The VIPP Report: Former U of L Cardinal Marques Maybin will talk about overcoming barriers at Metro Disabilities awards program

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BREAKING BARRIERS SPOTLIGHT AWARDS WILL RECOGNIZE LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Metro Disability Coalition works tirelessly in the community to assist people with disabilities a better quality of life.  On Monday, March 20th from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center, 201 Abraham Flexner Way it’s the 17th annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards.  The awards ceremony will honor community service workers, educators and youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need.

Refreshments will be served prior to the program so guests can network and obtain information from various organizations setup around the room.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Marques Maybin.  Marques is a successful radio sports personality in Louisville.  Prior to having his own show, he played with the University of Louisville’s men’s basketball team as their starting guard from 1997 to 2001.  In 2003, he was in a motorcycle accident in his hometown of Clarksville, TN that paralyzed him from the waist down.

Marcellus Mayes, President for Metro Disability Coalition says “It’s hard to believe we are in the 17th year of this celebration. The event is so special because we get the opportunity to recognize individuals for overcoming obstacles that they refused to call a disability. We will also get to salute and say thank you to those that helped with their independency.”

The Metro Disability Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of individuals and agencies in the Louisville Metro area.  The purpose is to give a better quality of life for people with disabilities.

For additional information please contact Marcellus Mayes at 502-774-8993.  If you would like to setup an interview, please call Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Kentucky Derby Festival teams up with basketball star Derek Anderson for kids basketball camp

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(Louisville, KY) The Kentucky Derby Festival is teaming up with former NBA and Kentucky Wildcat star, Derek Anderson, for a basketball camp that will help youth both on and off the court.  The Derby Festival Derek Anderson Acts of Kindness (AOK) Camp will be held in conjunction with this year’s Basketball Classic Presented by Papa John’s on Saturday, April 15th.  Anderson will lead the camp and be assisted by this year’s Basketball Classic All-Stars.  The camp is for youth 6th grade and up, but is limited to 50 participants.

Those interested in participating first need to submit a photo or video showing their AOK toward someone or a group in the community and send to AOKBasketballCamp@gmail.com. The submission needs to include name, age, grade, school, phone number, email and a description of the AOK. The deadline for submission is Saturday, March 25th. Those selected will be notified by March 31st.

Anderson, a NBA champion with the Miami Heat and NCAA champion with the Kentucky Wildcats says “The best way to help change in our community is by changing our character.  It’s time to SHOW our future leaders how to LEAD!”

Each participant will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods, and two tickets to the Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by Papa John’s.

If you would like to setup an interview (in-studio/by phone) with Derek Anderson Sr. please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

To learn more about AOK go to staminafd.com.

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About Kentucky Derby Festival

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

The VIPP Report: KCAAH Family Fun Day

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Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Presents:
Family Fun Day

Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, The Kentucky Center for African
American Heritage (KCAAH), will host “Family Fun Day” — kicking off a creative cultural
series of free hands on activities, workshops, and performances led by community and state presenters.
The day will be filled with interactive and meaningful workshops surrounding the themes of: Storytelling and Spoken Word, Exploring Space and Dimensions, Genealogy, Let’s Move, and Money Matters. Special guest, UofL Rauch planetarium will also be on site with a portable planetarium!

Family members of all generations will engage in various activities such as: “Praise Poetry”, “Drumming It Up”, “Freedom of Entrepreneurship”, “Scrapbooking”, “Quilting”, “Big Roots in My Family Tree”, “Build your own Bird House”, plus many more! This is a day dedicated to reconnecting, recharging, and renewing family bonds in our community.

Who can come? All families are welcome to come and share a space where they can rekindle their rich heritage while generating self-pride, creativity, and self-worth.
The Heritage Center is proud to have Metro Louisville as a sponsor, and is committed to
providing a place where traditions of African American history, heritage, and culture can be cultivated among countless generations.

For more information, contact Sara Muhammad, Exhibitions and Programming Coordinator, at sara@kcaah.org or by phone at (502)583-4100
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VIPP Communications is the publicist for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.  www.vippcommunications.com / requestinterview@vippcommunications.com

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The VIPP Report: Louisville Spring Jam announces their “Good Friday” artist lineup

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Yo Gotti has the song “It’s Going Down in the DM” and now the newest member of JayZ’s Roc Nation label announces his concert in Louisville, Ky.  Yo Gotti will headline Spring Jam 2017.  The Memphis native will bring his unique rap style to the Broadbent Arena on Good Friday.  The event will be “Legendary” for the Friday, April 14th.

Yo Gotti is not coming alone.  Spring Jam also announces that Bronx native and Grammy nominated rap artist Remy Ma will be performing.  The VH1 Love and Hip Hop New York star just released her new song “ShETHER” and it’s taking social media by storm.

The lineup also includes Ty Dolla $ign who has the hit song “Sucker for Pain” that’s heard on the film, Suicide Squad.  He along with Remy Ma performed earlier this month on Jimmy Kimmel Live!  Hip Hop artist Plies will also be a part of the show.   The Florida native is known for his platinum hit, “Shawty”.  He’s currently working on new material entitled “Purple Heart”.

Louisville will also get a chance to hear two local artists that have aspirations of being signed to major labels.  Artist Stook and CHEN 1 will open for this year’s Spring Jam.

Tickets for the Good Friday show start at $56.  To get up close on the floor, tickets will be $111.00.  You can purchase them starting Friday at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm.

It’s Yo Gotti, Remy Ma, Ty Dolla $ign, Plies, Stook and Chin One at Broadbent Arena on Friday, April 14th.  For additional questions, please call 502-309-9533.  You can also We would like to thank T-Mobile Amtel for being this year’s Spring Jam sponsor.  The event is powered by keys2ky and BHen Entertainment.

Please announce on your entertainment calendars.  If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email us at info@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Meet Steve Mudd Jr. GM at Montgomery Chevrolet

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2974aa0ab2894b41a1704e9b5cfa117fTHE GENERAL MANAGER FOR ONE OF THE TOP AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS IN KENTUCKY FINDS A WAY TO HIRE EMPLOYEES NEEDING A SECOND CHANCE BY TURNING OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

(Louisville, KY) With less than two years in his new position, Steve Mudd Jr., and his team at Montgomery Chevrolet have doubled sales over their projection. They actually grew 65% in year over year sales.

The first 40 Under 40 award recipient is only one of four African American General Managers in the state of Kentucky was passed the GM torch in July 2015 and has been excelling since that day.  As he climbed the leadership ladder, he continued to develop his support team.  Even with his busy schedule, Steve takes the time to teach his sales team the auto business.  By making them knowledgeable on the sales floor, it gives customers confidence in the sales team and their purchase.

Steve likes to stay above the curve by finding innovative sales tactics by using mediums like social media platforms.  He says “To be a leader, you need to find an employee’s strength and build from it.  Just like an athlete on a team. Each person has a particular position they play. They become a leader in the position but fellow teammates are there to assist to make sure the ball stays in play. That’s why I chose the Disney Approach developed by Walt Disney”.

When the perspective customer pulls into the lot, they are greeted. Instead of them looking for help, Steve’s team is there walking them through the process.

Mudd goes on to say “Customer service is vital because we want you to become a repeat customer.  How you feel when you drive your new car off the lot, is the same feeling you get when it’s time to start thinking about additional purchases.  They should be saying to themselves that they would return because their last experience was a good one.”

If you need an automotive expert to talk about trends, breaking auto news, and team building contact VIPP Communications at interviewrequest@vippcommunications.com or by calling our office at 502-582-7716.

The VIPP Report: Lil Wayne announces his tour and it starts in Louisville

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Kloser 2 U Tour  featuring Lil Wayne will start his tour in Louisville, Ky

By Sherlene Shanklin

The Kloser 2 U Tour is announced and Louisville is on the schedule for this Spring.  Grammy award winning hip hop artist Dwayne Carter Jr., stage name Lil Wayne will be in concert at the Louisville Palace.  Save the date of Friday, April 14th.  If you noticed his schedule Louisville kicks off the tour.  It’s scheduled to end on May 11th in Detroit.  There’s a total of 12 dates on the list but others will be added at a later date.

Louisville hip-hop fans know Wayne well because Louisville native, the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett wrote the song “Lollipop” for Wayne’s Tha Carter III album.  In 2008, Lil Wayne won four Grammy Awards, including best rap album and best rap song, which he won for “Lollipop”.

Tickets start at $39.50 and the pre-sale starts Tuesday but public tickets go on sale Friday, March 3rd.

If you have a concert announcement send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Facebook @SherleneShanklin for real-time announcements.

 The VIPP Report- Twitter: @thevippreport  @vippcomm  Story ideas send them to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Local company Offical Chocolate for this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival

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DB BOURBON CANDY TEAMS UP WITH THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL

(Louisville, KY) Everyone is prepping for this year’s Derby festivities: athletes are training for the marathons, trainers are preparing their horses for the first Saturday in May, and DB Bourbon Candy is working with the Kentucky Derby Festival to make sure their events get a taste of a delicious treat. DB Bourbon has been named the Official Chocolate for the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival.

You will have a chance to taste their special edition candy at many KDF events this spring, including Festival Unveiled, Macy’s Spring Fashion Show, They’re Off! Luncheon, King Southern Bank BourbonVille and Celebrity Day at the Downs. DB Bourbon has also partnered with Old 502 Winery, the Official Wine of the Kentucky Derby Festival, to make truffles for the Kentucky Proud WineFest.

Robyn Stuart says “I’m excited to be the Official Chocolate for the Kentucky Derby Festival. It’s always good to be recognized for my star-studded events but there’s nothing sweeter than having the honor to represent my business on this worldwide stage on multiple platforms during lead up to the Kentucky Derby.”

Stuart goes on to say “We have created a special edition candy just for the Derby Festival, along with our traditional bourbon candy, and you can follow our social media platforms to see which events you can pick up a box.”

DB Bourbon Candy has participated in some of the biggest events across the U.S. from three invites to the Academy Awards, Emmys, Veterans Inaugural Ball, Breeder’s Cup Taste of the World at Winstar, Chris Tucker Celebrity Golf Tournament, Barbara Streisand Fundraiser, Chris Everett Charity event, Soul Train Awards, Kentucky NFL Hall of Fame and many Kentucky Derby events like Barnstable-Brown Gala, Grand Gala and 100 Black Men of Louisville.

DB Bourbon Candy, LLC can be found in various locations throughout Kentucky in Kroger Stores and Liquor Barn.  You can always visit their site at http://www.dbbourboncandy.com.

In 2002, Stuart started her business after the passing of her mother.   During the holidays, her mother would create the delicious treat as a family tradition. Robyn wanted to honor her mother in some way so she decided to start the business and make the original candy recipe apart of her business. With the support of Four Roses Distillery, Louisville Convention Center and Bourbon Country as well as the many events and activities she participates in everyone loves to see the wonderful creation that she produces.  From initially starting with candy the business has grown into developing other products such as chocolate covered fruit, cheesecakes to chocolate covered popcorn.

If you would like to setup an interview and/or invite DB Bourbon to your next event, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

About Kentucky Derby Festival

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

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The VIPP Report:Louisville business opens to assist with credit repair

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NEW FIRM THAT ASSISTS YOU WITH YOUR CREDIT OPEN IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE TO HELP TAKE YOUR FINANCES TO THE NEXT “LEVEL”

(Louisville, KY) With a major concern with the economy and so many people are worried about their finances and how to rebuild their credit.  Now, there’s a new business that will help you rebuild, repair and rebound your credit score.  Jackie Bailey and the Levels Consulting Firm, LLC cordially invites you to the Open House/Grand Opening for their Financial Education Service Department on Friday, February 24th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The “Cocktails and Credit” mixer will be held at the Levels Consulting Firm, LLC located in the heart of Downtown Louisville headquartered at 312 S. 4th Street, Site #709. Guests will get a private tour of the facility and you can discuss your personal needs with a team member.

Coach Bailey and her staff are trained to help boost your credit score and restore credit report by such tools that allow rent payments to be reported on credit report as a positive trade line or legally challenging certain qualifying items to be deleted or updated in credit report with the assistance of credit attorneys.

Baily says “Credit can be complicated and overwhelming it’s designed to hold people back if they don’t take the time to educate themselves. I coach people to score big enough for home ownership, reduced car insurance premiums, lower interest rates on a car or business loan.  My financial education service (FES) department has put my company on the map because we have the ability to get the harassing calls by debt collectors stopped.

Levels Consulting Firm, LLC also work to be proactive by helping our youngest consumer.  Youth ages 10 years of age to 18 years old will learn about money, savings and credit through their financial literacy foundation.  The wealth building program is to assist with generational wealth so they do not have to start from scratch.  In 2016, the foundation awarded $150,000 in scholarships.

If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications. If you are unable to attend, please consider announcing and/or posting on your event calendar.

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The VIPP Report: Film screening will profile a journey of peace and connection

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(Louisville, KY) The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) in collaboration with the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville and the Black Media Collaborative presents Welcome Home-A Journey Into Afro-Costa Rica as part of their 2017 GriotFilm series on Sunday, February 12th at 3:00 pm at the KCAAH, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Filmmaker Brandon Hill documents his journey to discover peace and connection with the greater African Diaspora.  Hill initially wanted to travel to Costa-Rico to film a wedding but after visiting and experiencing their rich culture, discovering a community of African descendants who had a very rich narrative he decided to document THEIR story which is really HIS story.  It became more of a homecoming for Brandon.  He decided that their story would provide an opportunity to understand the commonalities shared throughout the African Diaspora.

Welcome Home-A Journey Into Afro-Costa Rica will air at 3:00 pm followed by a question and answer session.  There’s a $5.00 suggested donation to view the film and discussion.

For additional information on this event and/or future events being held at KCAAH please call 502-583-4100.

Follow KCAAH on Twitter @kygriot for events and announcements.

Media Inquiries: To setup an interview (via phone or in-person) please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435/583-4100 or my email at info@vippcommuncations.com.

 

*VIPP Communications is your one-stop multi-media firm that handles public relations, branding, marketing, advertising, event management, video and audio production.  The firm has over 25 years of industry experience with a powerhouse public relations team that represent community leaders, prominent organizations, celebrity artist in arts and entertainment plus some of the nation’s most elite current and retired athletes in sports.  We’re one of the best when it comes to crisis management.  If you would like to have VIPP Communications on your team contact us at info@vippcommunications.com 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Following African American Ancestry lines to track the plight of literacy

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U OF L ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR USES HER FAMILY TREE TO EXPLAIN THE JOURNEY

(Louisville, KY) The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Center for the Humanities & Society, (CCHS) will host a discussion led by CCHS Faculty Fellow Kiki Petosino entitled Writing the Ancestors: Literacy, Family, & the Creative Process.

The community conversation will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 3:00 pm at the KCAAH, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Petrosino will also introduce poems from her latest book-in-progress.  The discussion will be based on how researching her African American family’s multi-generational journey to literacy and how it’s shaped her artistic practice.

We invite you to attend this free event which is open to the public.

For additional information on this event and/or future events being held at KCAAH please call 502-583-4100.

Follow KCAAH on Twitter @kygriot for events and announcements.

Media Inquiries: To setup an interview (via phone or in-person) please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435/583-4100 or my email at info@vippcommuncations.com.

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If you have a story idea and/or would like to be an advertiser, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @vippreport @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: The Hope Awards will recognize a long-time supporter of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood

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CEREMONY WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and the West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) invite you to attend their 17th Annual Hope Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, February 4th at the University Club on U of L’s Belknap Campus. Time is 6:00 p.m.

This year’s honoree will be Ms. Rose Livingston, founder of “The Beech”, an After-School Tutorial Center located in the heart of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood.  Ms. Livingston is a retired dedicated educator and administrator from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS).

McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director says, “Ms. Livingston has worked tirelessly in the underprivileged communities of Louisville.  Her labor of love has now attracted the attention of not only Louisville’s inner city neighborhoods, but has also garnered her the respect and recognition of the city of Louisville.”  Her goal was to educate children of the community so they could be successful both in the classroom and in life.  She is an unsung hero and on Saturday evening we just want to publicly say, “thank you.”  

WLPAA will also appreciate Ralph Bonmon, Marshall Yancey and Sherlene Shanklin.   It takes a village to keep our youth on the right track and such patrons as these make it easier.”

Tickets for the 17th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact Mrs. Shajuana Campbell at 502-553-1383 or McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840.  Emcees for this occasion will be Bill and Angela Price.

If you would like to set up an interview, contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.

For additional information go to www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-eight (28) years of experience.  He received his B. M. ED. from the University of  Louisville School of Music and a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Kentucky University.  The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries.  The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas.  They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.  Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference, Pre-Show for the Nutcracker and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Girls Choir has also toured New York, Las Vegas, Nevada  and Los Angele, California. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: Louisville restaurant will be tonight on the Cooking Channel

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THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT WILL SHINE BRIGHT ON SUPERCHEFS AND ITS UNIQUE MENU TONIGHT ON THE COOKING CHANNEL

(Louisville, KY) Louisville entrepreneur and owner of one of the most notable restaurants in Louisville is profiled on a national scale.  Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson will make an appearance on the Cooking Channel’s Cheap Eats tonight, January 26th at 10:00 p.m. (EST).  SuperChef will be a part of the Cream of the Crop episode hosted by Ali Khan.

Khan travelled to Louisville several weeks ago and visited several eateries including SuperChefs.  The dish that Darnell chose to showcase was his Southern fried chicken and sweet potato waffles.

Darnell Ferguson says “We are only 26 days into the new year and things are in full swing from business to welcoming my son Legend Ali last week to launching the Stop the Violence initiative where local non-profit organizations receive a portion of the sales on a designated day.  I’ve also received other television opportunities so stay tuned for details.  I would like to thank everyone for their continued support it means the world to me as I continue to work hard in business and in the community.”

Be sure to tune into the Cooking Channel tonight at 10:00 p.m.

Superchefs is located at 1702 Bardstown Road. To see their menu, visit our website at http://eatsuperchefs.com/.   

If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

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VIPP Communications is your one-stop PR, Marketing and Events Management firm headquartered in Louisville, KY.  Follow us on Twitter @vippcomm and Facebook @VIPPCommunications. 

If you would like to be an advertiser with The VIPP Report contact us at thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali’s legacy lives on with the next generation

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Special by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC, Louisville

Muhammad Ali would have been 75 years old on January 17th, but his influence lives on.  I’ve been in contact with a Louisville entrepreneur.  He’s had a busy week from making sure the pipes in his business were functional, a Stop the Violence Initiative held on Ali’s birthday to his wife having a baby.  Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson spent the day with his wife Tatahda in an area hospital. Their bundle of joy arrived weighing in at  6 lbs. and 13 oz. and 19 inches long.

Did I mention his name, well its Legend Ali Ferguson.  You got it! Named after the “Greatest of All Time”.

Follow me on  Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @sherlenemediapro.

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The VIPP Report: Is Louisville back in the NBA conversation? Will they be on this map soon?

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Special Report from Sherlene Shanklin with WHAS11 in Louisville (ABC Affiliate)

The411 with Sherlene Shanklin:  There’s a buzz once again that Louisville maybe in the running for a NBA team.  I’ve been following this story since the inception of the possibility.  Several years ago, it sounded far-fetched but today the tone sounds a little more positive.  I spoke to several people and they say it’s possible but all of the planets have to be aligned for it to happen.  The first concern is…where will they play?  Can the KFC Yum! Center accommodate both the Louisville Cardinals men and women’s basketball teams, special events and the NBA?

Can we afford the ticket prices on a regular basis to sustain the league.  The average ticket is $97.00 and could go into several hundred for premium seats.  There’s a total of 82 games, which will likely be somewhere around 41 home games in a NBA season plus the playoffs.

Louisville would get help from area cities that do not have a professional team, such as Cincinnati and Nashville.

So, is it possible?   I know that Junior Bridgeman and Grant Hill were working on a possible deal.  Is it Louisville? I guess we will have to see.

Give me your thoughts.  If you have a story idea, send it to The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro for real-time news and conversation on the following topic.

The411 with Sherlene Shanklin: Is Louisville back in the NBA conversation? Would you support it? Read my story and give me your thoughts! Could we be added to this map?
http://www.whas11.com/…/the411-is-louisville-back…/386457724

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The VIPP Report: Former NFL & U of L facility to give youth a leg up on the competition

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(Louisville, KY) Super Student Athletes Inc. and their Executive Director Mario Urrutia will officially cut the ribbon to their new LIFE facility.  The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. located at 222 Eiler Avenue.

Community leaders and members that influenced Urrutia will be present to celebrate with the former NFL standout and University of Louisville football star.  Urrutia was drafted in 2008 by the Cincinnati Bengals.  He went on to play for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a very successful career in arena football. In 2013, he was named AFL Rookie of the Year.  The Fern Creek High School graduate decided to return to Louisville to help those who helped him by giving back to his community.

The Super Student Athletes LIFE Center will provide opportunities for youth to learn a variety of lifetime skills focusing on education, community and healthy living.

Urrutia says “My passion is assisting the total athlete from academics to being the best YOU, both on and off the field.  I’m passionate about giving youth a fighting chance to be successful.  It’s really hard for many to concentrate literally on anything because of their particular circumstances.  I have created a safe haven where they can achieve with no distractions because everyone at the LIFE Center all have the same goal and that’s to be successful.”

The program will begin promptly at 11:00 am and will last approximately an hour followed by a tour.

Also on Friday, January 20th, at 6:00 p.m. also at the LIFE Center, there will be a private cocktail event to thank our sponsors and potential donors for their support. Local media outlets are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and cocktail event. Please confirm your attendance so can accommodate you properly.

If you would like to setup an interview with Mario Urrutia and/or board members please contact us by calling 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

To learn more about Super Student Athletes and how you can help go to http://www.superstudentathletes.org.

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“Education is our playbook, sports & community is our blueprint, LIFE is our field”.

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The VIPP Report: SuperChefs’ owner Darnell Ferguson turns a hardship into a blessing

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supercheflogoEVEN THROUGH THEIR OBSTACLES AND MINOR SETBACKS SUPERCHEFS REOPENS THEIR DOORS AND THE FIRST THING ON THEIR AGENDA IS TO GIVE BACK TO AREA YOUTH

(Louisville, KY) The vision remains the same even through trials and tribulations.  Superchefs one year ago this week watched the building go up in flames only for the owner Darnell Ferguson and his team to regroup and move to a new location on Bardstown Road.  On the eve of their celebration to commemorate their success the restaurant receives another setback.  This time, the water pipe burst causing the restaurant to flood but like they say in entertainment “The show must go on”.  After closing temporarily to get things cleaned up, Superchefs reopens on Wednesday.

Darnell Ferguson says “This minor setback is only setting me up for something even bigger.  If I can’t handle the little obstacles like a busted pipe at one location, I may be blocking a blessing of multiple restaurants in several cities across the U.S. This is only a test to test my patience and my team and I are up for the challenge.”

Ferguson also started a new STOP THE VIOLENCE initiative.  He wanted to take his talents in the kitchen to be a blessing to youth in the area.  So, once a month, Ferguson and his Superchefs team will choose a day where a non-profit organization will receive proceeds from their restaurant sales.

Ferguson says “I would like to start with the organization AMPED.  The West Louisville based organization and its leadership work hard to keep youth off the streets and to expose them to the world of music from writing, performing and producing.  I support their efforts and want to see them succeed.”

The STOP THE VIOLENCE fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, Janauary 17, 2017.

Dave Christopher Sr with AMPED says “”We are so grateful to Darnell for helping AMPED to help the youth in our community. Super Chef Darnell is such an inspiration. He has been through so much and yet he continues to push forward with his dream and mission to inspire others to achieve greatness. A fire and then a flood and yet he keeps on smiling and thinking of others, wow!”

Superchefs is located at 1702 Bardstown Road. To see our menu, visit our website at http://eatsuperchefs.com/.   

If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

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