Popular Christian singer Michael W. Smith has donated a VIP concert experience as well as a signed guitar to help raise funds for the Cracker Barrel's Military Family Online Auction.
"Excited to support the #4StarSalute supporting military families through the USO with our friends Cracker Barrel Old Country Store," he wrote on his Facebook page.
The USO, or United Service Organisations, works to lift the spirits of American troops and their families by providing a touch of home through centres at airports and military bases, as well as providing top quality entertainment.
They provide critical support to deployed troops and their families who are either ill or have been wounded.
The VIP concert experience and signed guitar sold for $657.88 on eBay with a total of 22 individuals bidding for it. The winning bidder now has two tickets to any of Smith's concerts this year, a backstage tour, two meet and greet passes, and the signed guitar.
Smith is a staunch supporter of the military, and dedicated his song "The Patriot" off of his album Glory to veterans and their families. "I'd like to give honour where honour is due," he said.
The singer wrote the song as a way to express his love for his country. "That one feels very patriotic, very Americana to me," he described the song. "I wrote it as a tribute to the Armed Services of our country and can picture it being plated at a military ceremony."
They recorded the song with a 65-piece orchestra at the London AIR Studios, but now that they are playing it at live concerts, they have had to retool the song without the orchestra.
