Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Steve Harvey, Mike Tyson, Eric Benet, Howard Hewett, Johnny Gill Among Special Celebrity Guests at the 7th Annual O’Jays Celebrity Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund
Canton, OH – The dream began in Canton, Ohio and now Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Sr., and Eric Nolan Grant, known collectively as The O’Jays, return to their hometown of Canton, OH to host the Seventh Annual O’JaysCelebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund, August 12-15, 2011.
The 4-day celebration will kick off on Friday with “The Celebrity Love Train” ride from Canton to the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in Cleveland for dinner and a show. On Saturday, 10-time NBA champion and Hall Of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, will hold “The O’Jays 3 on 3 Celebrity Basketball Tournament”. Saturday evening will continue with “The O’JaysBenefit Concert” featuring The O’Jays with special guest Patti LaBelle and other celebrated friends.
On Sunday, The O’Jays will host “The O’Jays Family Reunion” at Nimisilla Park in Canton , OH which will include a special performance by National Recording Artist Shirley Murdock.
Monday at 8:30 am the celebration continues with “The O’Jays Celebrity Golf Tournament” at the Glenmoor Country Club’s Jack Nicklaus designed course with special guest celebrity golfer, comedian Steve Harvey. Following the golf tournament at 6:00 pm, the festivities conclude with the presentation of scholarship awards to the 2011 recipients at “The O’Jays Scholarship Banquet” at the Pro Football Hall of Fame with special guest, author Rose Rock, mother of comedian/actor Chris Rock. (Detailed schedule of events is below).
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is one of the most celebrated NBA stars in sports history. With 5 NBA championships, induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, numerous MVP selections, ALL STAR appearances and a gold metal as a member of the 1992 Olympics USA Basketball “Dream Team”, Magic Johnson continues to make his mark in the world off the court as a business man and humanitarian.
The O’Jays’ successful career spans over 50 years with 10 gold, nine platinum albums and a Rock and Roll and Grammy Hall of Fame induction to their credit. They are one of the most vital and beloved R&B vocal groups of all time. Now in their 50th year making music, The O’Jays have released over 25 albums. Their hit song, “For the Love of Money” is the current theme song for NBC’s hit show, The Apprenticewith Donald Trump. In 2009, The O’Jays were awarded the BET 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2011, they were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 19th Annual Trumpet Awards. Presently, The O’Jays continue to tour and perform before sold out audiences around the world–and it all started in Canton, Ohio.
The O’Jays Scholarship Foundation was established in 2006 when Eddie Levert and Walter Williams realized that they could make an impact on Canton/Stark County students by providing financial support to further educational pursuits. 2011 marks the seventh year since the inception of the scholarship fund which has raised over a half million dollars with support of contributors such as: The Timken Company, Aultman Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Joy 1520 AM, A.B.L.E. Inc., Outback Steakhouse, Fifth Third Bank, The Timken Foundation, Steve and Sondra Perry, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Canton Negro Oldtimers Association. Each year Stark County residents, both traditional (high school seniors) and non-traditional (local community college attendees) students, received scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each.
Homecoming Weekend Celebration Agenda
Friday, August 12, 2011
6:00 PM – The “Love Train” – Board as a VIP guest on The O’Jays Celebrity Love Train Ride and join The O’Jays, Magic Johnson, Jimmie Jackson, Mo’Nique, Mike Tyson, Eric Benet, Christopher Cross, Johnny Gill, Howard Hewett and a host of all-star sports & entertainment celebrities. The O’Jays Celebrity Love Train will depart from Canton OH , travel along the lovely scenic route of Central Ohio and arrive in Cleveland , OH where VIPs will be transported to the historic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The evening will include dinner & musical entertainment at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame plus opportunities to get autographs & photos with your favorite celebrity.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
10:00 AM – The activities begin Saturday morning with the Magic Johnson 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament where youth are given the opportunity to compete for cash & prizes.
8:00 PM – The O’Jays & Friends perform Live & In Concert at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Fawcett Stadium in Canton , OH .
Sunday, August 14, 2011
10:00 AM – The O’Jays Family Reunion will take place at Nimisilla Park in Canton OH and will include a special performance by National Recording Artist Shirley Murdock. There will also be performances by local acts as well as vendors offering food & cultural merchandising. Attendance is free to the public.
Monday, August 15, 2011
7:30 AM – The O’Jays Celebrity Golf Outing with Steve Harvey and others at Glenmoor Country Club.
6:00 PM – The O’Jays Scholarship Banquet at the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Author Rose Rock, mother of comedian Chris Rock will speak.
For information contact: Stan Williams, Chairman – O’Jays Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund – 330.497.2077 or ojaysscholarship@gmail.com or visitwww.Ojaysfoundation.org
Media Contact: Donnell Clarke at Clarke & Associates, LLC Tel. 202-758-8731 or dsclarke@aol.com, or Priscilla Clarke 202-723-2200, pclarkepr@aol.com
