THE DEION BRANCH FOUNDATION GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING FAMILIES THAT NEED A LITTLE ASSISTANCE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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THE DEION BRANCH FOUNDATION GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING FAMILIES THAT NEED A LITTLE ASSISTANCE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

(Louisville, KY) Two-time Super Bowl Champion & Super Bowl 39 MVP Deion Branch along with his foundation assisted 20 families in making the holiday season brighter for their children. Children had the opportunity to shop for clothes, toys, and gifts for loved ones at the Walmart on Standiford Plaza Drive.  To help them pick out their selections, players of the University of Louisville Football team played Santa’s helpers. 

Branch currently works as a staff member at his alma mater, University of Louisville.  Branch says, “It is so important to give back to those so support you, the fans.  That is why I always try to bring the guys out with me to show how important it is to the community.  To see these young people smile, run up and down the isles full of excitement makes my heart happy. You can see the relief in parents’ eyes that their children are going to be able to celebrate and go back to school with a story or two from their holiday break.  We definitely created memories and fans.” 

Youth participating in the shopping spree came from the Neighborhood House, Louisville Central Community Center Mini-Versity Child Development Center, and the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy. 

A special thank you to R&B Roofing and Remodeling who donated their time and a monetary gift to each child involved in the holiday spree. We also would like to thank the team at Walmart for being so accommodating as we took over the store and even had shoppers stopping to get photos with the team and Branch.   

Branch goes on to say, “The holiday season is challenging time for families, so I hope we were able to relieve some stress and in return remind the team that we are blessed.  We do not take anything or anyone for granted.  This was a community project, but it was a reminder that we all need to work as team.  When we do, we can win.”

The Cards will now focus on their bowl game which will be played on New Year’s Eve against Washington in the Sun Bowl.

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 have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

*Photos attached courtesy VIPP Communications.  You can also go to our social pages @vippcommunications

THE DEION BRANCH FOUNDATION TAKE LOUISVILLE YOUTH SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS

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THE DEION BRANCH FOUNDATION TAKE LOUISVILLE YOUTH SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS

(Louisville, KY) Last night (Friday, Dec 15th) in Louisville the Deion Branch Foundation founded by two-time Superbowl champion and current staff member of the University of Louisville Football team Deion Branch took 30 children shopping for the holidays.  Branch along with current members of the UofL Football team helped local youth from the Louisville Central Community Center, Portland Neighborhood House and Sowing Seeds with Faith shop for clothes and toys.  They were at the Target Store located at 3600 Mall Road, 40218. A special thank you to Dr. Adora Hicks for coordinating the players to make sure they shared in the experience. 

Branch says “Me and my family have been truly blessed and we want to help those in need.  Since working for the university, in the past two years I’ve gained a better understanding of the importance of giving back, especially to the fans. Families have been through so much over the past few years and if we can help in any way to lighten the load, especially during the holidays, we want to do that.  I’ve excited to bring some of the players from the team to help me spread some holiday cheer as they prepare for the Holiday Bowl.”

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 have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

*Photos attached courtesy VIPP Communications.  You can also go to our social pages as well as the university’s IG page. 

Statement: Former UofL & NFL star Jamon Brown talks about the hiring of Jeff Brohm:

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December 8, 2022

“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!”

Jamon Brown

TheVIPPReport: Have you ever wanted to make the call? Now you can become an officiate

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(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.

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The VIPP Report: Have you ever wanted to make the call? Now you can. Become an officiate.

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(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.

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The VIPP Report: NFL star Bilal Powell is building relationships and homes in Indiana and Kentucky

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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. 

Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherlene@sherleneshanklin.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The see the WHAS11 story on Powell click the link provided https://www.whas11.com/article/features/bilal-powell-focused-on-building-homes-in-louisville/417-df751bbf-c074-432a-b06c-2839dd630e99

The VIPP Report: Two-time Super Bowl Champ Deion Branch will host a free Skills & Drills Camp in Louisville

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(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 VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Apparel announces former Cardinal and LA Ram Jamon Brown to their Louisville Legends Series

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(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.

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The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand welcomes L.A. Ram & former U of L Cardinal Jamon Brown to the team

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(Louisville, KY) We are just hours away from the kickoff of the Louisville Cardinal football season and everyone is getting excited about the season and future that lies ahead for this ACC team. Birdgang Brand Clothing is happy to announce Jamon Brown as the newest partner of the elite brand of University of Louisville apparel and accessories.

With the ink now dry on the deal, Jamon officially becomes a partner in Birdgang, and also takes on the role of being the first professional athlete to be endorsed by the locally-owned clothing company, and certainly will not be the last.

Jamon is in his second year in the NFL and is the starting right guard for the Los Angeles Rams, where he regularly clears the line of scrimmage for 2015 Rookie of the Year, running back Todd Gurley.

Jamon was born and raised in Louisville, Ky. and is a client of Rich Sports Management, which worked with Birdgang Brand Clothing Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Danny Mosby to get the ground breaking deal done. He is also a Fern Creek High School and University of Louisville graduate.

Mosby credits the ability to get such an enormous deal done, to the overall humbleness that Jamon displays, as well as the strong image that he exudes in his daily life. “Jamon is an excellent young man, a hard worker, and one that we lost sleep over to secure this deal, because we couldn’t think of a better person of higher integrity that also matches the missions of our Brand. He was just the perfect fit.”

Jamon says “It’s a huge honor and opportunity to become a part of the Birdgang family! BIRDGANG has been a part of the first group of people to believe in me, and to have this opportunity means a lot! As we take the next step in our journey, I’m excited to build and grow together! #BirdgangFamily”

Birdgang will also look to create a specific division geared toward Jamon’s likeness, and will also aim to benefit the “Big and Tall” crowd, which unfortunately has frustrating challenges when it pertains to purchasing University of Louisville themed merchandise.

If you would like to setup an interview, (in-studio/phone) please contact VIPP Communications for availability.

Facebook: wearebirdgang Twitter: wearebirdgang

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Birdgang Brand Clothing is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high fashion sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. The clothing line is founded by two members of the rap group Nappy Roots, Brian “Buffalo Stille” Scott and Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company, (CLC). Birdgang Brand Clothing can be found at JD Becker, Fan Outfitters, Cardinal Authentic, Hall of Fame Café, Mall St. Matthews and participating Kroger stores. To learn more about the Birdgang Brand and find vendor information, visit www.wearebirdgang.com.

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The VIPP Report: Former U of L Cardinal and current Minnesota Viking is injured in practice

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Teddy

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin

Updated at 4:05pm 9/1/2016: Teddy Bridgewater releases a statement on his season-ending injury. Bridgewater says

“I want to thank the Wilf Family and the entire Vikings organization, all of my teammates, friends, Eric Sugarman and the amazing Vikings athletic training staff and the fans who have sent me messages and wished me well. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me and have helped me in this difficult time. There are great players and great leaders in our locker room who are going to fight to the end to reach the goals we set for 2016. I will be there mentally, physically and in spirit to support them accomplish those goals.

In order to have a testimony, you have to have a test. I come from amazing DNA, I watched my mom fight and win against breast cancer. We will, as a team, attack my rehab with the same vigor and energy. My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied.”

Updated at 6:21pm 8/30/2016: The Minnesota Vikings held a news conference and they say Teddy Bridgewater has a “significant” knee injury.  He’s undergoing a MRI and that will tell them more.  Follow us for real-time news @thevippreport @vippcomm @sherlenemediapr.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Tuesday practice came to an abrupt end when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered an apparent left knee injury.

The former University of Louisville QB clutched his knee on the ground. An ambulance arrived for him and the remainder of practice was called off.
No details on the exact nature or severity of Bridgewater’s injury but multiple sources say it looks bad. We will have to wait and see.
If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr @TheVIPP Report.

The VIPP Report: Two-time Super Bowl Champ Deion Branch will host his football camp in Louisville

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SUPER BOWL XXXIX MVP & FORMER U OF L CARDINAL DEION BRANCH RETURNS TO LOUISVILLE FOR HIS ANNUAL CAMP

(Louisville, KY)  Two-time Super Bowl champ and SB XXXIX MVP Deion Branch and his foundation returns to Louisville, Kentucky for their 7th Annual Skills & Drills Football Camp. It will be on Saturday, July 9th at D1 Louisville, 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 16.  The registration fee is only $50, which includes:  lunch, goodie bag, t-shirt and personal instruction from Branch and some of his University of Louisville teammates and friends.

Branch says “I really enjoy seeing youth learn how to go through some of the drills I went through.  We cover numerous drills to determine their potential skillset.  We show them proper techniques while having a good time.  The camp also promotes health, sportsmanship and even scholastic achievement to further a child’s education.”

If your child is interested in football this will be a good start for them.  If they are already participating in area leagues this camp will give them a leg up on their competition.

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.

f 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 7th 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 9th, please call Sherlene Shanklin, Branch’s publicist at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or 502-295-0435.

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If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @TheVIPPReport @vippcomm.

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