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Vaughn Anthony giving back with free holiday meal

The R&B artist and brother of John Legend is hosting a  pre-Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday

Staff file photo by Barbara J. Perenic Vaughn Anthony is giving thanks early with a free dinner this weekend.

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By Andrew McGinn, Staff Writer Updated 6:51 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Don’t be surprised if you see Vaughn Anthony helping rescue cats from trees, assisting the elderly across the street or filling potholes with his own asphalt.

With the release of his debut album just over the horizon, the homegrown R&B hopeful is looking to build up a little good karma in advance.

He’ll start by hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at El Bethel Temple for the first 50 people who walk in off the street.

“I believe God placed it in my heart to do it,” he explained. “You never know when you’re going to be down and need help.”

The free feast of turkey and all the works will take place at the Clifton Avenue church where it all started musically for the Stephens brothers — Vaughn and his Grammy-winning big brother, John Legend.

Anthony also will be at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, collecting used clothes to be distributed to those in need at the meal.

As tempting as it might be, Anthony won’t be performing.

“I just want to help out,” he said. “Fellowship. That’s it.”

As of now, Anthony still has plenty of time for fellowship.

His album, “The Future,” has been “done for a long time.”

“I’m just waiting for my brother to put it out,” he said.

Anthony, 28, is the second artist on Legend’s own HomeSchool Records roster. The first, Estelle, won a Grammy for the hit “American Boy.”

“With John being an artist,” Anthony said, “it’s hard for him to break off and do certain things. I’m patient. I’m waiting on God.”

As for word that Anthony had teamed with New Jack Swing icon Teddy Riley to produce some tracks? “It just didn’t work,” he said. “We just kept crossing paths and didn’t connect.”

The album does, however, feature appearances by rapper Rick Ross and the unsinkable T-Pain.

“If it never comes out,” Anthony reasoned, “at least I experienced the best of what this world has to offer.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0352 or amcginn@coxohio. com.

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Vaughn,
You already know what it is!! I'm proud of you man....And it's going to happen for you. It already is.... Just keep working and pushing....THE WORLD IS YOUR'S!! Giving......is so underrated!!!Keep up the good things your doing, brother !!!

KaWambee Gaines
4:15 PM, 11/20/2009

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Flipper -- Something tells me No. 51 won't be turned away, nor will 52, and someone will pay it forward for No. 53.

Will that be you? Or will you be too tired?

Art
12:49 PM, 11/20/2009

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What happens to number 51 who walks in off the street? Everywhere else it is open to all no matter what. Tired.

Flipper
11:46 AM, 11/20/2009

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Thank you, Vaughn Anthony, and God bless you in your career!

BW
10:37 AM, 11/20/2009

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I love to see people give back. I love it that you and your brother remember where you came from and give back to Springfield!!! Keep it up and God will take care of you!!
And by the way...my son goes to school with your son, and boy he is a spitting image of you!!!

Springfield Resident
9:00 PM, 11/19/2009

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