Gospel Music Powerhouses, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Raise More Than $83,000 for Charity

National concert series amasses record-level funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities

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Oct 17, 2013, 02:55 ET

OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's USA today announced its 2013 Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour raised more than $83,000—the most the tour has ever garnered—in support of local Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Chapters. With its seventh year wrapped, Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, a free national concert series featuring a lineup of gospel greats, is designed to bring service, encouragement and entertainment to communities and emphasize the importance of giving back. This year's nine-city tour, hosted by gospel artist/comedienne Vickie Winans, kicked off May 9 in Washington, D.C., and featured gospel music heavy-hitters Smokie Norful and son Ashton, Lecrae and John P. Kee. Tamela Mann also performed in select cities.

Smokie Norful headlined McDonald's gospel tour that raised $83K for charity. (PRNewsFoto/McDonald's USA) (PRNewsFoto/MCDONALD'S USA)

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For the last four years, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour has supported the cornerstone program of RMHC, the Ronald McDonald House, which provides support for families with sick or injured children.

"McDonald's is committed to enriching the lives of others through service, outreach and support," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "We aim to strengthen communities by actively supporting local RMHC Chapters and providing a platform for positivity and philanthropy."

In support of the tour's mission, Winans and Norful visited two Ronald McDonald Houses in Chicago. They met with parents and played with children who benefit from the program's aim to help families stay together, heal faster and cope better. Ronald McDonald Houses offer families with ill children low-to-no-cost lodging. Last year alone, the Charity saved families around the world more than $311 million in hotel costs.

"When you see their faces, you wouldn't know that these families are going through so much," Winans said. "Their ability to be positive and resilient in the face of difficult times is truly awe-inspiring."

As a part of the show, concertgoers were treated to behind-the-scenes footage of the visits Winans and Norful made to Ronald McDonald Houses and learned more about the important role RMHC plays in keeping families together and helping children heal. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a love offering to support families served by the Charity, including those in their community.

"Visiting a Ronald McDonald House was a humbling experience," Norful said. "As a gospel artist and pastor, I am honored to have participated in something that emphasizes loving your neighbor and giving back to your community."

In addition to Washington, D.C., the 2013 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour performed before maximum-capacity crowds in Philadelphia, Newark, Birmingham, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago and Louisville before culminating in Dallas August 30 at Bishop T.D. Jakes' MegaFest.

McDonald's launched Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour as an extension of its 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. Consumers can visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the tour and www.RMHC.org to learn more about McDonald's "Charity of Choice."

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States offering a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.

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 local Chapters in 57 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 resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow RMHC on Twitter (@RMHC) or like RMHC on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

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

SOURCE McDonald's USA