By Sherlene Shanklin
I’ve have learned that Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie will attend a senate race rally in Louisville, KY later today. The Ali’s will attend Alison Lundergen Grimes senate race rally at the Muhammad Ali Center. Former President Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
TO KEEP UP WITH HIGH DEMAND CARDINAL FANS LOOKING FOR MORE OPTIONS IN APPAREL
Immediate Release
October 29, 2014
2013, “The Year of the Cardinal” took the University of Louisville athletics to new heights. Fans witnessed a football team go 2-0 in bowl victories, a baseball team that advanced to the college World Series, a women’s basketball team reach the NCAA championship game, a men’s basketball team that won a NCAA Championship (2012-2013 season) and the emergence of a new clothing line that captured the swagger of a proud and enthusiastic fan base fittingly called “BIRDGANG”.
Birdgang Brand Clothing is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high fashion sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company, (CLC).
The clothing line is founded by two members of the group Nappy Roots, Brian “Buffalo Stille” Scott and Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson. Stille is the founder and Wilson serves as the co-founder of the brand.
Consumers raved over the style and comfort of the university approved brand. Merchandise was flying off the shelves at retail outlets such as Hall of Fame Café, JD Becker, and Cardboard Heroes in Oxmoor and St. Matthews Malls respectively. From alumni to former players and students, to new found fans across the U.S. the demand for the Birdgang Brand Clothing was such that it caused the company to go back into production and design new merchandise for customers that have purchased every design available to them.
Fast forward one year later as BIRDGANG BRAND now announces the launch of its new website http://www.WeAreBirdgang.com and the addition of their “fly custom fitted caps and SnapBacks” as well as an all new “lady birds” category for the ladies. “We wanted to extend more options to our female Cards fans than just men’s/unisex tees,” says Stille. “In addition, we just got tired of seeing these cheap knockoffs of our trademark, a statewide and federal registered trademark.”
“Our new Fall/Winter line is a fresh new look, which is sleek and stylish plus versatile for U of L fans to show their school spirit even in their workplace.”
With these guys it’s all about the fans. “We do it for the people!” adds Wilson. Being avid U of L fans themselves and even one partner, Danny ‘Moe Money’ Mosby having started on the ’96 Cardinal football squad, the BIRDGANG BRAND team is focused on bringing urban fashion to the sports apparel arena. Stille adds, “We just wanna rep our team and stay fly in the process!”
Former Greater Louisville Inc., (GLI) Executive Director Tendai Charisika says “Birdgang Clothing is on the brink of something special”. Tendai has been instrumental in connecting Birdgang with Louisville’s most sought after venture capitalists. “Birdgang has been able to establish valuable licensing agreements and strategic partnerships with the University of Louisville that has positioned them for incredible future success. The market for urban apparel is growing and Birdgang is capturing this market with the highest quality material, which is what their brand stands for.”
If you would like to be a part of the Birdgang Brand Team go to http://www.WeAreBirdGang.com for investors, distributors and/or vendor information. To setup an interview and to see the new line of merchandise with the Birdgang Brand Clothing team, please call 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.
Mosby says, “the Birdgang Brand Team would like to thank Cards fans for supporting out 100/24 Campaign. We successfully sold 100 t-shirts in 24 hours on the same day the bowl eligible Cardinals received a top #25 ranking. The gray old English L’s, are in just in time for the unveiling of the gray uniforms. Follow us on social media to receive updates on how you can win some merchandise. We will do giveaways each week. Follow us on Facebook group @502Birdgang, Twitter and Instagram @wearebirdgang.”
CREATED FOR THE FANS AND RUN BY THE FANS ITS “BIRDGANG BRAND”
FALL LINE UNVEILED JUST DAYS BEFORE U OF L FACES THEIR TOUGHEST COMPETITION TO DATE
October 27, 2014
Immediate Release
(Louisville, KY) As the seasons begin to change, the University of Louisville Cardinal fans have a lot to be proud of from academics to their athletic teams. You can show your school spirit by wearing some of the coolest apparel. The Birdgang Brand decided to release their Fall/Winter line before some of their biggest games in the school’s history and the holidays.
The line of Cardinal apparel has been created and ready for distribution just in time for the Louisville versus Florida State football game on Thursday, October 30th at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and Saturday, November 1st for the men’s basketball first exhibition game at the KFC Yum! Center, who is fresh off their 2013/2014 run with a record of 31-6 and an Elite Eight appearance. This is their first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Fans can wear the signature Birdgang Brand “L” as well as other trendy Louisville recognizable symbols. “We Are Birdgang” has become a popular brand and a pop culture sensation for fans. If you place your order this week, the Birdgang Brand team will be able to deliver your apparel before this week’s games.
Danny Mosby Partner/CFO says “I want to express to the true hard core University of Louisville fan that you are the reason we are in existence. Every person in our organization is truly a team player and we work tirelessly to bring you designs with the upmost quality. Because of you WEAREBIRDGANG!”
This Tuesday, October 28th at 12:00 a.m. Birdgang Brand will be opening its virtual doors to the first one hundred customers. All items will be on a first come first serve basis and sizes are limited. Go to http://www.WeAreBirdgang.com to place your order. Mosby goes on to say “When the virtual window opens we are running a 100/24 Campaign. We want to sell 100 t-shirts in 24 hours”. Be a part of the Birdgang movement and purchase yours in time for Cardinal athletic events.
If you would like to setup an interview and see the new line of merchandise with Birdgang Brand members, Brian “Buffalo Stille”, Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson and/or Mosby, please call 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.
Follow us on social media to receive updates on how you can win some merchandise. We will do giveaways each week.
Facebook @502Birdgang, Twitter and Instagram @WeAreBirdGang.
About Birdgang Brand Clothing
Birdgang Brand Clothing is based in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high-fashion urban sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company).
Special to The VIPP Report:
By Sherlene Shanklin
On the 40th anniversary of the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the new documentary ‘I AM ALI’. To some he’s the ‘Greatest of all Time’ in the boxing ring, but he also refused to be drafted in the Army and fight in the Vietnam War. The member of the Nation of Islam and native of Louisville, Kentucky, faced adversity and still does to this day in his own hometown. But when you watch the film, there was a silver lining and that was his family. In the film, the father of nine, gives his fans a rare look into his life as a father. The two hour documentary shows you how the confident fighter stayed grounded and what meant the most to him.
The story of Cassius Clay, known today as Muhammad Ali, shows how he kept his family close even when they were thousands of miles away. His brother, Rahman says he and his brother were like salt and pepper. You didn’t see one without the other for many years. Rahman trained right alongside the champ. Their parents attended many of the matches and was there as he trained.
This film is unique because it is viewed through the eyes of his two of his daughters. They are the producers of the film. Back when recording phone calls and videos were virtually unheard of, Ali did just that to preserve history and memories for his loved ones. He says in the film ‘This is history’. He would have conversations with his children and record them. On one call he asked his young daughter did she know her purpose. In her little voice she responds that she wants to help others.
The film takes you through the stages of his life. It explains the reason why he started to learn the art of boxing. A Louisville police officer who happened to also be a boxing coach ran into Ali and his brother right after their bicycle was stolen. They were so upset that they literally wanted to fight anyone they saw. The officer suggested that they learn how to fight first. At the age of 12, weighing 87 pounds, that’s what he did. Right in the basement of the building where his bike was stolen, he learned very quickly how to defend himself.
The film takes you through some of the biggest fights in Ali’s career both in and out of the ring. From segregation to his boxing suspension. He says ‘Titles and a little money didn’t mean a thing if you are not free.’
NFL Hall of Famer and activist Jim Brown appears in the film. He discusses the turbulent times in Ali’s life where he showed courage when he was being isolated because of his beliefs, evading the draft, and having his crown being taken away. Brown says he thought Ali was suffering inside.
In 1967, Brown and other top black athletes met with Ali so he could discuss with them why he decided not to join the Army. Brown, Bill Russell, Lew Alcindor, (known today as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Walter Beach, Bobby Mitchell, Sid Williams, Curtis McClinton, Willie Davis, Jim Shorter and John Wooten stood by Ali’s side in a press conference.
While Ali didn’t fight in the ring he found a new platform to have his voice be heard. He went to universities all over the country. The standing room only venues were full of scholars. Ali jokingly admitted that when he was in school he didn’t make the best grades but his knowledge and sincerity made him a scholar and respected by many.
The film talks to people close to him like his former trainer, the late Angelo Dundee, boxer Mike Tyson, and a rare appearance by Ali’s son, Muhammad Ali Jr. He talks about never wanting to be in the spotlight. Like most children with famous parents, fans always wanted Ali Jr. to measure up to his father. He said he found himself always being challenged to fight and when he didn’t, people would pick on him.
What’s so poignant in the film is when someone says ‘Who doesn’t know Muhammad Ali?’ I’ve travelled all over the world and when I say I’m from Louisville, one of the first things that many will say, isn’t that the home of the ‘Greatest’?
Throughout the film, I looked for Louisville landmarks. From Ali running down Broadway holding up traffic to a scene where his car turned off Main Street. It’s ironic that some 40 years later the Muhammad Ali Center would be built in the same area.
On a personal note: I’ve met Ali on several occasions, from him handing out autographed Quran Bibles in front of the Galleria, (known today as Fourth Street Live) as a child, to growing up and becoming a journalist covering him throughout his career as he has battled Parkinson’s disease.
Ali grew up in West Louisville, a predominately urban community and attended Central High School. I also live in that same neighborhood to this day. You watch him on television and have a sense of pride for your home state. I never thought about his international appeal. He’s one of the many who came from my neighborhood and went on to become a phenomenal success.
‘I AM ALI’ is in theatres and video on demand . In Louisville, you will be able to see the documentary at Village 8 Theatre.
The VIPP Report: Civil right activist and comedian Dick Gregory will take the stage on Wednesday, June 18th in Louisville for one show only at the Laughing Derby at Comedy Caravan. The 83year old has produced 15 comedy albums and written 14 books just to name a few of his accolades. His live performance is not for the shy. His “Tell it like it is” approach brings current events and humor to another level.
Gregory is no stranger to Louisville. He’s been here several times in support of the late Rev. Louis Coleman and civil rights issues. In 2002, Gregory along with Martin Luther King III and other leaders walked the streets of Louisville in protest of the death of James Taylor who was killed by police.
It will be interesting to hear what Gregory will say tomorrow night at the Laughing Derby. Comedian Steve Hofstetter from the Late Late Show will open for Gregory.
The show starts at 7:45 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. The Laughing Derby at Comedy Caravan is located at the Mid-City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Road.
Next event: June 19th-21st will be Comedian Mark Curry.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: The Midnight train from Georgia will make a story in Louisville. The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight will be in concert at the Louisville Palace on Friday, September 12th at 8:00 p.m.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner got her start in the church performing gospel music at the age of four. She along with her brother, sister and two cousins, in 1959 The Pips were born. In 1962, the group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips. Now, you can see Knight starring in the syndicated sitcom, “The First Family” where she plays the mother of the President. Her film credits include “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”.
Tickets for Gladys Knight starts at $39.99. You can purchase them at the Louisville Palace Theatre Box Office and ticketmaster.com.If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: As part of the 64th Annual Women’s International Convention/Crusade there will be a gospel explosion tonight at the KFC Yum! Center. The pre-convention concert welcomes Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Dorinda Clark Cole and Anita Wilson. The concert is $20 for adults and $10 for children. The event is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The Church of God in Christ, Inc (COGIC) will hold their convention May 26-30 in Louisville at two venues, The Galt House and the KFC Yum! Center. Some 10,000 people will be town over the next five days.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: I wanted to share with you some exclusive photos of Sculptor Ed Hamilton at work. I watched Hamilton carefully work his way up and down the piece carefully defining creases in the sleeve of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s jacket to Hamilton looking him in the eyes as if they were talking. To see a visionary in the arts create the likeness of another visionary in the civil rights movement was truly a historic moment. I even caught him closing his eyes as if he was trying to remember Dr. King and his image. Hamilton had this determination in his eyes that everything had to be perfect before he sent it to be bronzed. This weekend his vision came to life.
The City of Newport News commissioned the Louisville artist to create “The Unfinished March”. It’s a bas relief of Dr. King along with the men, women and children walking along side of the civil right leader is located at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza at 25th and Jefferson Avenue.
Hamilton says “I’m truly humbled and honored that the City of Newport News asked me to recreate a moment in Civil Rights that marked a significant piece of history. People from all over the world will be able to see how I captured Dr. King and other civil right leaders walk for freedom, justice and opportunity. When you walk away, I want it to give you a sense of pride and hope for the future.”
Other works Hamilton has designed is the 16th President of the United States and Kentucky native Abraham Lincoln with the Lincoln Memorial which is located along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. He’s known for but not limited to is The Booker T. Washington Memorial in Hampton, VA, Spirit of Freedom in Washington D.C., Joe Louis Memorial in Detroit, MI and the Amistad Memorial in New Haven, CT.
Hamilton has an autobiography, “The Birth of An Artist: A Journey of Discovery” (Chicago Spectrum Press). The book outlines his journey from hopeful art student in Louisville, Kentucky to nationally acclaimed sculptor.
To learn more about Ed Hamilton and his works contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email info@vippcommunications.com.
(Click link to see photos of the Hamilton working on “The Unfinished March”)
Jamie Foxx on the “Purple Carpet”. (May 2, 2014, Louisville, KY)
Kentucky Derby weekend
Julius “Dr. J” Erving on the “Purple Carpet”. Kentucky Derby weekend 2014
Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers
The VIPP Report: We just nine days away from the 140th Kentucky Derby held in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. The race will take place at the historic Churchill Downs. The VIPP Report will attend events and will post. To get real-time celebrity-sightings, inside some of the biggest events during Derby follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. If you have a story idea and/or would like to advertise contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
The River City Drum Cultural Arts Institute welcomes drum lines to the city of Louisville for the battle of bragging rights during the 8th Annual Da’Ville Classic Drum Line Showcase. It’s all goes down this Saturday, April 26th at Iroquois Amphitheater. Community teams, high schools and colleges will show what that have by using precision and skill. The showcase will begin at 3:00 p.m. and tickets are only $10.00 per person for the official Kentucky Derby Festival event.
Miles College and Lincoln University will represent the post-secondary division. There will be four area schools in the high school division. They are Central High School, Louisville, KY; Art Academy, Columbus, OH; Columbus East, Columbus, OH; and the Academy of Shawnee, Louisville, KY. There will be six community teams in attendance representing Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. The River City Drum Corp, Louisville, KY; Saints, Columbus, OH; 3DI, Dayton, OH; Pick Percussions Pulse of Peoria, Illinois; Boom Squad, Evansville, IN and the Shawnee Arts & Cultural Center will all perform.
Ed White, Executive Director says “I’m happy to see so many teams both local and surrounding states participate in the showcase. Youth have been practicing for months for this opportunity and they will be bringing everything they’ve got. I along with the other teams make a conscious effort to help our youth achieve both in the classroom and in life. We provide great after-school opportunities for our youth and they earn scholarships not only in academics but in music.”
To purchase tickets you can call Ed White at 502-905-2908.
The VIPP Report: R&B senasation R. Kelly returns to Louisville and he will bring along Grammy-nominated artist Tamar Braxton with him. Kelly is calling it the Black Panties Tour entitled after his latest album. The concert is Sunday, May 11th at the KFC Yum! Center. Kelly is one of the most successful R&B artists of all time. He has released 12 solo studio albums and sold nearly 100 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most successful R&B male artists in the industry.
Tickets for the show start at $52. You can purchase them at the KFC Yum! Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.
If you have a story idea and/or would like The VIPP Report to cover your event contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: We are now only 27 days away from the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby. If you have a story idea and/or would like to advertise please contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. #FirstSaturdayinMay
The VIPP Report: Hip hop artist Lil Boosie will “zoom” into Louisville on Friday, May 2nd at Broadbent Arena. This is one of the first concerts for the artist since his release from a prison on March 5th. His most notable song “Zoom” stayed on the Billboard Top 100 chart for several weeks thanks to his loyal fans.
If you plan to attend this concert, you must be over 21 years of age to enter. General admission tickets start at $50.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event you want to promote contact our advertising division at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: We are 49 days away! If you would like to advertise your Kentucky Derby event(s) contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
The VIPP Report: In a raw interview with Louisville native Ben “Digital Black” Bush of Playa he opens up to Sherlene Shanklin of WHAS11 and owner of the The VIPP Report about Stephan “Static Major” Garrett. Bush talks about the call he received from Static’s wife six years ago today.
Below is a link for your review. If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. You can follow Sherlene Shanklin at @Sherlenemediapr.
The VIPP Report by Sherlene Shanklin: Today friends and family paid their final respects to one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Louisvillian Alvin LaRue Sr.passed away on Monday, February 3rd. LaRue was a flight officer for the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II veteran. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers.
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to find the Kentucky members of the prestigious Alabama unit about 13 years ago for Black History Month. The first person I found was Alvin LaRue Sr. I knew him because I knew his son. We sat down and talked about his accomplishments and how important it was to let people know their history. I remember that he was very humble and so willing to share his story about the segregation in the Army even though they were all fighting for the same thing.
LaRue is a native of Louisville and he was a student at the University of Pittsburgh when he was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1943. LaRue then went on to become one of America’s first Black military airmen.
LaRue was buried today at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, KY. Alvin LaRue Sr. was 89 year old.
During this Black History Month remember those who made sacrifices so that their children, and their children’s children could have a better life.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com
The VIPP Report: We are 80 days away from the 140th running of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2nd and Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3rd in Louisville, KY at the historic Churchill Downs.
If you have an event you would like to advertise contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: Dove & BET award winning gospel artist Marvin Sapp is currently on his “School of Choice Tour”. The 11-city free tour is in Louisville, KY tonight. Sapp along with Sunday Best season two contestant and RCA Inspiration label mate Latice Crawford and the Doctor of Comedy Henn Sapp will be at Christ Temple Christian Life Center.
Sapp will share his inspirational story of his late wife Dr. Malinda Sapp who had a vision to take inner city children from great to greater through education. Sapp says he’s excited about partnering with the Black Alliance for Educational Options Partner (BAEO) again, helping to promote school choice to urban communities. Their hope during the tour is to make parents aware of their options when it comes to public education.
After Louisville’s show, The “Marvin Sap School of Choice Tour” heads to Nashville, TN on the 12th, followed by Chattanooga, TN on the 13th and Atlanta, GA on Friday night, February 14th.
If you have a story send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: Kirk Franklin and the Family will be in Louisville during Kentucky Derby weekend. It’s the 2nd Annual Grace at The Race featuring Tamela Mann, Amy Grant and Franklin. The concert will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in downtown Louisville. The fly jock Tom Joyner will be the emcee for the evening.
Grace at The Race is an annual Pre-Derby event that will honor three individuals from the corporate, sports and entertainment sectors for their commitment and contributions to community service and raises funds for local and national non-profit organizations that have a focus on at risk children.
“Grace at The Race” will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Galt House for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by the concert. If you would like to have dinner prior to the concert, there will be a “Grace at The Race” dinner which includes a concert ticket. For both events tickets are $125.00 before March 1st and $150.00 after that date. During the dinner local gospel artist Cynthia Williams will be featured.
If you would like to just attend the concert you purchase single tickets before March 1st for only $67.00, after March 1st, tickets are $77.00. For group sales call 502-417-1624.
For additional information on “Grace at The Race”, please visit http://www.graceattherace.com.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event you would like to promote contact our advertising dept. at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm for real-time coverage.
If you have an event you would like to advertise contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
The VIPP Report: We are just 100 days away from the fastest two minutes in sports. Countdown to the Kentucky Derby. If you have an event you would like to promote contact our advertising dept. by emailing TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
We are just 103 days away from the Kentucky Derby. The VIPP Report will have exclusive stories about events in Louisville. To advertise your business and/or event contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
TheVIPPReport: We are 112 days away from the 140 Kentucky Derby held in Louisville, KY. Send your Derby events to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
On the “Purple Carpet” at the Grand Gala
University of Louisville releases a statement in regards to QB Teddy Bridgewater entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
University of Louisville junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has decided to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility, and make himself available for the 2014 NFL Draft. “After discussing all the options with my family and the coaching staff, I have decided to forgo my senior season and declare for the NFL Draft,” Bridgewater said. “This was an extremely difficult decision for me. I can’t express how much my time at Louisville has meant to me. These past three years have allowed me to mature as a person and leave the university as better person and with my degree in hand, which was one of my goals. I will cherish every moment on the field and off the field, and every bond that I built. I will forever represent the university with the utmost pride and respect. I want to extend a special thank you to my teammates, Tom Jurich, all the academic staff and professors, the coaching staff, support staff, students and the Cardinals’ fan base.
“I didn’t know much about Louisville when I made the decision to attend, but in the end, it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made.”
Bridgewater made the decision following an outstanding 2013 season, which was capped by a standout performance in the 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl, where he completed 35-of-45 passes for a career-high 447 yards and three touchdowns.
Bridgewater won 27 games in his three years as the starting quarterback for Louisville, including 12 wins in 2013, which tied a school record. Bridgewater threw for 3,970 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2013, while completing 71 percent of his passes.
In leading the Cardinals to a 12-1 record, Bridgewater developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. He opened the season by tying his career high with five touchdown passes in a 49-7 win over Ohio and four more in wins over Eastern Kentucky and FIU. He recorded seven 300-yard passing games and was a second team All-American Athletic Conference selection this season.
In 39 career games at Louisville, Bridgewater threw for 9,817 yards, which is third most in the UofL annals, while his 72 career touchdown passes also ranks as third best in school history. He completed a school-record 68.3 percent of his passes and had just 24 interceptions in 1,142 career pass attempts.
The Miami, Fla., native was the 2012 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year and a first team all-league selection after throwing for 3,719 yards and 27 touchdowns in guiding the Cardinals to an 11-2 record and a win over fourth-ranked Florida in the Sugar Bowl. In earning Most Valuable Player accolades in the win over the Gators, Bridgewater went 20-of-32 for 266 yards and two scores in a win over Florida.
The Cardinals have three returning quarterbacks on the roster in redshirt freshman Will Gardner, freshman Kyle Bolin, and junior Brett Nelson.
As the holiday season comes to a close, there were “Secret Santas” all over Kentucky and Indiana. I received messages about several people we went out of their way to make sure they assisted their community. Some grew up here while others attended college in the area. The one that received alot attention was the $13,000 gift from a local celebrity that helped pay for layaways at a Walmart. They did not want their name released. Several people come to mind but I will not speculate. I called someone and they told me “Sherlene remember angels fly low”. I didn’t push them after they made that statement.
Former U of L and NFL star Deion Branch made sure people who stayed at the Center for Women and Families had Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. He also donated money to help kickoff their gift card campaign. Branch and his family also travelled to Elizabethtown, KY to assist two families who lost everything in a house fire just before Christmas.
Louisville native C.J. Spillman with the San Francisco 49ers donated holiday baskets to people who needed a little assistance during the holidays. This is not the first time Spillman has helped families during the holidays. One year, his mother and sister attended a giveaway on his behalf because he was preparing for a game.
I’m sure there’s a lot of acts of kindness not announced but each and everything done was appreciated. I know these men just hope you “Pay It Forward”.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Please follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: Valentine’s night will be filled with laughter in Louisville. “The Diva of Contemporary
Comedy” Sommore will be at the Kentucky Center. It’s the Standing Ovation Tour featuring the “Queen
of Comedy”, Bill Bellamy and Mark Curry. The show will be in Friday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Sommore has appeared on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo,
and BET’s Live from L.A. She was also the first female host of BET’s Comicview.
For her national tour various comedians will accompany her like Tommy Davidson, Tony Rock, Curry and Bellamy.
Tickets start at $48.75. You can purchase tickets at the Kentucky Center Box Office or online at
http://www.kentuckycenter.org/presents.
If you have a story idea send it to the TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us
on Twitter @VIPPComm.
Super Bowl 39 MVP & former University of Louisville wide receiver Deion Branch heard about two families in Elizabethtown, Kentucky losing everything in a house fire. After seeing the media reports, Branch and his family went to Elizabethtown on Saturday, December 14th to meet the two families. He wanted to help them get some necessities to get them through the holidays.
With the assistance of the Elizabethtown Red Cross, Branch met the families consisting of eleven (11) members and took them on a shopping spree at the area Target Store. The families got an opportunity to pick up clothing, home essentials and toys for the children.
Branch says “To see their faces when we told them to get what they needed were priceless. To have my wife and children with me was a special moment. We try to instill in our children to give back. I was so proud to see my son and daughters helping the children pick out their gifts. We’re happy that we can be a blessing to them but they were also a blessing to us. They made us realize as long as we have each other that’s all that really matters. Material things can be replaced.”
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 inflected 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.
If you would like additional photos visit the Deion Branch Foundation at http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org.
For additional information please contact Sherlene Shanklin at 502-295-0435 or by email at
sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
TheVIPPReport: Save the date of Tuesday, March 4th for 2 Chainz in concert. Pusha T, and August Alsina will be his special guests.
The Platimun selling artist is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rap Song category for the song F***in Problems with ASAP Rocky Drake & Kendrick Lamar. The Grammy Awards will be held on January 26th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The “2 Good To Be T.R.U. Tour”, is his largest solo tour to date as well as his first for 2014. 2 Chainz will tour in support of his critically acclaimed album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. Pusha-T and August Alsina will support 2 Chainz by performing at the Louisville concert.
2 Chainz says , “The best way to describe my tour is to reference a quote from Nicco Machiavelli, The Prince, who once said ‘Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.’ 2 G.O.O.D. 2 Be T.R.U.”.
Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, December 18th at 12 Noon. Tickets are $35. You can purchase them at ticketmaster.com.
Again, 2 Chainz will be in Louisville at The Louisville Palace on Tuesday, March 4th. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m.
If you have a story send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
The VIPP Report: Bravo reality show star Jewel Tankard will be in Louisville later today for a holiday mixer. The free event will be held at the Holiday Inn East on Hurstbourne Pkwy. The mixer begins at 6:30 p.m.
I had the opportunity to ask Tankard a few questions prior to her Louisville visit. The question a lot of people wanted to know is why did she decide to do a reality show? Jewel says “We wanted to show people that they can fight for their family again, have a successful blended family and that there is no perfect family, so you just need to love your family right where they are.”
Now since the show has aired several times, I asked Jewel did she regret doing the show and having her life an open book. “Because I got so comfortable with being vulnerable and authentic, it was more so a mindset of that, it is what it is and I am okay with that. This entire experience brought us closer as a family and I wouldn’t change anything about that because family is very important to me.”
I always wanted to know if the Bravo stars get an opportunity to see the show prior to their scheduled time and Jewel says yes they do.
The organizers for tonight’s event had to move rooms because the demand has been overwhelming. They anticipate a great crowd and Jewel says she’s thrilled to be here. “Extremely excited! I love people and I look forward to sharing with them and loving on them. I am very grateful for everyone’s support and I look forward to hearing from each of them.”
Jewel Tankard is a dynamic speaker and fans will hear her tonight and then at the conclusion of the event there will be a meet and greet.
This Christmas networking event will feature local singers performing, trip giveaways, nutritional samplings, a mini fashion show by Eboni Stephens Model & Video Agency (ESMV). The entertainment for the evening will be provided by DJ Bruce Wayne, and the soulful sounds of Sheryl Rouse.
This Holiday Mixer is free to the community, with donations welcome at the door on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at 6:30 pm. Bring your business card and enjoy the start of this holiday season!
Save the Date: Tuesday, December 10th
Bravo Docu-Series co-star Jewel Tankard of Thicker Than Water will be in Louisville for a holiday mixer at Holiday Inn East at 6:30 p.m. For free tickets go to www.jewelt.eventbrite.com
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@VIPPCommunications.com. You can also follow us on twitter @VIPPComm.
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