The Legendary O’Jays Announce 5th Annual O’Jays Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund
The Celebration Weekend Includes an Array of Star-Studded and Community Events
The dream began in Canton, OH 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 Fifth Annual O’Jays Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund, August 15-17, 2009. The community-oriented celebration weekend will be star-studded and bring a festive presence to the city of Canton.
The 3-day celebration will feature a scholarship benefit concert, a scholarship banquet at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a golf tournament at the historic Clearview Golf Course, and the O’Jays Family Reunion - an open-to-the-public “family-reunion-style” gathering feature a parade, a youth basketball tournament, rides and games for children, food vendors, and entertainment by various local talent at the O’Jays Parkway in Northeast Canton (detailed schedule of events is attached).
The O’Jays Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund event will attract local and national media, celebrities, VIPs and bring the community together. Confirmed guests include; The O’Jays, Willie Gary (Esq., Attorney), Lorenzo Williams (Esq., Attorney), Sam Jones (NBA legend), Omarosa (The Apprentice), Tom Joyner (radio personality), Donna Richardson Joyner (actress), Kiki Sheppard (actress), and Sidney Miller (BRE Magazine).
Over the past four years a total of thirteen Stark County residents at both traditional (high school seniors) and non-traditional (local community college attendees) students have received scholarship of $2,000 each.
2009 marks the fourth year since the inception of the scholarship fund which has raised over $200,000 with support of such contributors 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.
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 theme song for the popular Apprentice Show with Donald Trump. Most recently, The O’Jays were awarded the BET 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award and continues to tour and perform before sold out audiences around the world. And it all started right in Canton, OH.
For more information contact: Stan Williams, Chairman of ” O’Jays Celebration Weekend & Scholarship Fund ” at 330.497.2077 or stanley.williams@timken.com
