Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels Hip Hop Pioneer From legendary Run-DMC to be Honored by the Rotary Club of Century City

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels Hip Hop Pioneer From legendary Run-DMC to be Honored by the Rotary Club of Century City

CENTURY CITY, Calif., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 30, 2009, the Rotary Club of Century City will honor the legendary Darryl "DMC" McDaniels with the "Service Above Self" award for his dedication to disadvantaged youth in the inner cities. The award will be presented during the club's 2nd Annual "Service Above Self" Star of the Avenue Gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, 2025 Avenue Of The Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067, a month after McDaniels' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"DMC's commitment to helping inner city youth mirrors Rotary International's objective to use one's occupation as an opportunity to serve society," said Shahram Hazany, president of the Rotary Club of Century City. "The Rotary Club of Century City is honored to present the 'Service Above Self' award to an artist who is dedicated to using his musical success toward improving the lives of children."

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., with dinner following at 7:00 p.m. R&B superstar Soso Perez, granddaughter of Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Solomon Burke, and comedian Artrell "Buckwow" Jackson will provide entertainment for the evening. Sponsorship packages start at $5,000 and include a reserved table for 10. Tribute book advertisements are also available. Individual tickets can be purchased for $250.

In honor of McDaniels' dedicated work, this year's Star of the Avenue Gala dinner is intended to bring awareness to the challenges and opportunities that exist within the inner cities.

Proceeds from the Star of the Avenue Award Gala Dinner will benefit the Felix Organization, Streetlight Production Assistant Program, Homeboys Industries, Compton Foundation, and Morningside High School 0711 Program, all dedicated to helping youth in the inner city.

About Darryl "DMC" McDaniels

Darryl McDaniels, or "DMC" as most of the world knows him, helped transform the musical landscape as one-third of the trailblazing, multi-platinum rap group Run-DMC, selling more than 30 million album and singles worldwide. Today, McDaniels works to make a difference in the lives of adoptive and foster children in the inner city.

After discovering at the age of 35 that he was adopted, McDaniels became an advocate and organizer on behalf of the half a million children in the foster care system, who, unlike himself, "were never taken home," by serving as a role model for the boys and girls awaiting adoption or reunion with their families.

As part of that effort, McDaniels co-founded The Felix Organization (www.adopteesforchildren.org) with Sheila Jaffe. The organization provides opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children growing up without parents, with the goal of sending each child to summer camp. Starting this year, McDaniels is partnering with Children's Aid and Family Services to raise awareness of kids in the foster care system with the campaign slogan, "It's Cool to Care". For more information on Darryl "DMC" McDaniels contact tracey@tmapublicity.com /609-383-2323 or visit www.me-dmc.com.

The Rotary Club of Century City and Service Above Self

Last year, the Rotary Club honored entertainment insider and industry icon Sherry Lansing for her foundation's commitment to cancer research and partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District to bring qualified retirees into schools with specific needs.

Century City Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, the world's first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members dedicated to "Service Above Self."

For more information about the Star of the Avenue Award Gala visit http://centurycityrotary.com/ or contact Rotary member Andrea Swartz at rotary.gala@gmail.com or 310-625-5710.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Rotary Club of Century City

CONTACT: Shelley Ginsburg, +1-310-433-3859, shelley@ginsburg.org, for
Rotary Club of Century City

Web Site: http://www.centurycityrotary.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photo Available Upon Request

---

Profile: International Entertainment