“I feel the University is sending a strong statement to the city! That it feels what the community feels, what the university feels! This says the University will satisfy the needs to put the program in the best position to be the best in the country!
Jeff’s a hire I think that everyone can appreciate and respect! And he has the done a lot of great things in his time as a coach! Just look at what he has done for Purdue!
Now it’s time to get behind him, support his culture! To Jeff, welcome back make the city, the university, our alma mater proud! Go Cards!”
(Dayton, OH) The S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program, (STARS YEP) will be at Louisville’s Doss High School, 7601 St. Andrews Church Road on August 19th and 20th for a life skills and basketball camp along with a coaches clinic.
On Friday, August 19th, NBA scout and evaluator Don Sellers will lead The Sellers Interactive Coaches Clinic. The respected professional will instruct coaching staffs how to celebrate their togetherness of the sport. In addition to learning from each other so they can work as a cohesive team. Sellers travels across the country demonstrating that all positions are vital for the success of a program. Working with organizations like the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzles, Portland Trailblazers to the San Antonio Spurs. The Louisville workshop is open to any basketball coach at any level interested in growing their basketball knowledge and networking with their peers. Registration begins at 5:00 pm and the clinic begins at 5:30pm to 9:00 pm (EST).
Then on Saturday, August 20th, it is the S.T.A.R.S. YEP Life Skills & Basketball Camp for youth between the ages of 8 to 15 years of age. This free camp will give campers a vast array of experience when it comes to basketball knowledge and skill set that translate into discipline, work ethic and respect for themselves and others off the court. The camp is structured after Coach Mike Jarvis’ ‘Skills for Life’ book which focuses on modules that give players life skills that can sustain after the sport. Jarvis along with former NBA star Dale Ellis will be in Louisville and will be facilitators of the basketball sessions. WesBanco will facilitate the youth literacy programming as part of the life skills curriculum.
We must limit our skill’s camp to the first one hundred applicants and pre-registration ends on July 30th. Check-in will be from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Then the camp opens at 9:00 am which will include breakfast, lunch, and snacks. To conclude their day, there will be a keynote speaker and an awards ceremony at 5:00 pm.
Due to the generous support of our program partner, WesBanco the camp and coaches clinic will be free. We would like to thank them for collaborating with us to help make the camp a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Jody Gump, WesBanco’s AVP & BCM Business Development says “WesBanco is proud to partner with the S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program. The values the program is instilling on the youth aligns with our pledge to serve the local communities.”
To obtain an application go to https://starsyep.org/camp-application/. To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306. Please add our announcement to your events calendar. We will be adding additional coaches and special guests in the coming weeks so stay tuned for those announcements.
(Louisville, KY) The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association, (KFOA) are looking for men and women who are interested in participating as officials for high school football. If you are interested in officiating, you have until July 7th to submit your name for this season. Training is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 13th.
If you are unable to attend one of the meetings but interested in learning more about KFOA and how to officiate, call 502-419-8814 for your next steps to help area student athletes.
KFOA is one of the premier high school football officiating associations in the nation. Currently, members of KFOA officiate every level of high school (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman) in Metro Louisville. Members will also have opportunities to officiate youth leagues.
We are proud to acknowledge that we have officials that have gone on to be officials on the collegiate and professional football leagues.
The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association holds regular membership meetings each Wednesday evening in July through the first week of October.
To learn more about KFOA and how you can join, visit our site at kfoa.info. To setup interviews contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306.
(Louisville, KY) The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association, (KFOA) are looking for men and women who are interested in participating as officials for high school football. KFOA will conduct two orientation meetings to explain what it takes to officiate a game. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, June 16th and Monday, June 20th.
Both meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Waggener High School, 330 S. Hubbards Lane. Then training is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 13th.
If you are unable to attend one of the meetings but interested in learning more about KFOA and how to officiate, call 502-419-8814 for your next steps to help area student athletes.
KFOA is one of the premier high school football officiating associations in the nation. Currently, members of KFOA officiate every level of high school (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman) in Metro Louisville. Members will also have opportunities to officiate youth leagues.
We are proud to acknowledge that we have officials that have gone on to be officials on the collegiate and professional football leagues.
The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association holds regular membership meetings each Wednesday evening in July through the first week of October.
To learn more about KFOA and how you can join, visit our site at kfoa.info. To setup interviews contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306.
Louisville’s own R &B/Trapsoul artist Bryson Tiller and baseball legend Ken Griffey, Jr. have teamed up to release the S24 X Trapsoul Apparel and Accessories Collection. The collection was released at midnight on March 24th. The collaboration is a combination of classic swingman style gear with a R&B/Trapsoul edge. It’s bringing culture, sport and style. It’s designed to reach the next generation of fans with a fusion of Tiller and Griffey’s style.
The collection will include jerseys, hoodies, t-shirts, pants, ball caps and backpacks. This is a limited edition S24 X TRAPSOUL Capsule Collection. To commemorate Griffey’s all-star legacy with the Seattle Mariners you will see the colors teal, ocean blue, black and white in the collection. The unisex collection ranges in sizes XS (extra small) to 3XL (triple extra-large) and it will cost you from $35 to $195.
The photos given to me for this story we actually taken in Louisville for the launch of the collection photographed by Antonio Pantoja. They were taken here in homage to Tiller and his hometown.
Excitement is building around the launch. Dorian Washington, SVP of Artist Relations for S24 says “I’ve been involved in a lot of great projects throughout my 30 year career in the music industry, but this is without a doubt the most exciting,”.
The original swingman brand was founded in 1995 reaching accolades as one of the highest grossing sports brands worldwide. Now, with the collaboration with Tiller its expected to reach that status once again by knocking out the previous records out of the park.
The Tokyo Olympics is in the books and Louisville native Ronnie Baker did us proud. He did not bring home any hardware but friends, family and supporters couldn’t be more happy on how he represented U.S.A.
Let’s take a look back at my story on Baker just days before he went to the Olympics.
It’s the race 27 year old Ronnie Baker has dreamed of and trained for all his life. Now, he’s just a few days away from making that dream come true. He tells me he’s a product of West Louisville, JCPS and most of his family lives in Louisville.
Baker says “I went to Ballard and Highland Middle. I lived in the west end and grew up in Village West. My whole family is there actually. My mom, my brother moved back, my sister is there. Pretty much even my extended family is there.”
Baker started with cross country and then later became a sprinter. It all happened after a coach watched him compete. He says “They saw me run and they were like hey you should go out for the track team. That’s when I started running track. That conversation I had on field day. I always had the speed. I just did not know where to put it.”
Now, he will head to Tokyo but it will be much different than he dreamed. Missing the opening ceremonies due to the flight schedule and no fans. I asked what he needed to run to win gold.
Baker says “I don’t know what it is going to take because Tokyo is going to be different you know Tokyo is not going to have spectators so the atmosphere, kinda the crowd, the energy that’s not going to be there. Crossing multiple time zones and jet lag could be a factor. “
Winning the 100 meters in Monaco, the last big meet before the games. I asked does this put him in excellent position to win gold? The Olympian says “Absolutely, That race was It was a good momentum booster, motivational. Like… It gives me momentum going into the Olympics. I think it was great for me being there and to experience with all the guys potentially be running against in events as well.”
He goes on to say “This is when you do a lot of light work and focusing on the small, I mean the tiny-ist things that are the difference between gold and silver.”
Ronnie Baker will run in the 100 meters on July 31st and then he will be a member of the four by 100 relay team. Baker’s wife and mom will watch with other families in Orlando at Disney World while his family in Louisville will be apart of a couple of watch parties cheering him onto gold.
I’ve been in contact with Baker this week and he sounded confident and relaxed leading up to the biggest race of his career thus far.
Here’s a fun fact. Former Olympian and Kentucky native Tyson Gay and Baker are cousins. So, running literally “runs” in the family. For “Your Story.”
STARS Youth Enrichment Program will spend the day in Troy, Ohio empowering future leaders
(Troy, OH) With the increased interest in females wanting to participate in sports the STARS Youth Enrichment Program, (STARS YEP) and the Lincoln Community Center team up to host an all-girls camp. It’s the 2021 Girls Life Skills and Empowerment Camp. It will be held on Saturday, August 28th from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Lincoln Community Center located at 110 Ash Street in Troy.
This year’s camp has a vast array of experience when it comes to basketball knowledge and skill set. Former NCAA coach and Co-author of Skills for Life Mike Jarvis will discuss his personal life experiences and perspectives that camp attendees need to hear! In addition to Coach Jarvis, the following sports icons will be onsite throughout the day: NBA star Dale Ellis, former NCAA Women’s assistant coach, Nikita Lowry Dawkins, and NBA scout Don Sellers. Sellers will make a debut as alter ego: “Professor Basketball”, a motivational, fun-spirited coach who encourages participants to strive for excellence, will emcee the event.
The camp will also begin to lay the foundation on how the camp participants can begin to prepare themselves with useful life skills lessons. There will also be plenty of fun, food, music and much more! This camp is free. Registration begins at 6:30 am with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 am.
Jarvis is excited to be a part of the program and encourages others to participate in the camp. “I have the unique opportunity to teach these young ladies the proper techniques of basketball and teach them the necessary life skills to be successful. I hope to help inspire them to be the best version of themselves. As a former player and coach, I have been in their shoes. I can share what worked and did not work that helped to mold me into the person that I am today”.
We would like to thank our program partners Magnified Giving, Never the Less Inc., and the Lincoln Community Center for working with us to help make the camp a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
If you would like to be a sponsor for this camp and/or another S.T.A.R.S. youth programming activity, please visit our website at http://www.starsyep.org or email info@starsyep.org. To setup interviews please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
*PHOTOS: When you open the story you can see the slideshow of photos courtesy Rudolph family
Rudolph set the “gold” medal standard for sprinters
Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin. WHAS11, ABC Louisville
With the Summer Olympics just weeks away, there was an athlete that changed track and field in the 60s. Did you know that Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph has family in Louisville? I sit down with her nephews who just know her as Aunt Wilma.
She was an Olympic champion, civil rights activist, coach, educator and mom of four. Born Wilma Glodean Rudolph, a premature baby having pneumonia, scarlet fever and polio. At five she wore a leg brace and could barely walk but was later named the fastest woman in the world. She was the first American woman to win three gold medals at one Olympic games back in 1960. Some of Rudolph’s family lives right here in Louisville.
Larry Rudolph, Wilma Rudolph’s nephew tells me how they are related. “I am Wilma Rudolph’s nephew. Wilma and my dad were brothers and sisters.” Larry and Sammy Rudolph tell me there were 22 children in the family. Wilma was number 20 and their dad was the first son. Rudolph was called the Black Pearl, the Chattanooga Choo Choo but if you called her by her childhood nickname you really knew the track and basketball star.
Larry says “Skeeter was her nickname,. They called her Skeeter because she was so small. (Laughter) She was called Skeeter all through college and most people don’t call her Wilma. The ones who really know her called her Skeeter.”
Even as a child she was resilient and turned obstacles into opportunities. Rudolph says “She had polio and had to wear braces the whole nine. More or less they thought she couldn’t walk again but she proved them all wrong. And when she finally got to walk and then run she would always race against the boys, would beat the boys. After a while, boys would never want to race her because they let a girl beat them and she was that fast.”
Sammy did not know his aunt was an international star until he was in fourth grade. Here’s how he found out.
“I called my dad. I’m doing a story on a Wilma Rudolph, he said do you know who that is? No sir, that’s your auntie, that’s my sister. I went back to school telling everybody that Wilma Rudolph was my aunt. I was so proud to have a famous aunt in a book that you read in school. It was just amazing.”
Larry says his dad actually kept Wilma’s three gold medals from the 1960 Olympics in his Louisville home for years. “They were in his basement at one time. I remember going to his house and they were hung up in the basement. They were there for years but to us it was common knowledge and paid no attention it was medals to this day I couldn’t tell you what happen to them.”
Sammy tells me that a young Cassius Clay and Wilma were an item after the Olympics. He talks about the time when they showed up at his school in Louisville.
“Well that’s funny. I used to play basketball for Thomas Jefferson High School my junior year and a big limo pulls up outside Wilma Rudolph and Muhammad Ali at the time was Cassius Clay they came to my school to watch me play ball. I was telling everybody that’s my aunt. You don’t know that woman. I said Aunt Wilma and she came over and gave me a hug and I got to shake Muhammad Ali’s hand.”
This week, Wilma would have been 81 years old. She died in 1994 of cancer. The state of Tennessee recognizes it as Wilma Rudolph Day. I asked how significant is her legacy?
Larry says “For a poor Black woman, little Black girl to come up , reach the status she did equivalent it means a lot to the whole town because she put that town on the map Clarksville, TN was known because of Wilma Rudolph.”
Sammy added by saying “Not only did she win three medals in one games. You realize she was the fastest woman in the world in the 60s. Its amazing. The fastest woman in the world. So she was the GOAT. She was the goat of track and field. Its hard to believe coming from what she went through as a kid. To be the fastest woman in the world. It’s just an amazing story.”
I’ve covered Muhammad Ali for many years since I’m from his hometown of Louisville, KY. Even receiving an EMMY nomination. When i received that call five years ago preparing me for what was about to happen I will never forget. Then one day later, the champ passes away. Only a handful of people outside the family received that call. I will forever be grateful that the Ali family trusted me as a journalist, a person who really cared and someone that grew up in the same Black neighborhood he grew up in.
Sherlene Shanklin
By Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 ABC Louisville
Five years ago today, boxing legend and Louisville native Muhammad Ali passed. In today’s Your Story, we remember his legacy. I talk to Marilyn Williams. Ali’s caregiver and sister-in-law who shared some fond and funny moments about the champ.
Williams says “When he would have visitors over to the house he would play possium. He would sit with his eyes closed. He knew if they were leaving he would wake up so they could take pictures and autographs and they were excited. Muhammad knew…everybody knows he was Muhammad Ali is. He’s known around the world and he wanted to know who you are and I thought that was really neat about him.”
Williams got to witness so many things up close that some people had no idea. She remembers one doctor who liked to make house calls to see Muhammad because they both shared a common interest. She says “He would come every other Sunday. Muhammad and I were always watching westerns. And Muhammad always thought he was a Black cowboy. With Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Kris Krostophenson. Those were actually his friends.”
Williams also tells me that legendary musician Sam Cooke and Ali were best friends. I found tons of footage and photos of the two talking about things they were working on even a singing project.
When Marilyn was a teen Muhammad gave her some advice. That she still cherishes. “I got a problem. He said what’s your problem. So, I told him. He said that’s not a problem. And I said its not? To me it is..but he would tell me he said a problem is when you can’t solve it. When you can solve it, it’s not a problem.”
Another fond memory. Marilyn and Muhammad would take rides all over Louisville. She reflects on the reaction when people would recognize him. “We would get in the car we would go in the Westend to Shively the Eastend and we were all over riding and every now and then somebody would notice him and say Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali. He would wave and give them that bite like he was going to fight. He would blow them kisses.”
As the family continued to learn about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. They took it one day at a time. Williams says “The only thing I could tell Lonnie at that time was Lonnie were gonna push him as far as we can and eventually he’s going to come back. But if we get him so far he will live long and that exactly what happened”
Williams did get a chance to say goodbye to Ali and she shares a little of what she said to him. She tells me “The last word I said to Muhammad was that he was going to go to heaven. I whispered in his ear and I was going to meet him and they would do this again.”
And still today….
Williams says “His legacy lives on.”
If you have a story about Muhammad Ali you would like to share send it to sshanklin@whas11.com.
NFL’s Bilal Powell building relationships and homes off the field
The Former University of Louisville running back says Louisville is a good place to raise his family
Sherlene M. Shanklin
Your Story: As we wait for the football season to get started. A former Cardinal and NFL star actually lives in Louisville hoping to build relationships and homes. WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin talks to Bilal Powell. As Bilal Powell awaits to hear what team he will play for this NFL season he continues to build. Homes that is…The former UofL Cardinal and NY Jets Running Back is now the co-owner of a home building company.
Powell says “I was always into real estate and my partner and I was introduced through some mutual friends. It started off a friendship and we got to talking finally realized he was a builder.”
His business partner at GreyBuilt Homes is Aaron Witt. They decided to team up to grow the business. Named after Witt’s daughter. He says “The people I know and the people he knows we figured that we don’t have to be a small time business we can really take over the area.”
Powell me on a tour of Floyd Knobs, Indiana . He’s currently looking into opportunities to help in West Louisville. I asked the Florida native why did he decide to come back to Louisville? “Louisville is a great city you know my wife is from here. The city is so family oriented. And I was like this is a great place to raise a family.”
I had to ask the question his fans wanted to know. If a NFL team calls tomorrow would he go back? He says his magic number is 10. So he continues to work out five days a week in the morning before heading into his office. His answer, “Yes, I want to get in 10 years. Its just a personal goal for me to get in ten years. I got the opportunity to play under Ladamion Thompson and he did 10 years obviously Matt Forte’ did 10 years.”
Powell keeps up with his brothers of U of L and the Jets and some plan to team up on future projects. “Just being an alumni of U of L, the brotherhood. I actually have other teammates they do concrete, they do all of these different things we are now starting to connect which is awesome.”
He gives some advice to those who want to be in the NFL. It’s not where you start but how you finish and he’s a true testament to that. He was drafted in the fourth round at 126. “You definitely have to have a focus and dedication. One thing about the NFL the talent margin is small. “It doesn’t matter if you come in as a first rounder or a seventh rounder or undrafted. If you work hard and do what you need to do and be consistent at what you do. You can stick around for a long time.”
I also asked Powell what legacy would he like to leave behind? He says, “I’m a guy of few words, but my actions speak louder than my words. I just want to be a guy known to be consistent, my profession, my friendship, my marriage whatever it maybe I was consistent in what I did and something like this is an opportunity to leave something like this for my kids.”
Bilal Powell hopes to build six to eight homes this year since the economy is now on the upswing. Focusing on building on both sides of the river. The free agent had nine successful seasons in the NFL to date.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. I spoke to a man who was born in Korea but now calls Louisville his home. Raising a family and teaching our children the art of Taekwondo. In today’s Moments that Matter, I introduce you to Jung Oh Grandmaster Hwang.
I have seen the business & community leader many times but this was the first time I had the opportunity to sit down with him. I had so many questions and he was sincere and patient with me.
Grandmaster Hwang called me before the interview to make sure I found his studio. I told him I was just waiting outside awaiting my photojournalist to arrive. The door swings open and he came out to greet me. He stood out there with me until we were ready to begin.
As we entered Hwang’s Marital Arts we were welcomed by students. They were clapping and cheering as we entered the venue. Once we entered they gave us a demonstration of what they have learned under Hwang. His daughter Mimi was directing the students but he was off to the side giving additional instruction.
Mimi led me to his office so we could sit and talk. I had so many questions. Some of the most simple questions in Asian culture like is it disrespectful to bow when you don’t know the meaning. I have to say he was very patient with me to make sure I understood.
So, when we officially started the interview I asked him to give the pronunciation of his name.
He says “My name is Jung Oh Hwang”. He tells me where he was born. “I’m from South Korea. I come to the United States in 1987 I studied at the University of Tennessee.” When he was in elementary school in South Korea he started learning taekwondo and judo. Leading him to the Olympics not once but twice. He missed the opportunity of a third because his country sat out. Hwang says “Seoul Korea boycotted the Olympic games so he had to wait for more years for his chance to compete. 1984 changed my life I got a silver medal at that time.”
Hwang also tells me that he was the international referee for his sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Hwang, his wife Sun and their two year daughter Mimi came to America in 1987. Eventually moving to Louisville and opening three martial arts studios in the city. He says “Louisville is my hometown. I love Louisville. Louisville is the best city. I love Louisville.”
He also loves to teach children the core values of his heritage that we all can relate to regardless of where you are from. “I wanted to give more opportunity to children to learn respect, discipline, and positive attitude. He can do, she can do, why not me? Yes I can positive attitude.”
Grandmaster Hwang believes every person should have the following: Focus, Discipline and Respect this is very very important. In Asian culture It’s mind and body together. That’s respect. That’s for all Asians especially Marital Arts. Giving over a million dollars to charity like the Crusade for Children, and now starting his own foundation. He just wants to leave a legacy of hope.
Hwang says “I want to share my Olympic three’s. Never, never never give up. You know. Teach the generation they quickly give up. We always never, never, never give up. Yes, I can I can do it!”
They call her ‘birdie’ because her mother called her an early bird. Now, the Louisville Cardinal will take a month overseas exploring social justice issues as part of a prestigious program. The University of Louisville rower Kyelia ‘Birdie’ Maxwell talks about being named a Muhammad Ali Scholar.
Birdie says she was absolutely amazed I was even selected as a student athlete but as a student in the university to be part of such an important program and such an important part of UofL’s history, of Louisville’s history, the home of Muhammad Ali I felt honored that they would allow me to be apart of the program with a bunch of other amazing students.
The UofL rower is the first student-athlete to be named a Muhammad Ali Scholar since its inception six years ago. Birdie says “I honestly didn’t think it was that big until everyone was texting me, emailing me saying congratulations its such an honor.”
The Biology and fine arts major grew up in Clarksville, TN. Both of her parents served in the military giving her an opportunity to see the world. She says “my mom was in the air force for five years and then my dad was in the army for 32 years. I’ve lived in Germany, Korea, I went on vacation well I guess you wont call a vacation it was more of a senior trip to Spain, London, France, stayed in Austria and I stayed in Peru as well.”
Birdie had several options to attend college but knew UofL was the right fit. “When I came on this campus-I just fell in love with the campus automatically and plus I was introduced to rowing” says Maxwell.
I asked her with social unrest in the city and around the world. Birdie says she wants to be a part of change. She goes on to say that she even participating in the campus protest lead by the men’s basketball team. “I think with all the injustice that’s happening in Louisville and especially in Minneapolis with George Floyd and Breonna Taylor it really feels close to home with Breonna Taylor being that I want to go into medicine. Im a Black woman and I live in Louisville. I think I have some type of personal connection where I thought it could have been me!
If Birdie had the opportunity… she’d like to help change laws. She remains positive while keeping her eye on the prize just like Muhammad Ali both with the mentality of wanting to shake up and change the world .
She says “I would like to become a doctor and be that face of change for young black students, brown students, people in poverty, underprivileged children to look up to me and say I can do that.”
Birdie recently had hip surgery but we hope to see here on the water soon. As for her role as a Muhammad Ali Scholar she will take about a month oversees to explore justice issues in a different cultural, political, social, and economic context. Here’s the 2021 Ali Scholars: Lorenzo Rowan, Shradda Patel, Taylor Griffith, Edison Pleasants, Maegan Heller, Ashley Aguilera-Rico, Pamambuna Touray, Kaylee Boyd and Kyelia Maxwell.
By Sherlene Shanklin, Special Report with WHAS11, ABC Louisville
After nearly a decade in Louisville, Donald Lassere will leave the Muhammad Ali Center and move back to his hometown of Chicago. In his seat as president and CEO, Laura Douglas. In ‘Your Story’ I sit down with the respected corporate leader.
To many in the community she is called the stabilizer. Because she helps corporations and non-profits maintain their business practices while stabilizing their leadership.
First, Laura Douglas did it at TARC; now she’s moving to the Muhammad Ali Center; serving as its first Black woman president. Making history in her hometown.
Douglas discusses her family and her close connection to the city. “Well, I grew up here in the Russell neighborhood. I had eight brothers and sisters. We started out at James Bond Elementary School which is now Byck. I went to Western Junior High School and to Shawnee High School.
After graduation, Douglas continued her education to become an attorney. She explained her career path. “I started out my career as a lawyer, I’m a graduate of the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and I’ve been a general counsel at several organizations and my most recent position was at LGE and I retired from there. Throughout my career I have always been a volunteer and I’ve always served on a number of boards in the community. And one of the places I invested a great deal of my board serve was here at the Muhammad Ali Center.”
As the immediate past board chair, she is now ready to get the doors of the Ali center reopened. Douglas says “Here at the Muhammad Ali Center the good news is, it’s an outstanding organization with a very impeccable national a reputation. My role is here is to keep the ship steady in the water as the board looks for a permanent CEO. I’m happy to do that”.
Douglas came out of retirement to take on this role, but i wanted to know if she planned to go back into retirement, as she shaped the next generation’s CEO’s at home. Douglas with a smile says “Yes, yes I will. I was a granny and my grandchildren kinda run my life for me.”
Douglas is excited about keeping the Ali Center moving until the national search is completed which could take up to six months. Douglas’ family is happy about her and understand the importance of the position but see what her family thinks her most important title is to them. She says “My family is proud but one thing they remind me every day, I’m just granny as far as they are concerned and I’m mom.”
June will mark the fifth anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing. The Ali Festival will honor him with his six core principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality. I asked Douglas did she expect the opportunities she’s seeing today? She says “As a small child I know my mother and father encouraged all of us to expand our horizon and to dream big. I’m really fortunate to have the opportunity and to be able to continue to work in a community that I really love
Laura Douglas and Sherlene Shanklin
The Muhammad Ali Center will reopen to the public on Thursday, April 1st.
This year’s Ali Festival will be June 4th to the 13th.
The Truth Be Told Temporary Exhibit has been extended to 2022.
The Muhammad Ali Center is located at 144 N. 6th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
Special Report from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, Louisville
Orginially aired on January 14, 2021
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Sunday, Muhammad Ali would have been 79.
On June 3rd, 2016 Ali passed away and thousands lined the streets of Louisville to thank the champ who was not only a boxing champion but an activist and philanthropist respected by many across the world.
For the first time, in an exclusive interview, WHAS11 talked to the person who was his childhood friend, caregiver and sister-in-law. You saw her in many photos over the years.
Now, Whas11’s Sherlene Shanklin tells you her story of the Champ you didn’t know.
Marilyn Williams says “Muhammad’s mother Odessa Clay and my mother Marguerite Williams were best friends.”
Their families were very close. As a child, she looked up to him as a big brother having no idea that years later she would call him her brother-in-law.
‘Lonnie Ali is my big sister,” Williams said.
Prior to working with family, she was a successful entrepreneur owning her own salon and then worked at the Ford Plant right here in Louisville.
So, when Lonnie was looking for someone to help with their business affairs and later assist Ali and with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Marilyn was the perfect choice to be his caregiver while some even thought she was their bodyguard.
“I was his security because if you got close to Muhammad you were in trouble if you weren’t supposed to be there,” said Williams.
She talked to me about being a caregiver for Ali. “I knew I had to do the best I could do. I had to be the best. I had to be on it. I knew this man. I knew him ever since I was a child so I had to be on it.”
People always asked, could he speak after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Williams said, “Muhammad could smile, stars eyes would just sparkle and he talked a lot with his eyes, he talked with his voice, his hands. He definitely got his message across.”
Anytime ‘the Champ’ could get home he did and Marilyn shared this fond memory.
“Muhammad loved Louisville. You say Louisville if I was working and I said I was going on vacation. Where are you going? I said I’m going to Louisville. I wanna go.”
I also asked Williams could she tell me something about Ali people didn’t know. She sighs before answering–“Muhammad and Lonnie will say this too. He had a kind and loving heart. He saw nothing wrong with no one. He would be with kings and queens, presidents and then turn around and be with the poorest person on this earth or the sickest person on this earth. It didn’t matter to him. He loved all.”
To see everything happening in Louisville sometimes even along the street that bears his name and across the country how does that make you feel?
“Well I can’t actually speak for Muhammad because he can speak for himself but a few things he taught me and that was respect for all mankind. One thing I asked him, I was always asking him questions when I was younger growing up and he told me that there’s good and bad in every race and every religion. There’s good and bad,” Williams said.
The final question of the interview I had to ask what she misses the most about the GOAT?
With tears in her eyes, she responded by saying “His eyes, his kindness, his spirit, his spirit was so beautiful. To be around him he gave you energy. Even if there was a gray day outside he made the sunshine.”
I had to use the video one more time of Louisville’s own, the man who had no problem telling you “I’m still the greatest!!!”
For the FIRST time, his life-long caregiver sits down with me for more than a hour telling me things so many people have no idea about the ‘Greatest of All Time’. This is just a small portion of my interview that I wanted to share.
Muhammad Ali’s caregiver talks for the first-time since his passing to WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin. I sat down with Marilyn Williams just days before what would have been his 79th birthday .
Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC Louisville
Muhammad Ali and Sherlene Shanklin at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Sunday, Muhammad Ali would have been 79.
On June 3rd, 2016 Ali passed away and thousands lined the streets of Louisville to thank the champ who was not only a boxing champion but an activist and philanthropist respected by many across the world.
For the first time, in an exclusive interview, WHAS11 talked to the person who was his childhood friend, caregiver and sister-in-law. You saw her in many photos over the years.
Now, Whas11’s Sherlene Shanklin tells you her story of the Champ you didn’t know.
Marilyn Williams says “Muhammad’s mother Odessa Clay and my mother Marguerite Williams were best friends.”
Their families were very close. As a child, she looked up to him as a big brother having no idea that years later she would call him her brother-in-law.
‘Lonnie Ali is my big sister,” Williams said.
Prior to working with family, she was a successful entrepreneur owning her own salon and then worked at the Ford Plant right here in Louisville.
So, when Lonnie was looking for someone to help with their business affairs and later assist Ali and with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Marilyn was the perfect choice to be his caregiver while some even thought she was their bodyguard.
“I was his security because if you got close to Muhammad you were in trouble if you weren’t supposed to be there,” said Williams.
She talked to me about being a caregiver for Ali. “I knew I had to do the best I could do. I had to be the best. I had to be on it. I knew this man. I knew him ever since I was a child so I had to be on it.”
People always asked, could he speak after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Williams said, “Muhammad could smile, stars eyes would just sparkle and he talked a lot with his eyes, he talked with his voice, his hands. He definitely got his message across.”
Anytime ‘the Champ’ could get home he did and Marilyn shared this fond memory.
“Muhammad loved Louisville. You say Louisville if I was working and I said I was going on vacation. Where are you going? I said I’m going to Louisville. I wanna go.”
Williams showing me a piece of art that Ali created.
I also asked Williams could she tell me something about Ali people didn’t know. She sighs before answering–“Muhammad and Lonnie will say this too. He had a kind and loving heart. He saw nothing wrong with no one. He would be with kings and queens, presidents and then turn around and be with the poorest person on this earth or the sickest person on this earth. It didn’t matter to him. He loved all.”
To see everything happening in Louisville sometimes even along the street that bears his name and across the country how does that make you feel?
“Well I can’t actually speak for Muhammad because he can speak for himself but a few things he taught me and that was respect for all mankind. One thing I asked him, I was always asking him questions when I was younger growing up and he told me that there’s good and bad in every race and every religion. There’s good and bad,” Williams said.
The final question of the interview I had to ask what she misses the most about the GOAT?
With tears in her eyes, she responded by saying “His eyes, his kindness, his spirit, his spirit was so beautiful. To be around him he gave you energy. Even if there was a gray day outside he made the sunshine.”
I had to use the video one more time of Louisville’s own, the man who had no problem telling you “I’m still the greatest!!!”
Sherlene Shanklin is an EMMY Award winning journalist. Two-time Society of Professional Journalists, (SPJ) winner for sports writing and best use of social media. Multiple award winner for the Associated Press. Career spans nearly 30 years with an emphasis but not limited to news in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Louisville natives Allan Houston and Derek Anderson
By Sherlene M. Shanklin
(Louisville, KY) I’ve been working behind the scenes for many months in regards to the Breonna Taylor case. There’s many journalists like myself who have researched, combed through paperwork and filed ORRs to uncover much of what you are hearing about today publicly.
I have reached out to so many people to help explain, give insight and to voice their concerns.
I posted a photo that simply said: “The World Is Watching Louisville” #breonnataylor #sherlenesstory. Then I went right back to work preparing for the Jefferson County Grand Jury and the Kentucky Attorney General’s decision and announcement.
I noticed a day later, that my phone’s alert system was putting in the work so I opened it to notice that Derek Anderson had shared my message. Since the AG’s decision many are just trying to wrap their minds around what happened.
On March 13th, Breonna Taylor lost her life. On, September 23rd, 195 days since her death and 119 days of protesting in the City of Louisville and sounding counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. There’s still so many more questions than answers.
Derek Anderson and Allan Houston voiced their concern and what needed to be done to try and heal the community they call ‘home’. Here’s what the two Louisville natives and former NBA stars shared on my social media post.
Anderson says “It’s some really good people in Louisville and I’m proud to love my city and the people that care about it. And like every city it’s some mislead & negative people who would rather COMPLAIN rather than CHANGE!!! It starts with Government, City Leaders and Officials, Parents & the People!!!!”
Anderson attended Doss High and then later played for the University of Kentucky winning a NCAA championship. He had a great career in the NBA and before retiring he won a championship with the Miami Heat.
Houston says “Praying for My Hometown. There is extreme pain and frustration. We need justice. We need righteousness. We need to uphold the standard of God’s law. We need reconciliation. We must not stop pursuing these!! #breonnataylor“
Houston attended Ballard High, played for the Tennessee Volunteers and also had a great basketball career with the New York Knicks.
How does Louisville move forward? Give me your thoughts.
Sherlene M. Shanklin
►Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherleneshanklin@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
The Stamina Foundation rings in 2020 with a clear vision for the year ahead
(Louisville, KY) The Stamina Foundation presents their inaugural New Year’s Eve Soiree hosted by Louisville native former NCAA & NBA Champion Derek Anderson and his wife Dr. Ashley Anderson at the Hyatt Regency Louisville at 9:00 p.m.
It will be an evening filled with great entertainment by The Unlimited Show Band featuring Sheryl Rouse and DJ Reggie Regg. There will be a special performance by Hannah Drake that you don’t want to miss. The emcee for the evening will be Oremeyi Kareem.
It’s a party with a purpose benefiting the Stamina Foundation Food Insecurity Endowment that will be used to support initiatives in the community combating hunger among our youth. General admission tickets are $75, and VIP is $125. You can purchase them on Eventbrite.com.
Please post our announcement on your NYE event calendars and announce on your shows. If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, contact booking@vippcommunications.com.
The Stamina Foundation New Year’s Eve Soiree was made possible due to the support of the following community leaders who tirelessly give back to organizations who are trying to make a difference through compassion. A special thank you to: Papa John’s, Pride Realty, Nail Talk, Citizens Union Bank, Republic Bank, LGE and KU Foundation, WellCare, Norton Healthcare, AFM Threads, VOME’, Simply Thai and Heine Brothers. To be a sponsor and/or purchase a table contact us at AOK@staminafd.com.
To learn more about the Stamina Foundation visit www/staminafd.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. http://vippcommunications.com
The Kentucky Derby is not the only time you can see some of the most recognizable faces in sports and entertainment
(Louisville, KY) Louisville native former NCAA & NBA Champion Derek Anderson is taking his Acts of Kindness, (AOK) to another level with his inaugural AOK All-Star Weekend.
Save the dates of July 20th and 21st for a weekend of fun, celebration and of course acts of kindness as the star continues to perform off the court just like he did on it with a slam dunk of opportunities for the entire community to enjoy.
It all takes place in Anderson’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky as he celebrates his birthday with family and friends. On Saturday, July 20th it’s the AOK Gala and then on Sunday, July 21st there’s a free picnic and back to school supply giveaway. Both events will be held at the Majestic Arts Center located at 1535 Lytle Street.
Anderson will welcome friends: actor/singer Tyrese and music mogul Master P as his guests. Additional names will be announced prior to the celebration.
Derek Anderson says, “The weekend’s events will help support the launch of “Program You,” a program designed to enhance the mindset and support the future of tomorrow’s leaders by teaching life skills and providing scholarships through the Stamina Foundation. The AOK All-Star Weekend is a celebration of life and compassion for the city I hold dear to my heart. There’s nothing like home. Come out have fun and know that you are helping youth reach their ultimate potential.”
Individual tickets are $50 and couples $75. You can purchase them at www.StaminaFD.com. To be a sponsor and/or purchase a table contact us at AOK@staminafd.com.
If you would like to setup an interview Anderson, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by phone at 502-295-0435.
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. http://vippcommunications.com
Louisville/Lexington (May 7, 2019) Former NFL Quarterback and University of Kentucky Hall of Famer, Jared Lorenzen has teamed with the Now Let’s Get Fit Foundation, Kroger and the Rajon Rondo Foundation for the 2019 Kentucky Health and Wellness Tour.
The tour will kick off Saturday May 18 at Kroger locations in Louisville at12501 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville Middletown store.
The next day Sunday May 19 will be in Lexington Kroger at3101 Richmond Rd location.
Both events are from noon-4:00 pm.
Let’s Get Fit Foundation’s mission is to combat obesity and instill Health and Wellness through Fitness and Nutrition. Each event is family friendly, Free to the public and includes fitness classes, nutrition stations, health screenings (for obesity related illness), kid zone activities and giveaways. Jared Lorenzen along with other former local athletes will be in attendance and participating.
“I want to show everyone that it’s never too early or too late to start the journey towards health. I want people to know that if I can do it then you can do it. My goal is to use the tour to put a face to obesity. Each event is a platform that everyone can join, have fun, feel safe to express themselves, get the inspiration and answers on health and wellness they need to make the change in their life.” Jared Lorenzen.
Prior to Jared’s journey he had reached 500 lbs. In the last year, he has lost 100 lbs. and counting. Jared understood that he had to admit that there was an issue and then he got busy to get it. We invite you to meet Jared and fitness professionals that can show you techniques that can help you and your entire family get fit.
Sponsors for the event are Kroger, Optup, Powerade Zero, Core Power, Rajon Rondo Foundation, The Little Clinic and Planet Mogul. The tour will extend to other locations in Louisville, Lexington and surrounding areas the remainder of 2019.
If you would like to setup an interview with Jared Lorenzen and/or other team members, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by phone at 502-295-0435.
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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event mgmt & 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. http://vippcommunications.com
(Louisville, KY) The Kentucky Derby is all about horses, fashion, bourbon and food. When you mix bourbon, chocolate and cheesecake you have a real celebration. DB Bourbon Candy adds another feather to their Derby hat after closing a major deal just before Churchill Downs begins their season. DB Bourbon Candy and Aubrey’s Concessions have teamed up to give you the perfect treat for Oaks and Derby.
For the first time DB Bourbon Candy will be serving Bourbon Cheesecake’s inside Churchill Downs using Old Forester Bourbon. The cheesecakes are topped with caramel nuts and a fleur de lis chocolate discs. By incorporating the Old Forester, which is the official bourbon for Churchill Downs gives a winning combination as racing fans from all over the world attend the greatest two minutes in sports.
To find DB Bourbon Candy inside Churchill Downs in four locations on the grounds. They will be at the Lobster stands the one in the paddock, one in upper garden terrace, one down by the celebrity red carpet exit and one on gray floor.
Robyn Stuart, owner of DB Bourbon Candy, LLC says “This is a special moment for me and my company. Being a Kentucky native and to have my product at the greatest racetrack in the world on their two biggest days shows that hard work and dedication is paying off. I kept my blinders on and refused to let anyone say that I dream to big. Look at us now. We’ve made it to the “Twin Spires”. It’s a honor to work with Aubrey’s Concessions and I can’t wait for you to stop by and taste this unbelievable Kentucky Derby treat.”
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.
DB Bourbon Candy, LLC can be found in various locations throughout Kentucky in Liquor Barn, the Kroger Company and the Muhammad Ali International Airport. You can always visit their site at http://www.dbbourboncandy.com.
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.
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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. http://vippcommunications.com
A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION RECOGNIZES THREE PASSIONATE LEADERS WHO’VE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO DEVELOP YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY
(Louisville, KY) Aspire Basketball Academy continues to motivate and inspire youth in the community to reach their ultimate potential. The academy takes a timeout to acknowledge the unsung MVPs in our community that work tirelessly on the court and in life to assist youth by keeping them inbounds and on track for success.
It’s A Night of Inspiration Scholarship and Awards Gala on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Majestic, 1535 Lytle Street. The inaugural event is to inspire, develop and cultivate future community leaders with the core academic and leadership skills to prepare them for life beyond their time at Aspire Academy. This year’s host for the gala will be Perrin Johnson.
The evening will honor some local legends that have dedicated their lives to helping youth. This year’s honorees will be Tony Williams, Daniel Ross and Bob Redman; their passion, success stories and accomplishments will be recognized. You will also get to meet international and local students in the program and the Aspire staff who directly mentor the student athletes. Also, the scholarship and awards gala will highlight the importance of education and youth sports as it relates to the development of children in our community.
The evening will be filled with inspirational stories, great food, drinks, and live entertainment. The proceeds will go directly to the program to support the students, education, transportation, and lodging. All of these things are essential to ensure the student’s success.
Aspire Basketball Academy provides three types of programs which includes the Junior Wizards, a developmental youth grassroots program, Aspire Academy, a national high school program and the Aspire Academy College Prep which is designed for post graduate activities while in the program.
You still have time to be a sponsor, purchase a table and/or to make a donation to A Night of Inspiration by contacting Jamie Warfield at info@jamiewarfieldconsulting.com or Tim Barnett at tbarnett.aspireacademy@gmail.com. Individual tickets are $50 which includes appetizers, drinks, dessert, and dancing.
To setup an interview with Aspire Academy’s leadership team, Roger McClendon, Luke Hancock, Barnett and/or Warfield, contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. Please include our announcement on your community calendars and announcements. ###
As we approach Christmas 2018, we at VIPP Communications would like to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you. We understand and appreciate how important business relationships are and we thank you for your confidence in our talented staff to bring your vision to life. We take pride in successfully executing your goals and/or projects.
We have a wonderful team of professionals that handle your projects as if it were their own.
Thank you for your continued support as you begin to plan for 2019. Consider our full service public relations,marketing, branding, booking and video production firm.
Again, we appreciate your business and thank you for choosing VIPP Communications, VIPP Style Accessories, The VIPP Report & SherleneShanklin.com.
We look forward to working with you in the coming year. Secure your date(s) with our VIPP Communications booking agent. Check out our new site for a complete list of services by visiting http://vippcommunications.com.
(Louisville, KY) They dominated the headlines as the underdog team with the hearts of champions. Eliminating team after team to reach the pinnacle in college basketball with a record of 31 wins and only six loses. Now, the members of the Cardinal team will gather for their five-year reunion and the team wants to celebrate with you, their fans.
On Friday, June 29th, it’s Rise Above with the 2013 Basketball Championship 5th Year Reunion Celebration at Fourth Street Live, 400 S. 4th in downtown Louisville. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the celebration will begin at 6:00 pm. The evening will be filled with activities, giveaways and a meet and greet with the team. Fans will get a special treat because you will get to relive the 2013 championship game with the team. As you watch the game, you will get to ask players and staff in attendance what were they thinking and how surreal it was to win that championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on April 8, 2013.
Here’s the names of the University of Louisville 2013 team: Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva, Russ Smith, Luke Hancock, Kevin Ware, Montrezl Harrell, Mangok Mathiang, Logan Bauman, Tim Henderson, Wayne Blackshear, Chane Behanan, Zach Price, Michael Baffour, Mike Marra and Stephan Van Treese. All of the players will be in attendance at the celebration except for Dieng who had prior obligations in his hometown of Senegal.
Tickets start at $20 for general admission. Children 12 years old and under get in free with a paid adult admission. You can purchase them at ticketfly.com. You can also purchase them at the gate as you enter Fourth Street Live.
You still have an opportunity to be a sponsor and show your support by contacting Roger McClendon at riseabovereunion@gmail.com.
To setup an in-studio or phone interview and/or to confirm your attendance at the celebration contact Sherlene Shanklin, interviewrequest@vippcommunications.com.
(Louisville, KY) On Saturday, June 23rd in historic Chickasaw Park in West Louisville the community will gather for the 2nd Annual Sports & Motivation Youth Camp Series. The camp begins at 9:00 am for youth ages 6 through 13. They must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
Youth will have a chance to meet legends in the sports realm as well as community leaders who will share their wisdom and skills. Professional trainers and instructors will be on hand to give youth an opportunity to learn proper techniques.
Members of the Louisville Bats will be on hand inspiring youth, doing a baseball clinic and giving away home game tickets so youth can take in one of their games. Youth in attendance will also get to hear from members of the West End Golf Tee Program. Wilbur Hackett Sr. and his son Wilbur Hackett Jr. will be in attendance talking about his historic journey as one of the first African American to play football in the SEC and the University of Kentucky. Jerry Ellis will be on hand to talk about his career as well as his late brother former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jerry Ellis. During the camp Alice Houston and Shively Sporting Goods will be honored for their support to the camp and the community.
The Sports & Motivation Youth Camp Series is FREE but a parent and/or guardian needs to be present. You can register by texting 502-919-0757 or 502-776-1240. There will also be onsite registration. For the adults in attendance, Walmart will provide a $10 gift card for bringing your child to the event.
This year’s event was made possible by the support of the following: WLOU.104.7fm, Summerfest, Black Sports Hall of Fame, Buffalo Foundation, Walmart, Ford, UAW, HJI, Harmon Construction, Dynamic Healthcare, Shively Sporting Goods, Minuteman Press, The Greatest Wash & Laundromat, Anabel’s Oriental Rugs and countless volunteers.
Please announce and/or post on your website and social media platforms. To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at mail@vippcommunications.com.
(Louisville, KY) They dominated the headlines as the underdog team with the hearts of champions. Eliminating team after team to reach the pinnacle in college basketball with a record of 31 wins and only six loses. Now, the members of the Cardinal team will gather for their five-year reunion and the team wants to celebrate with you, their fans.
On Friday, June 29th, it’s Rise Above with the 2013 Basketball Championship 5th Year Reunion Celebration at Fourth Street Live, 400 S. 4th in downtown Louisville. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the celebration will begin at 6:00 pm. Throughout the evening there will be special guests and giveaways which includes a meet and greet with the team.
The following players are scheduled to appear: Gorgui Dieng, Peyton Siva, Russ Smith, Luke Hancock, Kevin Ware, Montrezl Harrell and the rest of the 2013 National Champions Louisville Cardinals.
Tickets start at $20 for general admission. Children 12 years old and under get in free with a paid adult admission. You can purchase them at ticketfly.com.
You still have an opportunity to be a sponsor and show your support by contacting Roger McClendon at riseabovereunion@gmail.com.
To setup an in-studio or phone interview and/or to confirm your attendance at the celebration contact Sherlene Shanklin, interviewrequest@vippcommunications.com.
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#riseabove2013
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.
(Louisville, KY) Former University of Louisville and two-time Super Bowl champ and SB XXXIX MVP Deion Branch announces the date of his upcoming 9th Annual Skills and Drills Camp in Louisville. Save the date of Saturday, July 21st at the Baptist Health Performance Training Facility, 12101 Sycamore Station Place. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the camp is from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The camp is for youth ages 7 to 18. The registration fee is waived thanks to the Deion Branch Foundation so the camp is FREE but you need to register online. THE CAMP AND SPACE IS LIMITED SO SIGN UP ASAP. Go to www.deionbranchfoundation.org to register.
Branch says “This year, I decided to change things up a little to help some youth in the community who’ve really wanted to participate but could not afford the registration fee. We will do some offensive and defensive drills and some NFL and college level conditioning to see what your child needs to work on if they want to play football. This camp gives them a chance to learn proper technique, health and wellness plus sportsmanship.”
The Deion Branch Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer support to children’s mental, physical, emotional wellbeing and for those who have been infected with meningitis. The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggle for children like Deion’s son. The foundation goal is to assist by providing programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on the foundation go to http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org.
If you would like to be a sponsor and/or donate items for goodie bags, please contact William Hicks at 334-507-3632 or Sherlene Shanklin at 502-295-0435. To register your child for the 9th Annual Skills & Drills Camp go to http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org and fill out the online registration form.
To setup an interview with Deion Branch about the camp held on Saturday, July 21st, please call Sherlene Shanklin, Branch’s publicist at sshanklin@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 Philadelphia Eagles released a statement. It doesn’t recognize the cancellation of their Washington White House visit but it refers to those who have supported them and have celebrated their Super Bowl win.
Updated 9:30pm 6-4-18
The Mayor of Philadelphia reacts to the Eagles cancelled white house visit. See statement below:
“The Eagles call the birthplace of our democracy home, so it’s no surprise that this team embodies everything that makes our country and our city great. Their athletic accomplishments on the field led to an historic victory this year. Fans all across the country rallied behind them because we like to root for the underdog and we feel joy when we see the underdogs finally win. I’m equally proud of the Eagles’ activism off the field. These are players who stand up for the causes they believe in and who contribute in meaningful ways to their community. They represent the diversity of our nation—a nation in which we are free to express our opinions.
“Disinviting them from the White House only proves that our President is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend.
“City Hall is always open for a celebration.”
Still awaiting a response from the Eagles franchise and the NFL.
–END–
With less than a day before the NFL Super Bowl Champs travel to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump calls off the visit. It’s due to the dispute over NFL players and personnel and why they should stand instead of kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. Many of the players had decided not to attend prior to this release but a small group was going to Washington to represent the franchise.
In a statement released late today by the White House says ”the Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better. These fans are still invited to the White House to be part of a different type of ceremony—one that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem. I will be there at 3:00 p.m. with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus to celebrate America.”
We have been awaiting a response from the Eagles and/or the NFL but at the time of the report they have not released a statement.
If you have a story idea, send it to me at thevippreport at vippcommunications.com. You can follow us for real-time news on Twitter @thevippreport.
(Louisville, KY) Inside the Lines Training, Inc. (ITL) will host their inaugural Cards vs Cats Golf Scramble on Monday, July 2nd at the Nevel Meade Golf Course, 3123 Nevel Meade Drive, Prospect, KY.
The scramble will support programs to assist local youth athletes through education, leadership development and physical training. Their goal for the charity event is to raise $25K.
Registration begins at 7:30 am and the teams will tee-off at 9:00 am. To participate in the golf scramble the registration fee is $100 per person or $300 for a team of four. Space is limited so if you would like to play register by emailing Anthony Richardson at insidethelinestraining@gmail.com.
The following players have agreed to participate and/or send memorabilia for a silent auction presenting their teams. For the Cards it will be: Michael Bush, Tony Williams, Jamon Brown, Earl Heyman and Mario Urrutia.
The Cats who’ve agreed to participate are: Keenan Burton, Garry Williams, Alex Poythress, and John Wall (memorabilia). Additional names will be released in the coming weeks prior to the scramble.
Others also confirmed to participate is Mohamed Sanu and Ben Simmons (memorabilia).
Inside the Lines Training Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich student athletes with tools to excel academically, while enhancing characteristics of leadership, responsibility and work ethic. They seek to establish these principles while creating a strong athletic foundation through sports specific training.
To learn more about Inside the Lines Training and the Cards vs Cats Golf Scramble go to www.itltraining.org.
We would love to have you cover our scramble. To set up an interview, please contact Sherlene Shanklin with VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-295-0435.
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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.
200 teams and 20 courts will play under one roof at the “Battle of the Greatest” in Louisville, KY
(Louisville, KY) Ohiobasketball.com rolls out the red carpet for the future stars of basketball. It’s the “Battle of the Greatest” tournament held in Louisville, KY May 26th through the 28th at the Kentucky Expo Center, 911 Phillips Lane. The tournament is for boys and girls in grades 4th through 11th. Nationally ranked players and teams will travel to Louisville to participate under one roof with 20 courts.
If you love sneakers, the Battle of the Greatest, Big Country and KY Kick Fest presents a Sneaker Showcase on Sunday, May 27th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You can buy, sell and/or trade. We need to limit each person to four pair to carry in. If you would like to purchase a table call 859-913-1070. Admission is $10 which includes admission into the tournament.
For updates on the Battle of the Greatest follow us on Twitter for real-time updatMemes @theathleticfirm.
If you would like to do a preview story on the Battle of the Greatest, contact VIPP Communications by emailing us at info@vippcommunications.com. For media credentials to cover the tournament contact us at info@vippcommunications.com
Welcome to VIPP Communications. We are your one-stop Public Relations, Marketing, Branding and Event Management firm.
Our company was founded in 1998, after an overwhelming demand for our freelance services. We cater to every realm of business from professional athletes, entertainers to community and business leaders in their industry.
VIPP stand for “Visualizing into People’s Personality” and it’s pronounced V-I-P because our clients always get the V.I.P. treatment when we work on their project. Our dedication, experience, hard work and innovation is why clients enjoy our services.
Sherlene Shanklin started this firm with giving back in mind. VIPP helps groups needing assistance with planning and receiving media coverage. Many had no idea where to begin and Shanklin came in and helped develop a plan which many today still use her services and techniques she taught them.
The symbol we use is a circle meaning that that its never ending, continuous, and everlasting. We are what you call a timeless team of communication professionals working to shape your business to have longevity and prosperity.
200 teams and 20 courts will play under one roof at the “Battle of the Greatest”
(Louisville, KY) Ohiobasketball.com rolls out the red carpet for the future stars of basketball. It’s the “Battle of the Greatest” Amateur Athletic Union, (AAU) tournament held in Louisville, KY May 26th through the 28th at the Kentucky Expo Center, 911 Phillips Lane. The tournament is for boys and girls in grades 4th through 11th. Nationally ranked players and teams will travel to Louisville to participate under one roof with 20 courts.
Recruiters and teams will all have their eye on Team Breakdown based out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. All nine players have been offered Division 1 offers to play basketball at the collegiate level. Son of University of Kentucky and NBA star Jamal Mashburn Jr. plays on this squad and will be in Louisville for the tournament.
Coach Kenny Gillion says “Mashburn has offers from Louisville, Harvard and Florida State University” just to name a few of the schools recruiting the point guard. Gillion goes on to say that he’s proud of his whole team with the opportunity to further their education through basketball. This is a family affair because Gillion’s wife Diana is in charge of the Showtime Ballers. They will also play in the Louisville tournament.
Richard Ballard, Toney Frank and a group of Louisville entrepreneurs joined the team to bring the tournament to Louisville. They put the event at one location and packed it with activities that they whole family can enjoy. There will be an inflatable zone for basketball’s youngest fans. There will be a Paw Patrol and PJ Mask Day along with contests, giveaways, and selfies with your favorite character.
Frank says “To give the games a faster pace and high impact we have rallied together the city’s top DJ’s to play during the games.” Ballard also added that “There will be some special guests attending some of the games and we are excited that they are coming out to support us”.
Frank goes on to say “You will know you are in basketball country when arrive. Some of the best players were developed in this city and we want to create a platform for the next generation to receive that same opportunity.”
If you are a sneaker head, the Battle of the Greatest, Big Country and KY Kick Fest presents a Sneaker Showcase on Sunday, May 27th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You can buy, sell and/or trade. We need to limit each person to four pair to carry in. If you would like to purchase a table call 859-913-1070. Admission is $10 which includes admission into the tournament.
We will provide a list of the teams and their start times when the tournament entries are finalized. For updates on the Battle of the Greatest follow us on Twitter for real-time updates @theathleticfirm.
If you would like to do a preview story on the Battle of the Greatest, contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by emailing us at info@vippcommunications.com. For media credentials to cover the tournament contact us at info@vippcommunications.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.
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 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.
Now 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
In their annual celebration they will recognize supporters & “shine” a spotlight on some unsung heroes
(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 18th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 19th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center, 201 Abraham Flexner Way. There will be a reception at 5:00 pm to meet honorees and special guests.
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. The Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) student and teacher award winners are:
Elementary School Student: Paul Clark Elementary School Teacher: Ms. Deanna LeFan
Middle School Student: Zackary Estridge Middle School Teacher: Ms. Joan Allen
High School Student: Katherine Teston High School Teacher: Ms. Melanie Guillerman
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Billy Wright and the Merit Award will be presented to Josiah Johnson.
There will also be a presentation for Certificate of Merit and Image Award Certificate winners.
The Certificate of Merit winners are: Linda Irvin, Ed Price, Michael White
Image Award Certificate winners are: Eric French, Vitalis Lanshima, Tracey Thompson
This year’s keynote speaker will be Herb Henry. The owner of Competitors Edge Enterprise, a sports apparel company and current member of the Louisville Spokes & Spires, a local wheelchair basketball team. The former University of Louisville football player was shot twice in 1992 at the age of 18 at a party. One bullet hit near his lung and the other near his spine, paralyzing Henry. It took Henry many years to adjust and find his next calling. He put the football down and picked up a basketball and started to play wheelchair basketball. Motivating himself to move forward while inspiring many who still wanted to compete and had that competitor’s edge.
The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life. The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.
In 2017, at the 17th annual awards ceremony Marques Maybin, ESPN Louisville radio show host and former University of Louisville basketball star was their keynote speaker.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245
If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition and/or our keynote speaker for the 18th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 19th at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.
(Louisville, KY) NFL star and Louisville native Jamon Brown, announces that he will create several signature events during his off-season, to support his hometown through his non-profit J.Brown Foundation. First on the calendar, is the inaugural Jamon Brown Foundation Celebrity Golf Scramble, in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless.
The scramble will take place Monday, April 9th at Lake Forest Country Club. Registration will begin at 10:30 am sharp, and at 11:00 am Mayor Greg Fischer will kick-off the event with a welcome. Shortly after, those in attendance will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet former U of L and UK Legends, and other notable celebrities. There will be a 1:00 pm shotgun start.
We are receiving local and national Celebrity confirmations daily, and are happy to announce the following special guests joining Brown in attendance: Hall of Fame and former UofL Head Coach Denny Crum; 2000 Super Bowl Champion and former UofL star quarterback Chris Redman; 2013 NCAA Champions Russ Smith and Luke Hancock; UK basketball legend Jack “Goose” Givens; and NFL Super Bowl Champion and UK football star Jared Lorenzen, to name a few. Additional names will be released in the coming weeks.
One of the highlights of this event, is that celebrity guests will be auctioned off to golf with the highest bidding team! Those that are interested, will have an opportunity to golf with their favorite sports legend.
Jamon Brown says “Anytime that I can get home and help my community that’s what I’m going to do. When you look at the statistics of homelessness in Louisville, many are my age or a little younger, and it causes me to stop and think that we all could be in that situation. So, if I can help just one person get back on track, we have accomplished our goal.”
Brown attended Fern Creek High School in Louisville, KY. He received a scholarship to the University of Louisville, and played football from 2011 to the 2014 season, under Coaches Charlie Strong and Bobby Petrino respectively. He was an offensive line starter on the 2013 Sugar Bowl Champion Team. Brown was then picked in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the St. Louis and now Los Angeles Rams. This past season, he started all 16 games as their right guard, helping to lead the way for 2017 NFL Offensive MVP, Todd Gurley.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Danny Mosby at Danny.mosby@gmail.com or Sherlene Shanklin at info@vippcommuications.com. This event is planned and organized by Rising Tide Events, and is one that you do not want to miss! Expertise provided by Jason Kemelgor and MyLendingRate.com-a J Brown Foundation partner.
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About JBrown Foundation
Our mission is to impact the lives of those struggling with Poverty, Violence, and Youth Homelessness, and to improve upon the Education and Healthy Living issues that are typically prevalent in at risk areas, while influencing others to do the same. To donate go to JBrownFoundation.com. Follow us on Facebook JBrown Foundation, Twitter: JB_The_GREAT_68 and Instagram: JB_The_GREAT_68. “Setting our Foundation one block at a time.”
About the Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless, located at 1300 S. 4th Street, Suite 250, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to prevent and eliminate homelessness in Louisville. The Coalition has a three-pronged approach to this mission: advocacy, education, and coordination of their 30+ member agencies who provide a variety of services to the homeless throughout the city. For more information, visit http://www.louhomeless.org, call (502) 636-9550, or find The Coalition for the Homeless on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LouHomeless or on Twitter @louhomeless
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.
Groundwork is being laid to help Louisville become NBA ready. NBA to Lou announced Thursday morning that Dan Issel, former NBA and ABA all-star and All-American at the University of Kentucky, will be president of the Louisville Basketball Investment and Support Group. The group created was in 2016 to explore the opportunity to bring an NBA franchise to Louisville.
In a news release, the group announced that more than 20 local investors have contributed a combined $750,000 in startup capital to support the initiative, referred to as “NBA 2 Louisville,” that will help make Louisville and the Commonwealth
of Kentucky NBA-ready. The $750,000 represents the first round of a $3 million private placement memorandum (PPM).
So, the organization’s primary role is to ensure Louisville and Kentucky are ready should there be an opportunity for an NBA expansion franchise or if an existing team expresses interest in relocating.
Is this a good idea or is this just wishful thinking? If you think this could be a reality would you support It?
Follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr and @thevippreport as I continue to watch their vision come to life.
If you have a story idea, send it to me at thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.
Special from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Affiliate
With the looming question that many in Kentucky want to know can the state support a National Basketball Association, (NBA) team? The reason why I’m expanding the discussion from Louisville to the whole Commonwealth is because the players, (people involved) will have connections to both the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. I’ve figured out several names of the people involved but It can change and/or be updated by the time the public is made aware of their venture.
Remember, I said that there will be an announcement this week. We only have a couple of days left in the week so I anticipate something in the next day if not today. At the time of the announcement we will have the name(s) of the people involved which will create a collaborative team of influential people playing all the positions needed to be a real competitor in the game of having a professional team in Louisville.
Like in the Field of Dreams, we built the KFC Yum! Center so will they come or do they need another arena to make it happen? We are getting closer to that announcement where the talk will turn into negotiations. They still have a long way to go but this is now going to be moving forward instead of backwards.
You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr and Facebook on my public figure page @SherleneShanklin. Send your story ideas to sshanklin@whas11.com or thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.
(Louisville, KY) NFL star Jamon Brown and his foundation (J. Brown Foundation) are teaming up with WHAS11 TV and the Homeless Coalition For The “#502StepUp” for the Holidays Fundraiser.
The goal of the telethon is to raise funds during the Holiday Season while bringing awareness to Youth and Young Adult Homelessness. It’s a trying time, especially during the winter months, for those that do not have a permanent place to call home.
The J. Brown Foundation is asking the City of Louisville to “Step Up” and be a part of the solution, and assist those who just need a little help during the holidays. Currently, there is a spike in youth and young adult homelessness between the ages of 16-24 in Louisville, and Jamon is rolling up his sleeves to help shed light on this issue.
In Jefferson County alone, there’s over 800 new cases per year of youth that are considered homeless for various reasons. The statistics are staggering and agencies like the Homeless Coalition are overwhelmed with requests this time of year.
“The J. Brown Foundation is committed to assisting our community partners by investing time, energy and resources, while using our platform to bring awareness to issues such as Youth and Young Adult Homelessness. Even the smallest donations go a long way, and we need the city’s support to raise funds during the Holidays to propel the Homeless Coalition to their goal of eliminating Youth Homelessness by 2020,” says Jamon Brown.
On Wednesday, November 15th we are asking you to open your heart and donate during our telethon on WHAS11TV from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.
Even a small donation will go a long way. Plus, you will never know who will be on the other line taking your pledge.
It’s the “502StepUp for the Holidays”. Please call in from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 15th to donate by calling 502-571-2345 or 1-866-885-1848.
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About the Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless, located at 1300 S. 4th Street, Suite 250, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to prevent and eliminate homelessness in Louisville. The Coalition has a three-pronged approach to this mission: advocacy, education, and coordination of their 30+ member agencies who provide a variety of services to the homeless throughout the city. For more information, visit http://www.louhomeless.org, call (502) 636-9550, or find The Coalition for the Homeless on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LouHomeless or on Twitter @louhomeless
About JBrown Foundation
Our mission is to impact the lives of those struggling with Poverty, Violence, and Youth Homelessness, and to improve upon the Education and Healthy Living issues that are typically prevalent in at risk areas, while influencing others to do the same. To donate go to JBrownFoundation.com. Follow us on Facebook JBrown Foundation, Twitter @NFLRAM_JBROWN and Instagram @NFLRAM_jBrown. “Setting our Foundation one block at a time.”
About WHAS11 TV
WHAS11 is the ABC affiliate serving the Louisville, Kentucky television market. Owned by TEGNA Inc., WHAS11 has been broadcasting in Kentucky and Southern Indiana since 1950. WHAS11 is recognized for a rich history of journalistic excellence, award winning local programing, and a commitment to improve the communities it serves. For media inquiries, contact: Rob Thomas, Marketing Director WHAS11 502.582.7700
(Louisville, KY) The University of Louisville Football Team started their season with a win against former UofL star Jeff Brohm’s scrappy Purdue Boilermaker team. Consequently, we are now just days away from the kick off of the National Football League (NFL) season as well! This time of year, and the excitement behind both football seasons, make it the perfect time for Louisville-based Birdgang Brand Clothing, to add to its “Louisville Legends” Series. This specific line of clothing, which Birdgang introduced with Super Bowl 39 MVP Deion Branch as its initial athlete, was created out of respect and love for former UofL greats, their contribution to the University, as well as for the fans of these particular past players. Added to this very prestigious list, is Louisville’s “Home Grown” Jamon Brown!
Jamon starred at Louisville’s Fern Creek High School, The University of Louisville, and is now the starting right guard for the Los Angeles Rams, clearing the way on the line of scrimmage for 2015 NFL Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley. “SACRIFICE” is the exclusive design that Jamon and Birdgang Brand brainstormed about, the one word that embodies the life and career of an offensive lineman! Or? Maybe it embodies the life of an at home mom, or an awesome front line employee that gets little recognition? Or? Maybe it embodies the life of our military men and women, that give their lives freely on a daily basis! Or? Maybe our first responders to situations like Hurricane Harvey-the men and women that run into disastrous situations, while others look or run away. Or? Maybe it’s our at-risk youth, of which Jamon is very active through his JBrown Foundation, and teaching them that SACRIFICE breeds success. Whichever it is, this design fits the mold of anyone that has given their time and energy, seeking very little in return.
“The sacrifice shirt really speaks for itself,” says Jamon. “Being an offensive lineman, you’re constantly making sacrifices! You are consistently the least recognized but are a part of the bigger goal, and take on some of the biggest responsibilities, in the process of building success. This design takes you into the perspective of an offensive lineman, and others making sacrifices! For me, it’s just the selfless attitude that I have, and I think many lineman like myself have as well. So, the words and phrases of this shirt, puts you in the shoes of an individual that puts the TEAM, before themselves. The ultimate Sacrifice!”
The exclusive “Sacrifice” Design will go on sale this Friday for a limited time only and is in high demand, as a portion of the proceeds will benefit The JBrown Foundation. The Foundation has a focus on our “At Risk” Youth in Louisville and abroad, and helping them to realize their fullest potential, with an end-goal of influencing them, and others to be givers. The link below is equipped with the pricing details of the shirt. There’s also a direct path (toward the middle of the page once the link is opened), to the JBrown Foundation for those that want to donate directly, and stay abreast with the happenings of the Foundation. If you would like to purchase the “Sacrifice” design we’ve provided the following link: https://birdgangpledge.ignitecx.com/sacrifice.
To setup an interview with Jamon Brown and/or members of Birdgang Brand Clothing please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com. To learn more about Birdgang Brand visit www.wearebirdgang.com.
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Please note-This Saturday, (September 9th) Birdgang Brand/Cardinal Phone Repair will be having its first “Game Watch Party” at their new store this Saturday, Kicking off at 1030am with Cornhole and other tailgating activities before the Noon game time vs UNC. 2948 Yorkshire Blvd at the Intersection of Taylorsville Rd and Breckinridge Lane in Hikes Point. Jamon Brown “Sacrifice” shirts can be Pre-ordered at the Game Watch Party as well. Event sponsored by The JBrown Foundation.
(Louisville, KY) It’s all about the bragging rights in the All-Star Showdown 2017 on Sunday, September 3rd at Old Male High School Gym, 911 S. Brook Street (corner of Brook and Breckenridge). Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for youth 12 and under.
At 3:00 p.m. there will be a championship league game. So, the East End Team of Louisville, Lou-Ville Champs will go up against the Buffalo All Star Pro Team from Lexington coached by 1978 NCAA Champion and Kentucky Wildcat James Lee. It’s the battle for bragging rights. During halftime fans, will get to enjoy a dunk contest. You need to be in attendance to see the unbelievable dunks that will be attempted.
You will get your money’s worth with this event. A second game has been added. It’s the All-Star Game featuring former NBA & NCAA champion for the Kentucky Wildcats Derek Anderson, former Louisville Cardinals stars BJ Flynn, Nate Johnson and Alvin Sims will participate in the game. We’ve also confirmed that two Louisville Metro Police Officers Joplin Johnson and Thomas Coleman will play in this game. Louisville native and NBA star D’Angelo Russell graciously sponsored the official All Star Showdown Nike uniforms for the 5pm game.
Two former University of Louisville athletes Tony Williams and Mario Urrutia along with their dynamic teams created this concept to give back to the youth in the community. Williams played 10 years in the European professional basketball league and works tirelessly to assist the youth in the community. After playing for the Cardinals, Urrutia played in the NFL and currently helps other youth seeking the same success by developing them at the Super Student Athletes, LIFE Center. They provide guidance both on and off the football field. Throughout the day, you will see youth be showcased in various ways so they can be exposed to positive figures in the community.
You will also get to see Kentucky State University’s Marching Band. They will travel from Frankfort to be a part of the game. There will be a step show during the HBCU halftime explosion.
This event is for the sharp shooters because there will be a Montgomery Chevrolet 3 Point Contest. Former Harlem Globetrotter, Dirt Bowl legend and Louisville native Gerald Gray will participate in Beat the Pro Challenge.
There will even be a $1,000 Lawyer for the City Half Court Long Shot Challenge sponsored by Attorney Brandon Lawrence.
This family friendly event will not only recognize the youth in the community but due to Hurricane Harvey, organizers felt the need to assist with aid by holding a moment of silence at the start of the game and introducing Derek Anderson’s AOK Foundation for hurricane relief fund and explain how you can help throughout the event. Organizers have family and friends affected and want to let them know they care.
The response has been overwhelming when it comes to giving back. We would like to thank some 30 sponsors that made this event which include Denny & Susan Crum, Bias Tilford Jr., Beargrass Missionary Church & Iron Sharpens Men’s Church Group, UPS Store St. Matthews Woodlawn Plaza, Derby Oil-Man, Lawrence “Red” Herring, Parkland Laundry, Media-Pros, Wade Houston and Frank Minnifield and family.
All four of the urban radio outlets in the area have agreed to be a part of the event by hosting different hours throughout the day. B96, 93.1 The Beat, WLOU/104.7 and 107.9 The Beat in Lexington will all broadcast from the event. There will be on-site interviews with KySports.TV. They will also live stream the games. To keep the activities moving Mario Martin of “The Mario Show” will be the emcee for the day.
Members of the Aspire Academy, which features some of the top high school prospects in the country will be in attendance. Hoops for Christ Philip Morrison will do a dribble dance routine with youth on the court. With all this fun, you will get hungry so we have the 502 Café food truck serving food just outside the door.
If you would like to setup an interview with Tony Williams and Mario Urrutia please contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
Crews will be setting up on Friday and Sunday if you would like to do a preview story. We also invite you to do live shots during our games. There will be plenty of things going on and we will have coordinators, supporters and players made available to you.
A Celebration of Unity, Art, Culture, & History Across the African Diaspora
The 5th Annual African Heritage Festival will be held in various locations around the city of Louisville Friday, August 25th through Sunday August 27th. The event celebrates unity, culture, art and history across the African Diaspora.
The festival is hosted by Bridge Kids International, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), the Kentucky Old School Sports Association (KOSSA), HoneyTree Publishing, and Moments to Remember.
The African Heritage Festival is organized by a dynamic team representing a variety of countries and backgrounds. The whole city is invited to this unifying event that will be fun, educational, and certainly full of flavor. Last year’s festival drew approximately 2000 participants, and with this year’s new additions, we only anticipate that the celebration will continue to grow.
Opening Ceremony — Friday, August 25th – Kentucky Center for African American Heritage:
Opening Ceremony will kick off the weekend with a reception and program honoring African heritage, culture, history and art.
Festival Day — Saturday, August 26th
The African Heritage Festival will be a joyous event for the whole family with great food, music, dance, sports, theater, fashion, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, resources for healthy living and so much more. What a great way to honor African, African-American and Caribbean cultures in Louisville and add to the revitalization efforts in the historic Russell neighborhood. All activities are free and open to the public. Some highlights include:
8:00am: Soccer Tournament Begins – Champions Park, 2050 River Road soccer tournament held at Champions Park, organized by KOSSA, featuring 10 teams from at least 5 states with players representing 20 countries of origin
10:00am: Parade Begins – a parade of marching bands, dance teams, bicycle groups, community organizations and more down Muhammad Ali Blvd. starting at 9th Street and ending at 18th Street where the festival will take place in front of the KCAAH
10:00am – 12:00pm: the widely beloved Books & Breakfast!
11:00am: Festival activities begin and will feature live entertainment, “Under the Story Tree” storytelling fest, and other children’s activities. Food, merchandise and informational vendors from across the city and the surrounding region will be in attendance.
12:00pm: Basketball tournament begins – a street basketball tournament presented by KOSSA and the organizers of the Dirt Bowl
12:00pm – 5:00pm: A how-to fair with community members teaching useful and fun things
7:00pm: Festival ends
Sunday, August 27th – Invoke… Called by the Ancestors (performance begins 2:30 pm)
This year, we are excited to announce that a third day will be incorporated into the festival! Please come out on Sunday, August 27th for “Invoke … Called by the Ancestors” performed by Sankofa Dance Theater. The Baltimore based dance company presents world-class, authentic African art in the form of dance, music, and folkways for national and international audiences. Sankofa Dance Theater’s work is rooted in healing and bringing intercultural understanding to the global village while staying true to the definition of the word “Sankofa” — which means to learn from the past in an effort to build for the future. The show will begin promptly at 2:30pm and will feature a special appearance by spoken word artists Hannah Drake and Tytianna Wells smith –performing A Mother’s Tears. Tickets for Sunday’s are available on Eventbrite and at Better Days Records West (Lyles Mall). Proceeds will go towards the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. We would like to thank The Brown Forman Foundation, The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and Metro Louisville for sponsoring this event, and their dedication to making world renowned talent accessible to the larger community.
The African Heritage Festival was founded in 2013 when Bridge Kids International approached KCAAH about hosting the event at the Center as a way to build relationships among and celebrate Louisville’s African Diaspora. In four years, the event has grown from a mostly indoor event to a street festival and has more than doubled in size. Bridge Kids continues to coordinate the overall planning, but the African Heritage Festival has truly become the pride of all of the presenting organizations, planning committee, participants and volunteers.
Bridge Kids International is a Louisville, KY based global non-profit organization helping young people of Africa and the African Diaspora, aged 13-25, unleash their social entrepreneurial spirits to solve economic development, education, environmental, girls’ rights, and health challenges and build sustainable communities. Bridge Kids operates from a belief that the interaction between culture, community, and connection leads to healing, restoration, and the evolution of individuals and communities. BKI is rooted in African heritage culture, works to build communities that nurture young people, and seeks to strengthen relationships across Africa and the African Diaspora. Bridge Kids currently operates in 6 countries – Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal and the USA.
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage’s (KCAAH) mission is to enhance the public’s knowledge about the history, heritage and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky. In addition to its commitment to preserving the traditions and accomplishments of the past, the Center is a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for cultural programs, exhibitions and performances of all types. KCAAH’s brand is “One More River to Cross,” a history examined through Kentucky stories about African American history from its African origins through the Freedom Struggle against slavery and Jim Crow laws, to the modern Civil and Human Rights Movements in the 20th century.
FOOTBALL SEASON IS JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY GET YOUR CHILD READY BY PARTICIPATING IN DEION BRANCH’S SKILLS AND DRILLS CAMP
(Louisville, KY) Former University of Louisville and two-time Super Bowl champ and SB XXXIX MVP Deion Branch returns to Louisville to host his 8th Annual Skills & Drills Football Camp. It will be on Saturday, July 8th at Baptist Health Performance, 12101 Sycamore Station Place. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the camp is from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The camp is for youth ages 7 to 18. The registration fee is only $50, which includes: lunch, goodie bag, t-shirt and personal instruction from Branch and some of his U of L teammates and friends.
Branch says “The DB Foundation really enjoys this camp. We get to watch young athletes develop their skills. We’ve watched several players throughout their football season and they’ve excelled and we are excited to see them return to work on another part of their game. If you’ve never brought your child to the camp, I encourage them to come. Former U of L players will take them through various drills. This camp gives them a chance to learn proper technique, health and wellness plus sportsmanship.”
The proceeds raised during the camp will benefit the Deion Branch Foundation. The Deion Branch Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer support to children’s mental, physical, emotional well-being and for those who have been infected with meningitis. The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggle for children like Deion’s son. The foundation goal is to assist by providing programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on the foundation go to http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org.
If you would like to be a sponsor and/or donate items for goodie bags, please contact William Hicks at 334-507-3632 or Sherlene Shanklin at 502-295-0435. To register your child for the 8th Annual Skills & Drills Camp go to www.deionbranchfoundation.org and fill out the online registration form. If you belong to a football league and multiple players would like to participate please have your coach call us so we can offer team discounts.
To setup an interview with Deion Branch about the camp held on Saturday, July 8th, please call Sherlene Shanklin, Branch’s publicist at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
VIPP Communications is your one-stop PR/Marketing/Production/Event Management firm that works with business leaders, professional athletes and entertainers. With over 25 years experience in the field, our work speaks for itself. To have one of our V.I.P. consultants assist you with your next project, contact us at info at vippcommunications dot com.
(Louisville, KY) It’s the return of the Super Hoop High School All-Star Seniors Classic. In the state where players have the reputation of competitive high flying and raining three-pointers from all over the court. The region’s top players will match up and to measure their skill set before heading to the respective collegiate teams.
On Saturday, May 27th, old school meets new school at Old Male High School located at 911 S. Brook Street. Starting at 1:00 p.m. various championship veteran players will coach the future all-stars.
There will be a Doctors of Dunk Contest judged by of course some of the legendary sky walkers in this area. It’s only right for them to judge the next group of stars entering their tight brotherhood of basketball dominance. If that’s not enough entertainment. Back by popular demand is the Celebrity All-Star Peace game. Area celebrities, current and former professionals will lace them up “4 Peace”.
This is a family friendly event, so we did not forget about our young sports fans. There will be a peewee contest. All peewee participants will receive two Louisville Bats 2017 season tickets.
This classic has seen some of the best when it comes to fundamentally sound players that’s have elevated their skills to winner NBA and NCAA championships. The urban style of the game is quick, streaky with plenty of flair.
The Super Hoop Classic is proud of its alumni like Miami Heat and University of Kentucky champion Derek Anderson, Kentucky’s High School Sweet 16 Tournament 1997 MVP and a member of Eastern’s championship team AshleyOlinger; former International league player, NCAA coach and current high school assistant coach in South Carolina Cypheus Bunton; Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball , Kentucky Boys State Champion and Super Hoop Slam Dunk Champ Jermaine Brown, Dwayne Morton: NBA second round pick to Golden State in 1994, UofL ‘s all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage and Kentucky Mr. Basketball; Anthony Grundy: played in the NBA and Italian League, collegiately he played on North Carolina State and he was a Super Hoop three-point contest champ. This is just a of the many success stories and we are excited to see the Class of 2017!
If that’s not enough entertainment. Back by popular demand is the Celebrity All-Star 4
Peace game. Local celebrities, current and former professionals will lace them up “4 Peace”. Some past participants; Dr. Kevin Cosby, Scooter McCrary, Kareem Abdul Jr., the late Troy “Esclade” Jackson, Ukari Figgs, Vince Taylor and celebrity guests like Tela, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Timberland and DJ Kid Capri.
This will be an entertaining and action-packed game with a NBA feel by having neo-soul, R & B and hip hop music playing during the game.
Throughout the game there will be entertainment from performances from all genres of music to spoken word and performances by some of the city’s hottest dance teams.
Legendary sports announcer and the voice of the Dirt Bowl Cornell Bradley will keep the action going with play by play commentary of the games as well as friendly picking on spectators in the stands.
We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the games, entertainment and activities.
Tickets are only $5.00 per person. If you have additional information about the game, call Barry Tilford at 502-650-3660.
If you would like to setup an interview, please call VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.
With the recent acts of violence in the community and today being the last day of school for Jefferson County Public School students, parents and guardians are scrambling to find events and activities for youth to attend.
On Thursday, May 25th at 10:00 am at Old Male High School, 911 S. Brook Street community and faith-based leaders will announce an event taking place this weekend. Leaders are buying up tickets to give to organizations and church groups to make sure youth have something safe to do on Memorial Day weekend.
The chaperoned event will be fun safe and will applaud the youth who are doing what their families, schools and community ask of them.
In conjunction with the announcement WLOU/104.7FM will do a marathon giveaway Thursday and Friday to make sure youth who want to attend that do not have the money will get to enjoy their first weekend on summer break.
Please join us for details of the event, the former University of Kentucky and University of Louisville players who’ve agreed to be a part of Saturday’s event and the community leaders who are stepping up to make sure our children have a place where they can be kids and not worry about their safety.
Representatives from WLOU, 104.7FM, church leaders and various community leaders will all be on hand for the media briefing to show their support. (Please see attached-All participating organizations involved in Saturday’s event)
If you have any questions, please contact Barry Tilford at 502-650-3660.
A full press release will be distributed at the conclusion of the announcement. For media inquiries please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.
PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS: Thursday, May 25th 10:00 am Old Male High School, 911 S. Brook Street Contact: Barry Tilford, 502-650-3660
(Louisville, KY) It’s the 2nd Annual Acts of Kindness (AOK) Gala. It will be held on Saturday, July 15th at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center at 8:00 pm.
The gala is a part of the Stamina Foundation, founded by NBA and NCAA champion Derek Anderson. The foundation was created to empower youth and young adults with the resources and the life skills they need to follow their dreams. Our first major project is to open the Stamina Academy. The purpose of the academy is to teach skills to youth both in and out of the school system with the goal of bringing this generation back to life’s basic skills; manners, being respectful to others, self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-education. The Stamina Foundation is excited to announce that their foundation that demonstrates doing the right thing and volunteerism will honor community leaders and area students for a second year.
The purpose of the AOK Gala is to introduce guest to the academy and how to get those doors open. Also, during the evening you will get to enjoy inspirational stories of this year’s honorees. Those names will be released the week of the gala.
Derek Anderson says “I want to help the next generation develop mental training which is a vital life skill component. My goal is to create more leaders and less followers. I want them to be able to have the will power to standup for what’s right. In turn, it becomes infectious and others will follow suit. Let’s SHOW them how GREAT they can become and to let them know that “Everything will be AOK”.
The black tie optional event will be July 15th with a “Meet & Greet” at 7:00 pm and Dinner at 8:00 pm. Single tickets are $150 and couple tickets are $250. To purchase tickets and/or donate go to www.staminafd.com.
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.
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Churchill Downs using Old Forester Bourbon. The cheesecakes are topped with caramel nuts and a fleur de lis chocolate discs. By incorporating the Old Forester, which is the official bourbon for Churchill Downs gives a winning combination as racing fans from all over the world attend the greatest two minutes in sports.
Liquor Barn, the Kroger Company and the Muhammad Ali International Airport. You can always visit their site at 
Now 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”.
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