Rosemont Grace Brethren Church, Martinsburg, W.Va. (Carl Baker, pastor), and Big Heart, Bad Lungs, a Facebook group which created as a support for Kristan (Michael) Jagodowski, is sponsoring a special gospel music event on June 23, 2017. (Kristen is a long-time member of the Rosemont church.) The Hoppers, a multi-award-winning family group, will take the stage that evening as a benefit for The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of Kristen, who had a double lung transplant in August 2016.
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Many will know Kristen as the daughter of daughter of Jerry and Linda Michael, also members of the Rosemont GBC who have been actively involved in national ministries of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses.
The Hoppers have been singing to global audiences for more than 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land at the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.
Comprised today of family members Claude and Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, N.C., and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes. She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.