April 10, 2007 – Toledo, OH – Central City Ministry of Toledo welcomes former University of Toledo quarterback star Chuck Ealey as its keynote speaker at the 2007 Urban All-American Celebration. It will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8 at SeaGate Centre.

In its 16th year, the Urban All-American Celebration is presented by the Diocese of Toledo’s Central City Ministry of Toledo (CCMT). Central City Ministry’s five Catholic elementary schools provide a life-lasting, faith-based education to 800 children in the inner city, many of whom are considered “at risk.” The schools provide clear goals and expectations, strict discipline, and strong academics in a safe and secure environment.

Two awards will be presented at the dinner. The Urban All-American Award is granted to those graduates of a CCMT school who have achieved extraordinary success in their personal and/or professional lives. The CCMT Service Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in the central city.

In addition, two junior high students, the winners of the CCMT essay contest, will read their essays on the topic: “What are the three most important things that you have learned from your education at a CCMT school?”

Keynote speaker Chuck Ealey will talk about the importance of faith, responsibility and education. Mr. Ealey is an NCAA record holder for 35 consecutive wins by a quarterback, and a Mid American Conference ‘Player of the Year’ for 1969, 1970, 1971. Mr. Ealey graduated from the University of Toledo in 1972 with a Bachelor degree in Business Economics and went on to play football in Canada with the Hamilton Tigercats. In his rookie year, the Tigercats won the Grey Cup and Mr. Ealey was voted MVP and 1972 Rookie of the Year.

Individual tickets can be purchased for $125, and sponsorship levels are still available; most include a VIP reception with Chuck Ealey. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund scholarships. Contact Claire Guisfredi, Associate Director of Fund Development for Central City Ministry, at 419-244-6711, ext. 216.