Entertainment

Gospel Music Celebs in Memphis for Ronald McDonald House Charities

Pictured Left to Right: Gospel Artist Todd Dulaney, JJ Hairston and Donald Lawrence performing at the McDonald's Black Gospel Tour in Memphis.

BBMedia TV Staff

August 29, 2018

What better way to raise money for local Ronald McDonald houses than through the gift of song. Not just any type of singing but with gospel music. The McDonald’s 12th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour hosted some of the most celebrated and influential gospel music artists today to support Ronald McDonald charities.

Brown Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi hosted the event that was filled to capacity. The audience was eager to see featured artist Ricky Dillard, Deitrick Haddon, J. J. Hairston, Todd Dulaney, Canton Jones along with Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. Lonnie Hunter hosted the event.

Canton Jones (Center) performing at McDonald’s Gospel Tour

Youth audience members appeared to gravitate toward younger gospel artist like Canton Jones, J.J. Hairston, Deitrick Haddon and Todd Dulaney. The three hour Gospel Tour kicked off at 7 PM sharp and opened with Hairston, Haddon, Dillard, Dulaney, Jones, and Lawrence getting the crowd on their feet with a high energy gospel performance. The Gospel Tour allowed local Memphis gospel choir from Miracle Temple to showcase their talent as they sang with legendary gospel artist Ricky Dillard.

Host Lonnie Hunter reminded the audience that although McDonald’s would like them to enjoy the free gospel concert, the real importance of the event was to raise money for our local Ronald McDonald house in Memphis. The Ronald McDonald house in Memphis houses families of patients at St. Jude Children Hospital. Families can stay free of charge while their child is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Jill Crocker, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities Memphis.

Last year’s McDonald’s Gospel Tour in Memphis raised a little over $10,000 according to Jill Crocker, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities Memphis. Crocker pointed out that $10,000 is the amount they pay per month in utilities at the Memphis Ronald McDonald House. Crocker hopes that this year’s concert can double that amount. For those that aren’t able to provide monetary donations, the Ronald McDonald house is always in need of volunteers to provide support. Visit RMHC volunteer page for more information.