Gospel's Elite Delivered Powerful Performances, Helped Raise Over $8,000 For Ronald McDonald House Charities® Of The Greater Philadelphia Region

PHILADELPHIA, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour delivered messages of hope, inspiration and service to Philadelphia. Some of gospel music's biggest acts kept concertgoers clapping, dancing, laughing and lifting up their hands in joy. Attendees witnessed moving performances from Erica Campbell, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Kurt Carr, and the Mississippi Mass Choir, comedy from Jonathan Slocumb, tongue-twisting inspirational lyrics from Uncle Reece and the electrifying sounds of organist Moses Tyson, Jr.

In addition to the dynamic performances, the night also encouraged support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC^®). Thanks to generous donations from concertgoers, more than $8,000 was raised to help families heal and thrive through the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Greater Philadelphia Region. One hundred percent of donations will assist the local chapter in its continuing efforts to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

"On behalf of all of the families we serve, we want to thank everyone for their generous donations," said Susan Campbell, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. "We truly couldn't do what we do without the help of our steadfast supporters. We will continue to expand our impact though new and enhanced programming, working towards a day when no family ever has to worry about how they'll stay by their child's side."

Now in its eighth year, the uplifting McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour began May 22 and runs through July 25, making stops in 22 cities, including: Atlanta; Chicago; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Oakland, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Washington, D.C.

"We are proud to give back to the local community and RMHC through this free gospel concert that gives us the opportunity to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the African-American community," said Ken Youngblood, McDonald's Owner/Operator and President of the Philadelphia Black McDonald's Owner/Operator Association. "The McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is just one of the ways we display our commitment to being deeply rooted in the community 365 days a year."

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. To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. Follow @McDonalds for tour updates and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options, including wholesome choices, made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 89 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. There are nearly 300 McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region.  For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 11,500 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @McDPhilly for the latest news, info, events and promotions, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald's House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. grants hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to support local non-profit programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. In addition, RMHC supports four scholarship programs for high school seniors; the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Ronald McDonald Houses; the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, operated by St. Christopher's Foundation for Children; and 13 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals. The charity receives its support from McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Owner/Operators, corporate donors and McDonald's customers.  For more information, visit www.rmhcphilly.org.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: 365Black, Inspiration Celebration, McDonald's, RMHC and Ronald McDonald House Charities. © 2014 McDonald's

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HI-RES IMAGES:

Yinka Adedeji
Tierney
215-790-4375
[email protected]

SOURCE McDonald's