The VIPP Report: 2013 University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Team reunites for their 5 year anniversary

Posted on by

 rise_above_landscape

(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.

###

#riseabove2013

The VIPP Report: 2013 University of Louisville Men’s Basketball team will reunite to celebrate their unforgettable season

Posted on by

RiseAboveLogo

 (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.

###

#riseabove2013

 

rise_above_landscape

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: A team of leaders is expected to announce their involvement in bringing a NBA franchise to Louisville

Posted on by

0554542001415884100_filepicker

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.

To learn more about Louisville working to get a NBA team read my story below. 

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.

Twitter: @thevippreport @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: The “Showdown” takes place on the basketball court bringing “All Stars” to the hardwood to support area youth and Hurricane Harvey victims

Posted on by

& 20992939_517107815295136_7697849689072163956_n

(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.

###

20915164_517107791961805_3128781247830753193_n

The VIPP Report: Former NFL & U of L facility to give youth a leg up on the competition

Posted on by

 

ssa-logo-seal-final

(Louisville, KY) Super Student Athletes Inc. and their Executive Director Mario Urrutia will officially cut the ribbon to their new LIFE facility.  The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. located at 222 Eiler Avenue.

Community leaders and members that influenced Urrutia will be present to celebrate with the former NFL standout and University of Louisville football star.  Urrutia was drafted in 2008 by the Cincinnati Bengals.  He went on to play for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a very successful career in arena football. In 2013, he was named AFL Rookie of the Year.  The Fern Creek High School graduate decided to return to Louisville to help those who helped him by giving back to his community.

The Super Student Athletes LIFE Center will provide opportunities for youth to learn a variety of lifetime skills focusing on education, community and healthy living.

Urrutia says “My passion is assisting the total athlete from academics to being the best YOU, both on and off the field.  I’m passionate about giving youth a fighting chance to be successful.  It’s really hard for many to concentrate literally on anything because of their particular circumstances.  I have created a safe haven where they can achieve with no distractions because everyone at the LIFE Center all have the same goal and that’s to be successful.”

The program will begin promptly at 11:00 am and will last approximately an hour followed by a tour.

Also on Friday, January 20th, at 6:00 p.m. also at the LIFE Center, there will be a private cocktail event to thank our sponsors and potential donors for their support. Local media outlets are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and cocktail event. Please confirm your attendance so can accommodate you properly.

If you would like to setup an interview with Mario Urrutia and/or board members please contact us by calling 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

To learn more about Super Student Athletes and how you can help go to http://www.superstudentathletes.org.

###

“Education is our playbook, sports & community is our blueprint, LIFE is our field”.

VIPP Communications is your one-stop shop for public relations, marketing, branding, event management, celebrity appearances, producing (line & field) and audio/video production.  

The VIPP Report: Birds of a feather flock together to rally behind one of it’s own

Posted on by

BirdgangKuric             

 BIRDGANG APPAREL CREATES A LIMITED EDITION TSHIRT IN SUPPORT OF FORMER

U OF L STAR KYLE KURIC

Birdgang Brand Clothing is creating a limited edition t-shirt to show their support for former University of Louisville basketball star Kyle Kuric.  On November 3rd, Kuric’s current team in Spain, Herbalife GranCanaria, released a statement saying the 26-year-old went to the hospital with a migraine and doctors discovered he had a brain tumor. Several days later, Kyle went into surgery and currently he remains in ICU.  On Saturday, he had some complications but his family and fans remain hopeful.  He underwent a second surgery to relieve pressure and fluid, and as of earlier today his condition is improving, but he is still under close observation and medical treatment.  Kuric’s family has been appreciative of the support and prayers and that’s why Birdgang Brand decided to do their part.

For a limited time, a special edition Birdgang Brand Clothing t-shirt will be designed in support of Kuric.  “We have been in communication with the Kuric family and they support our efforts,” says Danny L. Mosby, Part-Owner of Birdgang Brand.  “His family approved our design and we will now go into production so that fans can show support for Kyle during this trying time.” The Kuric family would like a portion of the proceeds to go to Kyle’s favorite charity, KIDS CANCER ALLIANCE, which supports children battling cancer ages 6-18.  Even during this tough time, Kuric’s family is still thinking of others by giving back; and Birdgang Brand, along with Cardinal fans all over, will be there to show they are in “Kyle’s Korner!”  Birdgang’s goal is to sell 5,000 shirts so that they can make a significant donation.

Taraneh Momeni Kuric, Kyle’s wife says “The turn of events for Kyle is quite ironic because it hits very close to home for him. Kyle has been very involved with the Kids Cancer Alliance for many years and his charity, Kyle’s Korner for Kids, has always reached out to these types of charities. On behalf of Kyle, our family is so grateful that Birdgang and friends will be supporting Kyle’s passion! Things like this goes to show that this is not just about basketball, but that in the end of the day, our state comes together to become one big family. God bless all of you.”

Mosby, who is also Birdgang Brands Chief Financial Officer, says “Kyle is one of our most beloved. He’s a man of strong faith and accomplishment, and he embodied everything a great student athlete should be, while he attended The University of Louisville. When we got wind that he was having emergency surgery, we felt it was our duty to reach out to his family, offer our prayers, and create a concept that our fans and University could get behind and show him how much we appreciated his sacrifices. They were receptive and gracious enough to allow us to do that. We are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to support Kyle, and to donate to his favorite charity. Even if a small gesture in the grand scheme of things, we want to show our appreciation to one of the good ones, and to his family in their time of need.”

Birdgang is asking fans to take a photo and send it to wearetherealbirdgang@gmail.com, so they can post on their social media pages.  The best photo will win two basketball tickets and two free Birdgang shirts of another design.  To pre-order the limited edition shirts and other apparel go to www.wearebirdgang.com/shop.

Birdgang Logo

Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater announces that he will forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft

Posted on by

Image

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.

 

 

 

Two-time NFL champion Deion Branch helps two families in Kentucky after a major fire

Posted on by

DSCN0344Super 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.