PHILADELPHIA’S “BIG BROTHER” CHARLIE MACK BRINGS ALL-STAR LINEUP OF CELEBRITIES AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES TO THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE TO INSPIRE YOUTH, PROMOTE NON-VIOLENCE AND ENCOURAGE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE DURING 8TH ANNUAL CHARLIE MACK PARTY FOR PEACE WEEKEND.
Tyrese Gibson, LisaRaye McCoy, Kevin Hart, Tocarra Jones, Terry Crews And Michael Vick Among Esteemed Public Figures Spreading Message of “There Is A Better Way” At Annual 3-Day Community-Focused Gathering Presented By Hometown Activist, Charles “Charlie Mack “Alston
Philadelphia, PA (July 14, 2011) – A bevy of celebrities from stage, screen and beyond will join Will Smith’s long time aide and confidante, Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, for the 8th Annual Charlie Mack Celebrity Weekend, a highly anticipated series of star-studded charity events. This year’s weekend takes place July 22 -24, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA. Appropriately titled the “Charlie Mack Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend,” a portion of the proceeds raised during the weekend will benefit local non-profit, the Charlie Mack Cares Center, a place of refuge for inner-city children found by Mack.
Started in 1990 solely as a celebrity basketball game, The Charlie Mack Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend has evolved into a charitable benefit to raise awareness and money for organizations that work tirelessly to eradicate violence in Philadelphia. “As a native Philadelphian, I wanted to provide young people with a vehicle to interact with today’s entertainment industry actors/actresses and professional athletes. It was after the loss of my two brothers that I came to know my true calling in life, and recognized an even greater need to create a fundraising vehicle to assist anti-violence organizations,” states Mack. Since the inception of Party 4 Peace, homicide rates in the city of Philadelphia dropped by 10% each month after Celebrity Weekend. This sends a message that celebrities can make a difference,” adds Mack.
Academy Award nominee, philanthropist and Philadelphia native, Will Smith joined Charlie Mack at the weekend events that took place in 2006. Smith was visibly stunned and disturbed by the obscene level of crime plaguing the city where he was born and raised. “It is hard for me to get a grip on what is happening in the streets of Philadelphia; the same streets that I grew up in and walk through everyday. However, I do understand there is a different mindset today than when I was raised, so I feel compelled to do something and join my friend, Charlie Mack in curtailing the violence,” Smith stated.
“Keystone Mercy Health Plan is proud to partner with Charlie Mack: the man, his faith, his mission for the past five years as he brings many of Tinsel Towns’ celebrities to the city of Philadelphia to address and curb violence, as well as aid the city’s youth in staying healthy and building healthier communities,” said Maria Pajil Battle, Senior Vice President Of Public Affairs and Marketing for Keystone Mercy Health Plan.
A sampling of the collection of notable people volunteering their time for the Charlie Mack’s weekend includes:
• Alan Payne (Actor co-starring on Tyler Perry’s hit comedy series “House of Payne”)
• Derek Luke (Actor co-star of the films “Friday Night Lights” and the upcoming “Captain America: The Avenger”
• Elise Neal (Actress co-star of the Academy Award nominated film “Hustle & Flow”)
• Jason Thompson (Forward/Center for the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise)
• Jill Marie Jones (Actress co-starring on the hit syndicated sitcom “Girlfriends”)
• Kalenna (Grammy award winning songwriter & singer / Member of P. Diddy’s “Dirty Money” group/Philly native)
• Kevin Hart (Comedian, Actor co-starring in upcoming Steve Harvey film “Think Like A Man/Philly native)
• LisaRaye McCoy (Actress co-starring in VH1’s new hit series “Single Ladies”)
• Lou Williams (Guard for the Philadelphia 76’ers NBA franchise)
• Michael Vick (Starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise)
• Raheem Brock (Defensive End for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise/Philly native)
• Rebecca Crews (Co-star of “Family Crews reality show on BET / Wife of Terry Crews)
• Rodney Jerkins (Grammy award winning music producer / South Jersey native)
• Sean “The Pen” Garrett (Grammy award winning songwriter / R&B singer)
• Terrence J. (Co-Host of BET’s top rated music program “106 & Park” / Actor)
• Terry Crews (Comedic actor co-starring in Ice Cube produced hit series “Are We There Yet” on TBS / Co-star of “Family Crews reality show on BET)
• Tocarra Jones (Former contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” / Star of “Ultimate Merger” reality show on TV One)
• Tyrese Gibson (Actor co-starring in “Transformers 3” and Grammy nominated singer)
ABOUT CHARLIE MACK:
Affectionately referred to as Philadelphia’s “big brother,” Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston is a seasoned, connected and respected entertainment industry and sports insider whose had ties to many of today’s leading actors, musicians and athletes for nearly three decades. Aside from being friends to many high profile individuals, Mack has earned a reputation as a successful film executive having co-produced the blockbuster hit, “ATL,” starring Rapper/Actor, Tip T.I. Harris. Additionally, Mack produced the soon to be released, “Streets,” a film being premiered during this year’s weekend and directed by Jamal Hill, a fellow Philadelphian. Charlie Mack’s passion and purpose in life is to use his relationship and influence to improve the safety and quality of life for the Philadelphia community-at-large.
ABOUT SPONSORS: The Charlie Mack Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend is sponsored in part by Will & Jada Pinkett Smith Foundation, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Beneficial Bank, Radio One and Clear Channel Stations.
8th Annual Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend Event Specifics At-a-Glance
FRIDAY, July 22nd
“Welcome To Philadelphia” – Private Reception (undisclosed location)
SATURDAY, JULY 23rd
7:00 AM – 2:30 PM “WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE A CHILD’S WORLD – BIBLEWAY PLAYGROUND”, 1323 North 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Official Ribbon Cutting @ 2:30 PM, sponsored by Keystone Mercy & Wells Fargo
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CHARLIE MACK TALENTED TEENS SEMI-FINALS
YESHA FELLOWSHIP HALL- 2308 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM GOOD WILL TOUR
Youth Study Center – 3232 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA (This event is not open to the public)
Celebrities will join Mothers In Charge, law enforcement, educators and government officials as they address at risk youth and the issues currently plaguing them.
9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
ALL STAR ALL WHITE CELEBRITY PARTY (PRIVATE-NO MEDIA)
Ms. Tootsies Lounge, 1314 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
SUNDAY, JULY 25th
10:00AM – 2:00 PM Healthy Hoops/Asthma Screenings for Children, St. Joseph’s University,
Hagan Arena – 5400 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
“YOU HAVE POWER TO CHANGE CHILD’s World”
Keystone Mercy Health Plan will conduct asthma screenings. Come out and support the Healthy Hoops asthma management program and learn how to manage and control your Asthma. Take part in the Healthy Hoops Program by calling 215-863-6666. This program is sponsored by Keystone Mercy Health Plan, AstraZeneca and the Healthy Hoops Coalition.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Premiere Screening of the film, “Streets”
Suzanne Roberts Theatre – 480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Charlie Mack, Todd Wolfe and Jamal Hill produced and directed.
All-star cast includes: Meek Mill, Chico Benymon, Trey Cheyney, Nafessa Williams, Matt Wolfe, Omillio Sparks, Marvin G, Gilly Da Kid and Lou Williams. For Tickets Call: 215-985-0420
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Highly Fashionated Fashion Show- Hosted by LisaRaye McCoy
First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Doors Open at 7:00 PM – For Tickets Call: 267-325-4089, 267-385-0297, 267-240-6532 or 267-270-6692
10:00 PM – 3:30 AM Charlie Mack Celebrity Weekend After Party
Valut Night Club, 460 North 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA. For Tickets Call: 215-828-7629.
For general information about the Celebrity Weekend, visit the official website:
www.charliemacksparty4peaceweekend.com or call 215-271-4017.