Sparkle star Jordin Sparks uplifted patients and their families with a special performance at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the organization's 50th anniversary on Friday (June 22). She performed a hour and half for patients battling cancer and other life threatening diseases. The appearance was the longest set she has done on stage in more than a year.

"I had a great time performing 4 @StJude patients & their families, thanks 2 @Target. What an inspiring group of kids!" stated Sparks.

Sparks has often lent her voice to philanthropic causes; in the past she participated as a Vh1 Save the Music Ambassador, the Do Something 101 campaign, and a spokesperson for the "I'm M.A.D, Are You?" campaign.

Sparks will appear on the big screen in Sparkle on August 17th, 2012.

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