The VIPP Report: 100 Black Men of Louisville announces Black Street featuring Teddy Riley as their Kentucky Derby gala entertainment

blackstreetteddyrileyofficialWe are just a few weeks away from the Kentucky Derby and events are beginning to roll in as the city prepares for the greatest two minutes in sports.  The 100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Scholarship Gala is one of the premiere pre-Derby events and I have confirmed that on Thursday, April 30th, the gala will have Grammy Award winning R&B, Soul & New Jack Swing group, Black Street featuring Teddy Riley.  The gala will be held at the Galt House East in the Grand Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.

Red Carpet begins at 6:15 p.m. along with the opening of the lounge area and bidding on the auction. At 7:00 p.m. the doors of the grand ballroom opens followed by the program and live performance for Black Street featuring Teddy Riley.  Guests will hear hits like “No Diggity” and “Before I Let You Go”.

Kevin Wigginton, President of 100 Black Men of Louisville says “We are excited about this year’s entertainment but I’m more excited that we as an organization can create such a great event that in turns goes right back into this community to assist our youth on some many levels. We are definitely partying with a purpose and that’s what it’s all about.   I hope everyone comes out and has a great time.”

Individual tickets are $200 and a table of 10 is $2,000. To purchase tickets and/or to be a sponsor, go to http://100bmol.org/ or by calling 502-457-9941.

The 100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Scholarship Gala was made possible due to the support of our program sponsors: Humana, General Electric (GE), PNC Bank, Norton’s & Net Grain.

Proceeds benefit the Mentoring, Education and Health & Wellness programs of 100 Black Men of Louisville.

To learn more about 100 Black Men of Louisville, Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization their programs, special events and how you can get involved go to 100bmol.org.

To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at info at vippcommunications dot com.  You can also follow us on Twitter @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: The White House releases that President Barack Obama will be in Louisville later this week

Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

By Sherlene Shanklin

Later this week, President Barack Obama will be in Louisville, KY.  At this time, White House officials are not releasing very many details.  I do know that the President will visit Indatus, a Louisville based technology company on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  The business is located on E. Main Street, which is just down the street from the KFC Yum Center and Whiskey Row, a new business development designed to promote Kentucky’s bourbon and other related products.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: Meet the woman who touched the lives of so many people because of her dedication and determination

AsiaFordsjourney

IT’S THE PHOTO THAT TOUCHED LIVES ALL OVER THE U.S.

This photo was taken by Jonathan Roberts

This photo was taken by Jonathan Roberts

NOW YOU CAN HEAR FROM THE WOMAN WHO INVESTED IN HERSELF TO LOSS

200 POUNDS ON HER WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Louisville, Kentucky when Asia Renee Ford gained national attention because she was trying to teach her children that whatever you may be going through in life, “Don’t Give Up”.  The 35 year old mother of three started her lifestyle change journey two years ago weighing 474.  Fast forward, two years later and 200 pounds lighter Asia decides to participate in the Rodes City Run, 10K race held in Louisville.  This is not her first race, she did it in 2014 and all she wanted to do was beat her time.  Recovering her pneumonia and taking antibiotics, Asia could of have easily made an excuse not participate.

Asia set out on Saturday, March 21st to finish that race and that’s exactly what she did.  During mile four with two miles to go, she felt her body shutting down on her but she was determined.  A Louisville Metro Police officer saw Asia and her son and went to her aid not knowing that she was saying a prayer for strength and the will to keep going when the officer appeared and tried to assist her.  Officer Gregory initially thought Asia would stop but within seconds, then he realized that she would not quit. He helped her at mile five when she slowed down again. So, he assisted her to get to the finish line with emergency personnel following close behind.  The EMT, and a photographer snapped a couple of photos and the photos went viral.  Media outlets from all over the world have contacted Asia from ABC News, People, Time, CBS to the Washington Post.

You know the story of Asia Ford’s race on that day, but now you can hear from her on how she got to that day.  From her weight loss journey, her strong support system, her faith in herself and God.  She’ll be the first to tell you that every day is a journey but with lifestyle changes you can see results.  You can see her updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can follow her journey, tips, and advice she will give to help you start the journey.  There’s also a Go Fund Me Page for you to review http://www.gofundme.com/pxa4cw.  Please consider supporting.

Asia says “I started my lifestyle change 2 years ago after my husband at the time lost his hand in an amputation due to diabetes. My kids were old enough to understand everything the doctor said and I knew right then and there, we were letting our kids down. It was time to change! I joined a boot camp called Aspirations with the help of a friend and changed the way I ate. At 474 lbs. it was a struggle but now 217 lbs. down I know I’ll be around for my kids and see them graduate, go to college, get married. I’m grateful to God that I woke up and took my life back”

If you would like to setup an interview with Asia Ford and/or have her speak at your next event contact VIPP Communications at 502.582.7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

Follow Asia Ford on Twitter @louaford4      Facebook: Asia Mystory Ford        Instagram: GODSTRANSFORMATION05