Rick Kern/Getty ImagesGranger Smith and his wife Amber donated nearly $219,000 to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, in honor of their son River.
The three-year-old died on June 6, after a drowning accident in the family’s swimming pool.
“You guys gave us a feeling that we were very special, the feeling that our son was very special, all the while knowing there are many kids here,” Granger said during the presentation. “We felt like we were the only ones in the world, the only ones that mattered.”
“I don’t know how you do it, but I thank God every day that there are people like you that love what you do and are so passionate about it,” he added.
You can watch the entire ceremony via ABC affiliate KVUE.
Granger raised the money by selling the River Tribute Shirt, a red t-shirt with a picture of one of the boy’s favorite things on front: an excavator. Though it’s now sold out, the family plans to create a new one in the fall to raise more money.
This past weekend, Granger, Amber, and their older children — seven-year-old daughter London and five-year-old son Lincoln — returned to the road as a family to continue their healing process.
Granger debuted a new tattoo on his right forearm that simply says “River.” This weekend, his tour continues with shows in Midland, Michigan; Sun Valley Idaho; and Bend, Oregon.
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