The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Morris Pleasure to perform March 24
GUILFORD — Tickets are now on sale for the Mo Pleasure Concert to benefit Guilford A Better Chance. After sold-out concerts in 2014 and 2016, the concert will be held on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Guilford High School.
Morris Pleasure is locally known as Mo, raised in Guilford. According to a release, his father, Robert Pleasure, was the longtime principal of the A.W. Cox Elementary School and one of the founders of Guilford ABC. Pleasure met his future wife, Lori Harris, when she arrived from Cleveland, Ohio, in the second year of the Guilford ABC program. In 2009, in the spirit of giving back to his community, he produced the first of a series of concerts that today attract more than 600 fans for the event that directly benefits Guilford ABC. The concert brings nationally renowned musicians to perform with him.
“Now in its 44th year, Guilford ABC — A Better Chance —is dedicated to helping close the opportunity gap for academically talented minority students from educationally disadvantaged communities. Guilford ABC prepares its scholars to succeed academically and to take leadership roles in all their future endeavors. Guilford became one of the nation’s earliest ABC public school programs and is currently one of 27 public-school, community-based programs nationally. Today, six young women live in the Guilford ABC House during the academic year with a resident director and resident tutor. Our Board of Directors offers guidance and support to our scholars, as do many volunteers in our community. Scholars not only develop confidence and leadership as they work on a college-track over four years, but also prepare as active, effective contributors and leaders to society. More than 70 Guilford ABC scholars have graduated from Guilford High School and gone on to successfully complete college as a direct result of our community’s support and effort,” the release states.
Guilford ABC is funded entirely by donations, an annual appeal, revenue from the Hole in the Wall consignment shop, and this Mo Pleasure Benefit Concert. Tickets are $40 and are available online at www.guilfordabc.org. For more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Marie Berry, marieberry5@comcast.net