WJ McPhatter Gospel Foundation

Eric Maurice Clark is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Willie James McPhatter, my friend and mentor, has influenced the direction of my life’s work. In honor of his impact on my life, I have named my nonprofit WJ McPhatter Gospel Foundation. (Please view the video above for more details if you haven’t already.) Our board is working on applying for our 501(c)(3) designation, but in the meantime, we have a project that can’t wait.

The WJ McPhatter Gospel Foundation is dedicated to creating a platform where people can share their stories in their voices.

A handful of gospel musicians around the country are in frail health, and I am compelled to capture their stories before we lose the opportunity. I will travel to their city to record an interview with them and organize a celebration of their work. These include a few Atlanta-area artists, including Bishop Richard “Clean” White and Dottie Peoples.

In addition, we have expenses for establishing our 501(c)(3). We would be grateful for help in that direction as well. Money that comes in will go first to the interview project, and then what is left will go to the 501(c)(3) expenses. Please see the draft budget below for more details of where money will be spent.

Budget for Trip to Atlanta

Travel Expenses

Flights:

Roundtrip from Phoenix to Atlanta $339.96

Hotel: Atlanta $500

Transportation in Atlanta: $550

Business Expenses

Salaries:

Eric Maurice Clark (Study time, interviewer pay, and postproduction work): $1,500

Cameraman (Covers the trip video tech): $500

Beth & Andy Kilpatrick (Donation for Beth and Andy’s nonprofit consulting): $1,000

Equipment:

Sony Alpha ZV-E10: $659.99

Sd/Micro Card Reader: $16.86

Ipad (10th Genration): $499.99

Microphone: $70

DJI Mini Drone: $299

External Hard Drive: $119.99

Camera Len 55mm F1.8: $81.00

Honoraria: $600 (Split between guests)

Establishing the 501(c)(3) for the WJ McPhatter Gospel Foundation

Administrative Fee for 501(c)(3): $600

Web Page Development: $500

Emergency Finances: $1,000

Eric honors Arizona gospel legends — The Overstreet Brother (Rev Overstreet and his four sons recorded live outside of the St. Luke COGIC church, Phoenix, in the early 1960s by Arhoolie Records.)

Chicago’s gospel pioneers are being honored and documented by Eric: Pastor James Bryson (pastor of First Church of Deliverance), Sheila McDowell, Loretta Oliver, Richard Jackson, Jerome Wiseman, Vernon Oliver Price, Cliff Dubose, Eric, Bishop Jesse McDowell, Rev Stanley Keeble