The VIPP Report: Both Indiana and Kentucky announce a case of Hepatitis A

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We just received notification that someone has Hepatitis A virus in the Louisville, KY area.  Here’s the news release detailing the information.

“An employee of Bearno’s Pizza restaurant located at 9222 Westport Rd. has been diagnosed with acute Hepatitis A.  As a result, customers who ate at the restaurant from April 8 to April 22, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. In November, the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak. Since the outbreak began there have been 294 cases diagnosed in Louisville and more than 16,000 vaccinated.

For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or call 211.”

The VIPP Report: Its like hitting the “trifecta” when attending Junior Bridgeman’s Derby Gala

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Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  The celebrity guest list for events surrounding Kentucky Derby 144 continues to grow as we are now on the fast track to the finish.

It’s always exciting to see who will attend the galas.  I now have the list for the Trifecta Gala. They have previously announced Music legend Stevie Wonder as the entertainment and the host for the evening is night talk show legend Arsenio Hall.   It will be held on Friday, May 4th in the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville at 7:00 p.m.  Their proceeds benefit the West End School and the University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities.

Here’s a few names that will walk the Trifecta Gala red carpet:

-Actor, comedian and star of ABC’s Blackish Anthony Anderson

-Actor, writer, director and the star of the new Avengers: Infinity War Don Cheadle

-NFL Hall of famer and Super Bowl champion Orlando Pace

-Attorney and television personality Star Jones

-Super music producer and Kentucky native Finis White

-Kentucky basketball assistant coach, former NBA player and former Louisville star Kenny Payne

-Louisville native known as Dr. Dunkenstein for the Utah Jazz and Louisville basketball Darrell Griffith  

Many of these guests will also attend the Celebrity After-Party hosted by Diddy at the Louisville Palace from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.

To learn more about both events and ticket availability go to www.trifectagala.com.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.

Sherlene Shanklin also created The VIPP Report to highlight events, community affairs, entertainment, sports and client news.  It also highlights the Emmy-nominated and Regional Murrow Award winner for being on the WHAS11 team for Best Newscast in the Rick Pitino and University of Louisville suspension/investigation.  For projects and speaking engagements.  Follow her on Facebook @SherleneShanklinmediaprpro, Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.  

 

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Owner of Superchefs challenges community to feed a JCPS student

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CHEF DARNELL FERGUSON TAKING ON THE FOOD CHALLENGE ONE CITY AT A TIME

Darnell Superchef Ferguson(Louisville, KY) Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson learned that hunger doesn’t take a day off.  He had the opportunity to talk to the team of “Blessings in a Backpack” and they shared with him the staggering number of elementary children that need assistance when it comes to food, particularly on weekends within Jefferson County.

They serve 4,700 children at 43 schools in the Louisville Metro Area.  That’s impressive but that’s only 7% of the 64,000 who qualify.

Superchef is ready to take on the challenge and he will be calling on the community to help.  It takes approximately $100 to feed one child during a 38-week school year which does not include the summer break.

Darnell says “Can you imagine sitting at home on the weekend and not having enough food and you are counting down the time until you can get breakfast on Monday morning?  It’s hard and sad to imagine.  I know we as a community can make a difference in the lives of these children and I’m willing to lead the way.  We are not going to have a start date because these children needed food yesterday.”

To setup an interview with Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson or if you would like to know how you can help with his challenge to help us feed one school at time, please contact us at please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

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Super Chefs located at 1702 Bardstown Road.  To reserve your lunch delivery service, you can call 502-409-8103 or by going to www.eatsuperchefs.com/.

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. 

The VIPP Report: AKA’s annual Derby brunch sets the tone of Derby day by giving high school seniors a sure bet by awarding scholarships

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Its Derby Hats Off to Education

(Louisville, KY) Before the world witnesses the Kentucky Derby winner getting their garland of roses, all eyes will be on the 33 high school seniors receiving their pink roses of congratulatory and nearly $63,000 in scholarships as they prepare for college in the Fall.  Hortense B. Perry Foundation, Eta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated of Louisville, Kentucky will host their 38th Annual Scholarship Derby Brunch on Saturday, May 5th at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center located at 9700 Bluegrass Parkway starting at 10:00 am.

Some 1,100 people attend the brunch dressed in their Kentucky Derby attire as they enjoy a delicious brunch, a fashion show, and fantastic entertainment by singer Sheryl Rouse.  There will be nearly 20 vendors in attendance.  Some of the fashion show items are compliments of Paula’s Boutique Clothes, Hats & Jewelry and In Bloom Again Hats.

Even though this is a day of fun, the sorority members consider it a serious matter when it comes to education and academic excellence.  So, over 1000 in attendance will celebrate the announcement of a total of $62,500 in scholarships will be awarded to 33 high school seniors. Forty-thousand dollars in scholarships, from the Hortense Perry Foundation and Henrietta Johnson Trust, will be awarded to 20 young ladies; $10,000 awarded to seven young ladies attending historically black colleges/universities; and awarded to 10,000 young ladies and gentlemen  who participated in the sorority’s signature program, ASCEND, which is an after school educational enrichment program designed to support high school students to be successful, graduate, continue their education, and graduate from a college/university.

In just six years, they have awarded more than $305,000. It’s designed to assist future leaders in their academic journey on their collegiate road to success.

The proceeds from the Derby Brunch have afforded Eta Omega the opportunity to help send students onto higher education.  For additional information and/or if you would like to be a donor please contact Christie McCravy 502.494.1146 or Carla Tyree Curry 502.641.4801.

Please post and/or announce our 38th Annual Scholarship Derby Brunch.  If you would like to setup an interview, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-Eta Omega Chapter of Louisville, KY please visit our website at https://akaetaomega.com/.

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The Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is credited with being the first chapter of our international organization to be established in the metropolitan Louisville area in 1922.  The chapter’s commitment to education and the advancement of individuals is pivotal to its foundational belief of service to all mankind.

A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service

VIPP Communications and Ivy Promotions is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. 

The VIPP Report: VIPP Style Accessories will host a Pre-Derby Pop Up Shop

 

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(Louisville, KY) TheVIPPReport: On Sunday, April 29th VIPP Style Accessories will do a pop up shop to help Louisville and surrounding areas get ready for Kentucky Derby Weekend.

It all takes place at Virtue, 103 W. Oak Street from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  They will be jewelry, statement pieces, lashes, Oaks & Derby hat vendors as well as a massage therapist.  Helping those wind down before the big wind up for the 1st Saturday in May.

Come out and Sip, Shop and Support!

If you would like to be a vendor space is limited.  Contact them at booking at vippstyle dot com.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to us at thevippreport at vippcomunications dot com.

Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.

 

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The VIPP Report: A White Castle employee in Louisville is diagnosed with Hep A

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The number continues to grow when it comes to Hepatitis A cases in Louisville, Kentucky.  An employee of the White Castle restaurant located at 3701 Seventh St. Rd. in Louisville has been diagnosed with an acute case.  Customers who ate at the restaurant from April 6 to April 20, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Here’s some of the symptoms: fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms you should seek medical attention.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak.  Since the outbreak began there have been 281 cases diagnosed in Louisville and more than 14,000 vaccinated.

White Castle will provide free hepatitis A vaccinations for their employees in the Louisville Metro area.

The cost of the hepatitis A vaccine has been reduced from $65 to $25.  Businesses with more than 20 employees can have a nurse come to their site to provide the immunizations.  Businesses with fewer than 20 employees may designate vaccine for their employees to be immunized at U of L’s walk-in clinic.

As of April 24th,  more than 50 local food service establishments have chosen to provide their employees the hepatitis A vaccine through this effort.

For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport at vippcommunications dot com.  Follow us on Twitter @Thevippreport @vippcom & on Instagram @vippcommunications.

The VIPP Report: Oaks Day is the start of a Kentucky “Holiday” and LCCC welcomes the artist with the same name to kickoff the celebration

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(Louisville, KY) Louisville Central Community Center, (LCCC) in collaboration with VIPP Communications announces their inaugural Kentucky Derby event.  On Friday, May 4th from 10 am to 2 pm at Old Walnut Street, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd, it’s the Oaks Day Derby Brunch. This year’s theme: Songs in the Key of Life, a Stevie Wonder Tribute starring R & B/Soul artist J. Holiday.

The Derby Brunch hosted by Sherlene Shanklin is from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Some of Louisville’s top artists will open for Holiday.  Ade’, Sheryl Rouse and Junior J will perform some of Wonder’s greatest hits.  The Youth Repertory Theater Troupe will showcase their talents after LCCC’s leadership and performing arts department prepared a curriculum giving the youth a history and music lesson on the humble beginnings of Stevie Wonder.  The youth studied the multi-Grammy Award winning artist and his long span career in the entertainment industry.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.  You can purchase them at louisvilletickets.com.  Doors open at 10 a.m. and guests are asked to wear their Oaks Day attire including your fascinator and/or hat to the brunch.  There’s will be vendors with your last-minute items needed for Derby.  If you would like to reserve a booth contact Erica Bledsaw, Oaks Day Coordinator at Erica.bledsaw@lcccnews.org or by calling LCCC at (502) 583-8821 ext. 130.  Proceeds benefit LCCC youth programs.

The Louisville Central Community Centers is a 501c(3), private, non-profit community-based organizations.  We offer a variety of programs and services in support of children and families.  Early childhood, education, youth development, arts education and other after school programs, employment services and job training for adults, money management, and homeownership are just some of the services provided

We would like to thank the following who made our inaugural event successful: JIGGA MCC Ent., Erica Denise, VIPP Communications, Passport Health Plan, Manhattan on Broadway and WoodForest National Bank.

If you would like to be a sponsor, request media credentials and/or request interviews, please contact us at please contact VIPP Communications at  info at vippcommunications dot com.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.

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The VIPP Report: Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson will appear on two Food Network shows in May

Darnell Superchef Ferguson(Louisville, KY) Louisville entrepreneur and owner of Superchef makes a return appearance on the Food Network.  Superchef will be a part of a show celebrating Mother’s Day.  Darnell and his mother will compete against other chefs and their mothers.  The episode is scheduled for May 13th.

Darnell says “I took my mom to battle against past winners and we are a dynamic duo.  In the kitchen with one of my biggest motivators was a real experience as I honor her on Mother’s Day. You will enjoy seeing us work together.”

Then on Sunday, May 20th show, Darnell will appear on along with other chefs will shop for the ingredients needed to create a unique/fun dish by Guy Fieri and then a panel of judges will decide who did the best with what they had available.

Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson says “It’s always fun to appear on Guy’s Grocery Games. I take the challenges very seriously but I enjoy the creative side of the show.  It challenges me and I take many of the tasks and tricks of the trade given and I apply them in my own Louisville restaurant.”

Grocery Games is taped in Santa Rosa, California in a 15,000-foot warehouse stocked with some 20,000 items as if you were inside a grocery store.  The show is aired on Sundays 8p (ET) and 7p (CT).

Ferguson is the owner of Superchef located at 1702 Bardstown Road in Louisville, KY.  The entrepreneur, author of “Knowing is half the fight…Cooking is an advocate for children who do not have enough food to survive. He’s currently working with “Blessings in a Backpack” as well as other non-profit organizations that help children get food so they can concentrate in the classroom.

To learn more about Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson go to http://eatsuperchefs.com/ and/or www.iamsuperchef.com.

If you would like to setup an interview, cooking segment and/or speaking engagement with Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. 

The VIPP Report: Superchefs will be highlighted in two national shows. Filming will take place this weekend

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The Travel Channel and The Cooking Channel will highlight the Louisville chef and his restaurant

(Louisville, KY) This weekend not one but two national outlets will be in Louisville shooting segments for their television programs. Superchefs owned by Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson will be highlighted in both shows.

The Cooking Channel will visit the 1702 Bardstown Road restaurant sometime over the weekend of April 21st.  Their focus will be on great breakfasts.

The Travel Channel will also venue the poplar eatery to highlight their menu.

We are not allowed to release any additional information at this time but we wanted to release that the two highly rated programs will be in the City of Louisville in the coming week.  When we can release additional information such as air date and video clips we will be happy to share with your media outlet.

Also, this week we will release information on two appearances on The Food Network.  Stay tuned for details.

Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson says “I’ve been travelling and have been given some unbelievable opportunities for myself personally, my restaurant and some of the causes near and dear to my heart.  I believe everything happens for a reason.  Some to teach you a lesson while others to help uplift others.  My ultimate goal is to be successful not only monetary but to be a blessing to others through service.  These opportunities give me a chance to get in front of culinary students to talk about my journey and helping them with internships, jobs and a place to work on their culinary skills.  This also gives me a chance to highlight organizations that help children make sure they have food in their stomachs so they can be productive in the classroom. I’m honored to be a part of anything that will help me and my community.”

If you would like to have Superchef speak at your next event and/or setup an interview, please direct all requests to  VIPP Communications at mail@vippcommunications.com so we can handle your inquiry accordingly.

WHO:                    Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson and Superchefs

WHAT:                  Filming with two national shows this weekend

WHEN:                  Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd

WHY:                    Highlighting his menu and Kentucky cuisine

WHERE:               1701 Bardstown Road, Louisville

For additional information go to go to http://eatsuperchefs.com/ and/or www.iamsuperchef.com

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VIPP Communications is a full service one-stop shop public relations, marketing, red carpet, event management, booking, consulting, branding, video and audio production firm headquartered in the Louisville, KY.  We are your Midwest media pros with more than 25 years of industry experience with projects executed in 20 plus states and numerous cities throughout the U.S.    

The VIPP Report: Louisville Health Department announce another Hepatitis A virus case at a local restaurant

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Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  Tonight, just after 9:00 pm the Louisville Metro Health Department released the following information in regards to a new Hepatitis A virus case.

Here’s what they are releasing:  “An employee at the Applebee’s restaurant located at 4717 Dixie Highway has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A. As a result, customers who ate at the restaurant from March 23 to April 12, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.”

It takes about 15 to 50 days after a person is exposed it the virus. People normally has symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If you are experiencing any of their symptoms Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person.

The Department of Public Health and Wellness recommends anyone working in the hospitality industry, particularly those who serve or prepare food and beverages, protect themselves and others by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. The independent business owners of the Applebee’s restaurants in the state of Kentucky as well as surrounding markets in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee will provide free Hepatitis A vaccinations to their employees.

For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or CDC.gov.

If you have a story idea, send it to Sherlene Shanklin at the411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.

 

 

The VIPP Report: Makeup artist prepares for Derby and already receiving calls to cater to celebrities during their stay in Louisville

 

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(Louisville, KY) When it comes to the Kentucky Derby it’s all about the horses, cuisine and style.  When we it comes to fashion it doesn’t stop with the hat, handbags, outfit, jewelry and shoes. It’s all about having makeup that compliments you.  Cosmetic stylist Andrea of Beats By Drea is working around the clock to prepare for racing fans is gearing up for the list of celebrities already inquiring her services to be their freelance artist when they arrive in the city.

Beats By Drea offers makeup classes, pamper parties, wedding parties, style shows, private celebrity appointments to FX makeup. Andrea’s passion is film FX makeup. After advice she received from a family member that she can have the best of both worlds in the makeup industry.  So, she calls it “Gore and Glam”.  Since that day in 2012, she’s been working on both crafts in her La Vie Est studio located at 2210 Goldsmith Lane.

If you would like to have a professional makeup artist take care of you and/or any of your clientele, please contact her by setting up a time to discuss availability at beatsbydrea425@gmail.com.  Follow her on her social media platforms: Instagram @beatsbydrea425 and Facebook @Beatsbydrea.

If you would like to setup an interview and/or have her bring models to your studio and show what’s trending in the makeup industry contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

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*Note-The photo above is Andrea and R&B artist Dreezy taken March 31st in Louisville backstage at Kentucky Center. Andrea was called to prepare Dreezy for the concert that evening.  

The VIPP Report: Hip hop and media mogul Diddy will do Derby & host a celebrity after party Oaks night in Louisville, KY

Special from Sherlene Shanklin

The original Bad Boy for Life Sean Combs aka Diddy does Derby? This is not his first visit to the Bluegrass but it will be the media mogul will do his first public party.  It’s The Trifecta Celebrity After Party hosted by Diddy at the Louisville Palace, right in the heart of downtown Louisville on Fourth Street.  The event will take place on Oaks Night, Friday, May 4th.  It will start as soon as former NBA star turned entrepreneur Junior Bridgeman’s Trifecta Gala held at the Omni Hotel begins to wrap up.

diddy-tixNow with Diddy, the “trifecta” is now complete when it comes to the originators in the entertainment industry for Bridgeman’s gala.  The artist performing at the gala is none other than Stevie Wonder,.  The multi-Grammy Award artist was discovered for his musical talent while singing and playing the harmonica as a young man visually impaired but he clearly gives his fans a vivid picture of imagination and creativity like his hit song “Ribbon in the Skies”.

Another originator who will emcee the event is comedian Arsenio Hall.  He elevated late night talk shows helping young actors and artists catapulted their careers but his show was a platform for some of the biggest stars in entertainment from Prince, Eddie Murphy, George Lopez to Paula Abdul just a name a few of the many guests on his show.

The Trifecta Gala will be held on Friday, May 4th in Louisville at the Omni Hotel.  It begins at 7:00 pm.

After the gala, its Diddy for the Celebrity After-Party at the Louisville Palace.  The party begins at 11:00 pm and ends at 4:00 am.  There will be two options based on how close you want to get to the celebrities.  There’s a VIP area.  You can party in those areas.  There’s also a first level admission that gets you into the party but no access to the level where you can see the Derby guests up close.

To proceeds will benefit the Bridgeman Charitable Foundations.  To purchase tickets both events you need to go to their website www.trifectagala.com.

So if you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  My Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin calendar of events and activities will be launched this weekend and you can submit your events.  If you have a celebrity guest, contact me so I can announce it.

If you would like to advertise with The VIPP Report.  Contact our office at thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm