When the members of the Musicians and Songwriters' Guild of South Carolina put together a collection of children's songs for the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, they were trying to have some fun with music and help do a little emotional healing. The songs were either originals by the artists or tunes for kids the singers remembered from their youth.

At best the performers who recorded songs like Mark Bryan, Danielle Howle, Brent McDonald, and Sharon Von Fange wanted to do something for people who needed something done for them and maybe raise a little money for a good cause.

All those involved still tell stories of how much fun the project was, and how good it made them feel to be part of it. And now they all have reason to feel good again and be proud.

The CD project, A

Place for Us, has garnered several impressive awards. The Carolinas Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society that has been awarding such excellence in their field since 1978 presented the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital and MSGSC the prestigious Wallie in the interactive media category. The award is named for Lewis Carroll's walrus from

Through the Looking Glass,

the group's mascot.

The Mercury Awards program, given by the South Carolina Public Relations Society, also honored the collection of songs. A Place for Us won a Silver Wing award and Best in Show.

The CD was inspired by the late Chris Conner, who used music to help fight his battle against cancer. The Guild and the Conner Foundation team up to provide monthly Rockin' Out for the Kids concerts at the hospital. It offers some musical therapy for those children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life threatening diseases.

Rebecca Rietz, the hospital's music therapist, says, "The CD fits perfectly with our goals of creating a child and family friendly environment at Children's Hospital. Music has such a strong emotional connection, and it seems to lift spirits even for our sickest kids. The hospital doesn't seem nearly so scary when you can hear music floating down the halls."

A Place for Us is available at Palmetto Health gift shops on the Richland and Baptist campuses, select local stores, aPlaceForUsCD.com. For more information about the Musicians and Songwriter's Guild of South Carolina visit their website; scsongwriters.com.