12th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour | Kicks Off May 17th, 2018
McDonald’s Reinforces its Commitment to the Community through 12th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour
Free Concert Series Continues Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Introduces New Scholarship for one HBCU Student
OAK BROOK, Ill., March 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — McDonald’s USA announced the return of one of its staple events, the 12th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The longest-running, brand-owned gospel tour of its kind is back with an award-winning talent line-up sure to please fans nationwide. This free concert tour begins May 17 and runs until October 22. McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour returns with powerhouse performers and heartfelt mission to give back to families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities. The brand is also awarding one music-loving HBCU student with a $10,000 scholarship.
Tomorrow (March 24th, 2018), McDonald’s USA will bring together top gospel artists — JJ Hairston, Le’Andria Johnson, Deitrick Haddon, Ricky Dillard, Todd Dulaney, Canton Jones and Donald Lawrence — in an unforgettable tribute to the late Edwin Hawkins during the 33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. This is the first time this elite group of powerhouse vocalists will perform together at the legendary awards show.
The 2018 nationwide concert series appeals to a wide range of gospel music lovers with its lineup of award-winning talent, including urban contemporary gospel artist and preacher Deitrick Haddon, choir master Ricky Dillard, contemporary artists, JJ Hairston, LeAndria Johnson and Todd Dulaney, as well as hip-hop gospel artist Canton Jones.
The tour is just one way that McDonald’s displays its commitment to changing for the better. In fact, for nearly 50 years, the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) has given back to the communities they serve by providing scholarships, donating time and money to local schools and hiring minority youth.
As with previous years, the tour will celebrate McDonald’s continued devotion to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). At each stop, the national tour will raise a love offering to support families served by the Charity. In just the last five years, the love offering has raised nearly $800,000 to aid in helping families stay close when their children are ill, raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars in 2017 alone.
“The annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is so important to us as a brand. It allows us to further connect with the community as we empower one another to make a difference,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator, Hazel Smith. “Plus, we create a platform for our neighbors to join us in helping families stay close when their children are ill by raising donations for those served by local RMHC Chapters.”
As a new part of the tour, McDonald’s will award one HBCU college student with a $10,000 Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship at a select tour stop during the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. This is one of five scholarship McDonald’s is sponsoring throughout the year. More information regarding the scholarships will be available on www.mcdonalds.com.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the tour I’ve watched and admired over the years. McDonald’s is doing something incredible by giving back to the community through a dynamic gospel tour. Getting behind this was a must,” said JJ Hairston, an award-winning, first-time artist on McDonald’s Celebration Inspiration Gospel Tour.
Legendary singer, songwriter and producer, Donald Lawrence will return as the tour’s music director. Tour favorite, contemporary gospel artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter resumes hosting duties. As always, all concerts are free of charge. Eager fans can visit www.365Black.com to secure tickets for any of the 12 stops.
Tour dates and locations include:
May 17 – Chicago, Apostolic Church of God
May 18 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple
May 31 – Philadelphia, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church East
June 1 – Washington, DC, City of Praise Family Ministries
June 8 – Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
July 12 – Birmingham, Bill Harris Arena
July 13 – Atlanta, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral
August 9 – Memphis, Brown Baptist Church
August 10 – Jackson, Jackson Convention Complex
August 18 – New Orleans, TBD
August 31 – Dallas, The Potter’s House
October 20 – Los Angeles, Taste of Soul Family Festival (TBD)
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Dr Pepper® also returns as the tour’s sponsor, showing its appreciation and commitment to the African-American community.
Visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the 12th annual tour and McDonald’s scholarship opportunities. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation using #365BlackGospel.
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SOURCE McDonald’s USA