TheVIPPReport: J. Brown Foundation announces 3rd annual golf scramble kicking off Kentucky Derby week

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(Louisville, KY) Retired NFL and University of Louisville football star Jamon Brown and the J. Brown Foundation announce their 3rd Annual J. Brown Foundation Golf Scramble presented by Kroger and the Kentucky Derby Festival.  The scramble will be held on Monday, May 2nd at the University of Louisville Golf Club, 401 Champions Way in Simpsonville. 

The scramble’s registration begins at 12:00 pm and golfers will tee-off at 1:00pm.  Proceeds will benefit the Jamon Brown Foundation Empowerment Center.  Giving youth and the community a beacon of hope. 

Brown says “This empowerment center is near and dear to my heart.  I want to leave a legacy in the community that help raise me and supported me throughout my career.  This is my hometown and I want to make positive contributions for the betterment of the whole community, and it begins with the community I grew up in.  I can’t thank everyone enough for your support.”

The mission of the J. Brown Foundation 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.

The J. Brown Foundation thanks the Kentucky Derby Festival of Events, Kroger, Delta Dental, Bluegrass Motorsport and Dan-O’s Seasoning.  As well as the University of Louisville Alumni Association, Socialable Weaver Foundation and lastly its hole sponsors.  

To Register your team of four, please contact Danny Mosby Danny.mosby@gmail.com

To setup an interview with Jamon Brown and/or any members of J. Brown Foundation contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. If you plan to cover the scramble, we will have an on-site coordinator to assist you with interviews. 

The J. Brown Foundation Golf Scramble is an official Kentucky Derby Festival event. 

The VIPP Report: Sheila E. in concert on the Louisville Waterfront

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SheilaE

(Louisville, KY) Tonight, Sheila E. will be a part of the Kentucky Derby Festival Waterfront Jam.

The world-renowned drummer and percussionist known for hits like “Glamourous Life” and “A Love Bizarre” has performed with some of the greatest artists of our time from Prince, Marvin Gaye, Ringo Starr to Beyonce, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.

Sheila E. will take the stage around 9:00 pm.  Looking at her social media pages, she just finished doing her soundcheck in Louisville. So, she’s here and ready to go!

Over the next week some 30 local and regional bands and seven national acts are scheduled to perform.  Admission to all concerts is free with a 2018 Pegasus Pin.

For a complete list of concerts go to https://discover.kdf.org

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: TheSlice, a signature Kentucky Derby Festival event in West Louisville will remember the “Greatest of All Time”

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(Louisville, KY) When you think of the Kentucky Derby you think of food, bourbon, horses and parties.  Well, TheSlice Charities of Louisville, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and PNC Bank proudly present TheSlice @KCAAH.  TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul on Saturday, April 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This year’s theme: A Salute to Muhammad Ali: A Life of Inspiration.  The event will be held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located in the heart of West Louisville at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd named after the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali.

For the first time, guests will get to see an exhibit of the late heavy weight champion.  Ali died on June 3, 2016 and the world turned to Louisville, KY as his family, friends and fans sent him off in a champions way.  Throughout the venue you will see a special collection. In the historical procession of Ali through the streets of Louisville the champ did pass KCAAH and the staff thought it was appropriate to have debut his photo exhibit at TheSlice.

“We are excited to have one of Ali’s family members as a special guest”, said Hosea Mitchell, KCAAH’s Chief Operating Officer.  Ibn Ali, son of Rahmaan Ali and nephew of Muhammad.  Ibn is excited and honored to attend TheSlice on behalf of his family. He’s started a program at the Jewish Community Center in Louisville around June.  Additional details will provide in the coming weeks.

TheSlice is the only West Louisville event sanctioned by Kentucky Derby Festival.  Chefs, caterers and restaurants from all over the city will give guests a sample of their cuisine.  Guests walk around the venue and visit food stations and sample their signature dishes. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy music provided by The Unlimited Band.

Tickets are $65.00 in advance and $75.00 day of event at the venue.  This event is for people 21 years old and up. This is an upscale event where after five attire is suggested.  You can purchase tickets at St. Augustine Church at (502) 584-4602; Better Days Records in The Lyles Mall, JAM BUSTERS at 4906 Popular Level Road in Newburg and KCAAH, 1701 W. Muhmmad Ali Blvd.

If you would like to setup an interview with Hosea Mitchell please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at mail@vippcommunications.com.

TheSlice-Spice, Style & Soul started in April 2002 as a modest festival featuring fantastic food and live jazz, blues and R & B music in a unique and elegant atmosphere to welcome in the Derby season in West Louisville.  Today, the annual signature fundraiser of The Slice Charities of Louisville, Inc. is touted as one of Metro Louisville’s most outstanding official Kentucky Derby Festival Events.

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 The Slice Charities of Louisville, Inc. is an independent, inner-city focused, public charity that raises funds and makes grant awards to support the ever increasingly crucial “safety net” that today exist only because of the compassionate efforts of the nonprofit social service organizations serving West Louisville and Portland which provide: emergency food, prescription drugs, housing and utility assistance, and after-school programs.

 

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

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Derek Anderson Sr

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about AOK go to staminafd.com.

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About Kentucky Derby Festival

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

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

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DB BOURBON CANDY TEAMS UP WITH THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Kentucky Derby Festival

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

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The VIPP Report: Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick in Pre-Derby concert

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Jay-Z Performs At Madison Square Garden With Special Guests

NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 1: Special guest rappers Slick Rick (left) and Doug E. Fresh performs on the “Best of Both Worlds” tour, November 1, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tour was originally a collaboration featuring Jay-Z and R. Kelly, but Kelly was removed from the tour after an incident on Friday, October 29, 2004. R. Kelly filed a 75 million USD lawsuit on November 2, 2004 against Jay-Z for breach of contract accusing his fellow recording artist of threatening behaviour and sabotaging the tour out of spite and jealousy. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Special Derby Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC, Louisville

We are just days away from the 142nd Run for the Roses and the sure bet tonight in entertainment is Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick.  The hip-hop legends will be a part of the Kentucky Derby Festival waterfront Jam.  The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m.

This is “The Show” you don’t want to miss with the original human beatbox.  When Rick the Ruler takes the stage and the “Children’s Story” begins to the play the crowd will definitely sing along.

Ricky “Slick Rick” Martin Lloyd Walters  just announced his “Victory Tour” after he became an American citizen.  The English-born rapper took the oath during a ceremony in April after a .  Once he announced his tour he says “I’m celebrating a new beginning”.

Rick’s official DJ is Louisville’s own Dwight “DJ Kaos” Chatman.  It’s always good to see him on the stage with the hip-hop legends.

Did I mention the cost for the show? All you need is a 2016 Pegasus pins.  You can purchase in retail outlets throughout for the city for only $5.  If you purchase the pin at the gate it’s $7.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event you still have time to send it to me for my “Down the Stretch” blog  at The411@whas11.com. You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

Email: TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com/Twitter: @thevippreport @vippcomm

DJKaos

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner its an old school party on the waterfront with Rose Royce and Midnight Star

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Midnight-Starofficial

On Tuesday, April 28th Rose Royce along with Midnight Star will party the night away as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival Waterfront Jam. 

Rose Royce have been playing hits like “Car Wash” and “Wishing on a Star” for over 25 years.  The Grammy Award winning R & B and soul group will be headline the outdoor concert. 
Kentucky knew about Midnight Star well before the world knew who they were.  They formed their group at Kentucky State University in Frankfort in 1976.  It will be like a homecoming for this band.  Fans will be partying to “No Parking on the Dance Floor” and “Do It” just to name a few od their many hits. 
 
Admission to all of the KDF Waterfront Jam concerts are free with a 2015 Pegasus Pin. 
 
If you have  a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. 
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The VIPP Report: The Deion Branch Foundation prepares for the 2015 Kentucky Derby Marathon/miniMarathon

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It’s that time of the year again! The Deion Branch Foundation will be entering the 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon on Saturday, April 25, 2015! For the fourth year, Team Branch will be running the Mini (13.1 miles) portion of the race.

Because of all of you,  last year we were able to raise a total of $10,725!  That’s $22,000 including the Branch Family donation match. We are excited to begin training and even more excited to see if we can reach our goal again this year.  In addition to raising funds for the foundation, we will also be donating multiple small grants to non-profit organizations in need, who share our mission of supporting children’s mental, physical and emotional well-being of children in our communities. In order to apply, applicants will need to send a letter on their organization’s letterhead that includes:

Introduction/Information on program.  Amount of money needed.  How the grant will benefit the children being serviced.

All letters can be mailed to the foundation and must be postmarked by April 1, 2015. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified no later that April15, 2015. To keep this event special for us, Deion will still be pushing Deiondre the last mile (mile 12)! Upon completion of the event, the Branch Family will MATCH ALL funds raised. We ask that you please join us and consider making a donation in honor of Deiondre and the Deion Branch Foundation.

You can also help by spreading the word. Please feel free to share on your social media pages as well as with organizations who you think will benefit from our grants.  If you would like to volunteer or run/walk with Team Branch please send us an email at deionbranchfoundation@gmail.com.

Help us make a difference, one mile at a time!!!

To donate, please visit the following link:    http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBranch15 .

Send donations and grant letters to: Team Branch, P.O Box 568, Carmel, IN 46082.

Thanks for your continued generosity, love and support,

Team Branch

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 inflicted with meningitis.  The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggles for children like Deiondre, 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.

Branch is a client of VIPP Communications.  For interviews and/or appearances contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.