Jimmy Wayne Heads ‘Home for the Holidays’

Jimmy Wayne will be part of the all-star lineup for the 12th annual 'A Home for the Holidays' CBS television special celebrating the joys of adoption.

If anybody in the entertainment world knows about life in foster care, it's Jimmy. The singer was abandoned at the young age of 13 and bounced between 12 different schools in a two year period. It wasn't until he met the Costner family at age 16 when Jimmy's life finally gained consistency. He became the family's lawn boy for the summer to earn money and eventually was asked to move in with the elderly couple -- on the stipulation that he cut his hair and go to church. Jimmy did and went on to attend college, earning a degree in criminal justice before moving to Nashville to pursue a music career.

Earlier this year, Jimmy launched his project Meet Me Halfway solo-walk across America, which raised money and awareness for homeless teens. During his seven-month trek, Jimmy logged 1,700 miles and passed through six states, making a difference in many lives in each town. Now with 'A Home for the Holidays,' Jimmy will once again be able to reach out to millions and continue to spread the message he holds so close to his heart.

"The fact that Meet Me Halfway began with a single idea at the beginning of 2010, and the year will end with millions aware of the campaign is amazing," Jimmy tells The Boot.

After 11 years of broadcasting 'A Home for the Holidays,' the special continues to tell touching stories about foster care adoption to raise awareness for this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances by some of today's most popular artists.

The musical performances frame several pre-taped story segments, which are presented by celebrities who either have their own adoption experiences or are involved with children's issues. The stories highlight many exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process.

"They are allowing me to tell my story on the show," Jimmy says. "There will be a lot of people who watch this show that say, 'Wow!' It's going to be good. I've never been on CBS, so I am very excited. We're on the same mission, which is to help these kids."

'A Home for the Holidays' airs on CBS on December 22. Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, Ricky Martin, Nelly and Katy Perry are scheduled to perform on the special, which will also feature appearances by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Mira Sorvino.

As a special "thank you" to his fans for making 2010 and project Meet Me Halfway a success, Jimmy has created an e-mail account (JimmyWayneAHomefortheHolidays@gmail.com) where they can send their personal messages to the singer. Jimmy is asking for fans to send one message per person, but no photographs.

Jimmy is currently hard at work on an album based around project Meet Me Halfway. He has also co-authored a book titled 'Paper Angels,' which mirrors his story growing up in the foster home system and the time he was a recipient of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. This week, Jimmy is in Los Angeles where he will perform during a fashion show featuring clothing by designer Donna Karan, who also heard about Meet Me Halfway and wanted to give the campaign a special spotlight.