Men Building Men and the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy will host their inaugural awards banquet on Saturday, June 27^th at 5:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza, 830 Phillips Lane.

The evening will consist of a VIP Reception at 4:30 pm, where you will meet the seven honorees, the youth achievement award recipients and this year’s “Man of the Year”. The black tie event will begin at 6:00 pm.

This year’s recipient for the “Man of the Year” and keynote speaker will be Louisville native, NCAA champion with the Kentucky Wildcats and NBA champion with the Miami Heat, Derek Anderson. The entrepreneur and author will be introduced by Junior Bridgeman, President of Manna Inc.

Anderson says “I’m truly honored and blessed to receive this prestigious honor. I want to encourage people not to quit and to have enough Stamina. Don’t let someone’s negative opinion of you become your reality.”

The community awards will go to seven people who’ve went above and beyond the call of duty. We will also recognize some students who work in the community and are role models to their peers with the youth achievement awards.

Frank Porter, Founder of Men Building Men says “This is going to be a great event. Our committee has chosen some unsung heroes. They are involved in our community on every level from arts to law enforcement. I hope that you come out and support our youth, recipients and Derek he truly has a story to tell about his life and we believe his message will help our youth understand that they can achieve, all they have to do is believe. “

General admission tickets for the Men Building Men Community Service Awards are $100. To purchase them and/or learn more about the VIP reception call 502-714-8960.