McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Makes Its Triumphant 10th Year Return with Donald Lawrence, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Pastor Charles Jenkins and More

OAK BROOK, Ill., April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's USA today announced the extraordinary tenth annual return of its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the longest-running brand owned gospel tour. The line-up for this year's diamond anniversary features the return of music director and songwriter Donald Lawrence, legendary gospel singer Bishop Marvin Sapp, songwriter and vocal powerhouse Karen Clark-Sheard, award-winning Pastor Charles Jenkins, Christian rapping sensation Canton Jones, gospel crooner Jonathan McReynolds and famed Williams Brothers member Doug Williams. Back by popular demand, award-winning gospel artist Lonnie Hunter will once again resume hosting duties while Christian comedienne Small Fire keeps the crowd roaring with laughter.  From May 25 through Oct. 15, this free concert series will share messages of hope, joy, and inspiration to communities nationwide.

"This tour has been a staple in the African American community for ten years. It is an honor to be part of this year's lineup," said Bishop Marvin Sapp who, in addition to being one of Gospel music's most celebrated male voices, is senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "Gospel music inspires, uplifts AND empowers like no other music can. I am proud to join my peers and friends in supporting the work of the Ronald McDonald House Charities while bringing joy, hope and encouragement to Gospel music fans around the country."

As with past years, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will highlight the importance of giving back to the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). During each tour stop, attendees will learn more about the Charity and the vital role it plays in helping families stay close to their ill or injured children. This increases their ability to spend more time with them and participate in critical medical care decisions for their treatment and recovery. Over the years, the tour has helped raise more than $351,000 for local RMHC Chapters which helped to provide over 4,300 free nights for families to stay at Ronald McDonald Houses.  Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® programs across the globe have helped families save an estimated $700 million in out-of-pocket lodging and meal expenses. During most tour stops, attendees will be encouraged to donate to their local RMHC Chapter to continue enabling family-centered care for families in each community at no cost.

"McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour has allowed so many families to stay close to their sick children. The generous donations raised at each tour stop help alleviate some of the stress that comes with finding accommodations near a local children's hospital. In addition, families that stay together at a Ronald McDonald House believe it significantly affects the psychological well-being and recovery for their child.  RMHC, as well as our families, are so grateful for this tour and look forward to it every year," said Jennifer Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, RMHC Global.

All concerts are free of charge.  Fans can obtain tickets by visiting www.365Black.com. The multi-city tour will make stops in 13 markets, including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Jackson, Los Angeles, Memphis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Tour dates and locations include:

• May 25 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple
• June 1 – Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
• June 2 – Greensboro, Mount Zion Baptist Church
• June 3 – Charlotte, The Park Church
• June 16 – Jackson, Jackson Convention Center
• June 22 – Philadelphia, Dell Music Center
• July 22 – Houston, New Light Center
• August 4 – Chicago, House of Hope
• August 12 – St. Louis, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church
• August 19 – Atlanta, Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church
• September 8 – Memphis, Greater Imani Cathedral of Faith
• September 12 – Washington, D.C., The Kennedy Center
• October 15 – Los Angeles, Taste of Soul Family Festival

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 10^th annual tour and McDonald's 365Black initiative. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation using #365BlackGospel.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to approximately 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @365Black and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Through its global network of 300 Chapters in more than 63 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House^®, Ronald McDonald Family Room^® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile^®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs, enable family-centered care, provide a bridge to quality health care, are a vital part of the health care continuum and give children and families the time they need to heal and cope better together. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow RMHC on Twitter (@RMHC) or like RMHC on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, is the oldest major soft drink in the United States.  Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Low Calorie, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored beverages, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or DrPepperSnapple.com. For the brand's latest news and updates, follow Dr Pepper at Facebook.com/DrPepper or Twitter.com/DrPepper.

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© 2016 McDonald's

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Related Links

http://www.rmhc.org