Featured News News Lifestyle Arts & Culture McDonald’s Reinforces Commitment to Community Through 12th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at the Taste of Soul Family Festival; Free concert series continues support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, introduces new scholarship for one HBCU
October 18, 2018
LAWT News Service
McDonald’s USA announced the return of one of its staple events, the 12th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.
The free event, which features an award-winning talent line-up, will take place at the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, located on the corner of Crenshaw Blvd., and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Both national and regional artists will sing a wide range of gospel music. Los Angeles-area performers include recording artist Brent Jones and the KJLH Choir, Jubilant Voices of Holman United Methodist Church, songstress Renee Spearman and rising star Geneen White.
Comprising the national line-up are urban contemporary gospel artist and preacher Deitrick Haddon, choir master Ricky Dillard, contemporary artists, JJ Hairston, and Todd Dulaney, as well as hip-hop gospel artist Canton Jones. Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer, Donald Lawrence will return as the tour’s music director and contemporary gospel artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter will resume hosting duties.
“Southern California McDonald’s operators look forward to the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour every year, as it gives us the opportunity to connect with our community through our shared love of gospel music,” said Kiana Webb, president of the Southern California Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA). “We’re excited to celebrate another year of uplifting music, food and fun with our Southern California family.”
As with previous years, the tour will celebrate McDonald’s continued devotion to Ronald McDonald House Charities® by raising a love offering during the show to support families served by the Charity. In the last five years, attendees have contributed nearly $800,000 to aid in helping families stay close when their children are ill. In 2017, nearly a quarter of a million was donated.
Debuting a new part of the tour, McDonald’s will award one HBCU college student with a $10,000 Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship. This is one of five scholarships McDonald’s is sponsoring throughout the year. More information regarding the scholarships will be available on mcdonalds.com.
“It’s a privilege to be a 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 Hairston, a first-time artist on McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.
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.
To learn more, visit 365Black.com or tasteofsoul.org.