Obama Says to Remember Charity, Compassion During Christmas Benefit Concert

By PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
The Obamas got into the holiday spirit Sunday evening with a little help from Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monae.

President Barack Obama and his family attended the 32nd annual “Christmas in Washington” concert, a benefit for the Children’s National Health System. After an evening of Christmas carols at the National Building Museum, the president said Americans should remember Jesus Christ’s lessons of charity and compassion.

Before the concert began, the president, his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, helped collect presents for patients at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington. Mrs. Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, watched from nearby.

The Obamas met five of the hospital’s young patients, who were dressed as elves.

Jackman, who hosted the concert, also urged the audience to remember those less fortunate.

The Redskins lost to the Atlanta Falcons earlier Sunday and fell to 3-11 for the season. The New York Giants also lost, though, getting shut out by the Seattle Seahawks as their record fell to 5-9.

Other performers at the concert included the Backstreet Boys, Anna Kendrick and Pat Monahan, the singer from the band Train. Retired NBA star Charles Barkley also was on hand to talk about programs at Children’s National.

The concert will be broadcast Friday evening on TNT.

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