints on the Moon” and the song lyrics were perfect for the special needs pageant! “Dare to Dream. Dare to think you could be anything. Dare to always give your very best, dare to be different, than all the rest. Seize the day, dare to climb the mountains in your way. Make the most of every chance you take. Look to the heavens, take a leap of faith. Fly, higher than you ever have before, spread your wings and soar. Just fly, and as long as you set your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t do. Don’t believe the sky’s the limit, when there are footprints on the moon. Love, you can really never love enough. Stay close to your family and your friend’s, because that’s what really matters, anyway. Fly, higher than you ever have before. Spread your wings and soar. Just fly, and as long as you set your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t do. Don’t believe the sky’s the limit, when there are footprints on the moon! It was a perfect song for Richie to sing at the special needs pageant as People First of Henry County promotes self-esteem in the contestants and for everyone to go out and do their best at the pageant. After his performance, he was joined on stage by Melissa as they hugged and she thanked him for coming. The audience was on their feet, clapping, cheering and of course, crying!
Always dream big and believe in your dreams. Just ask Melissa, “Dreams Do Come True!” Visit www.richiemcdonald.com to join his free fan club and to keep up with his new solo career and new albums coming out. It was a night to remember!
