In the News: 2011

Party 4 Peace brings celebrities to Philly

July 22, 2011
Philadelphia Tribune

Once again "Hollywood comes to Philly" for the eighth annual Charlie Mack Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend, taking place July 22-24. A portion of the proceeds from the Celebrity Weekend, which is now as synonymous with summer in Philadelphia as water ice and Welcome America!, will benefit local non-profit, the Charlie Mack Center, a place of refuge for inner-city children.

Motivated by the violence that surrounded him in his own community, Charles "Charlie Mack" Alston, founder of the Charlie Mack Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend, established on July 7, 1990 with a celebrity basketball game, has worked tirelessly to rid Philadelphia of the violence that plagues its neighborhoods, and uses the highly anticipated annual event as a means to that end.

"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 Town's 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.

"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 Philadelphia dropped by 10 percent each month after Celebrity Weekend. This sends a message that celebrities can make a difference," Mack adds.

The celebrities slated to participate in this year's party with a purpose include Michael Vick, Tyrese Gibson, LisaRaye, Kevin Hart, Alan Payne, Sean "The Pen" Garrett, Jill Marie Jones, Elise Neal, Eddie Chambers, Miguel Nunez Jr., Meek Mill, Kalenna, Vivica A. Fox, Tray Chaney, Rebecca Crews, Terry Crews, Toccara Jones, JD Williams, Gillie Da Kid, Lou Williams, Nafeesa Williams, Bresha Webb, KD Aubert, Lance Gross, Chico Benymon, Derek Luke, Omillio Sparks, Cedric Ceballos, Jason Avant, Clifton Powell, Gary "G-Thang" Johnson, Rodney Jerkins, Raheem Brock, Lil Mama, Jason Thompson, Don "DC" Curry and Terrance J of "106 & Park."

 "We are very much engaged in uplifting and galvanizing our people, and moving them forward in a spiritual way- that first and foremost," Mack said. "I know that I am only one person. I need everybody's help. No man is an island, and I'm recalling the village."