NEWPORT BEACH, CA – While some chose to boycott the Super Bowl (Super Bowl LIII), the Experience Christian Ministries in Los Angeles refused to pass up the opportunity to minister in song to the troops at the 10thAnnual Crisp Family Super Bowl Sunday party for more than 500 invited military guest including active duty Marines and veterans poured into the American Legion in Newport Beach.
The purpose of the event is to honor and entertain Marines awaiting deployment and veterans who have served our country. This event benefits the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, supporting Marines and Sailors deployed from and stationed at Camp Pendleton and their families.
“It was an honor to be asked to sing for our troops! Just seeing the faces of the men and women light up as we ministered was such a blessing. Some sat and took in the ambiance as other stood up and praised with us! It was truly an honor,” says Aireah McClain, music department director at ECM.
“We were so blessed to have this opportunity. Just looking into some of their young faces and knowing that they have dedicated their lives to our safety and the safety of this country made it worth coming out. It rained hard but, we were determined to be here,” says Jaime Mills, the groups production manager/choreographer.
The ECM Music group kicked off the event with a high energy Gospel praise tribute. The talented pitch perfect, seasoned group of singers are a part of a collaboration of singing groups under the leadership of multi-Grammy award winning songwriter/producer and Pastor Anthony “Shep” Crawford. The group hit the stage with a burst of energy and exciting choreography as they sang songs by some of today’s top gospel artist.
Guests began to clap their hands and tap their feet, and a few got up to render praise in dance. The crowd broke into a roaring applause as the group transitioned into some old school gospel with “You’ve Been Good to Me” lead by “Momma Cookie.”
“The choir was amazing! We love them and Momma Cookie was like Sarah Vaughn! and can’t wait to come to the church!” says Gary & Julie Crisp.
The troops were treated to a hot breakfast, lunch and a very hardy dinner which included, Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, cheesy mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, dinner rolls and an assortment of cakes. The game was displayed on big screens throughout the event. A halftime raffle awarded $10,000 worth of cash and prizes, including a helmet autographed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
The Crisps, who own Crisp Imaging, a Costa Mesa-based printing and technology company, presented a $25,000 check to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, a nonprofit that assists Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton and their families.
To learn more about the ECM Music Group(s), visit them at www.TheECM.org
Source: ECM Music Group
Dennis is the editor and publisher of News4usonline. He covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, racial and social justice, civil rights, and HBCUs. Dennis earned a journalism degree from “The Mecca” aka Howard University. “I write on what I am passionate about.”