VIPP Communications, Inc.

By Sherlene Shanklin:  There’s a lot of events going on this weekend but this is a must attend event.  Grammy award Pop and R&B star Jody Watley will be in concert. It’s the Free District Rhythms Concert Series  held on Sunday, May 26th at Fourth Street Live.  The former Shalamar artist went solo and created hits like “Don’t You Want Me”, “Real Love”, “Everything” and “I’m Looking For A New Love”.    The free concert will begin at 6 p.m.  If you are under the age of 18, you must be acompanied by a legal guardian until 9 p.m.  After 9 p.m. all patrons must be over 21 to enter the event.
If you have a story idea send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media inquiries only!

Sherlene Shanklin

Deion Branch’s Publicist

sshanklin@vippcommunications.com

502-295-0435 business mobile

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT WIDE RECEIVER & FORMER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE CARDINAL DEION BRANCH WILL HOST HIS ANNUAL FOOTBALL CAMP IN LOUISVILLE  

May 21, 2013

(Louisville, KY) Super Bowl 39 MVP New England Patriots WR and former U of L Cardinal Deion Branch will host his 4^th Annual Skills & Drills Football Camp Saturday, June 1^st at St. Xavier, (St. X) High School, 1609 Poplar Level Road.  Registration is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  The camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The camp is $50, which includes a camp shirt, lunch, goodie bag and personal instruction from Branch and some of his former Cardinal teammates. The football camp is for youth ages 7 to 16.  Parents please make sure your youth are dressed appropriately for the camp.  You can register online, go to www.deionbranchfoundation.org and fill out the online registration form.  

Branch’s camp will give youth an opportunity to learn basic football techniques while promoting fitness and sportsmanship.  This eye-opening experience will give your child a real chance to see if they like the sport and how a NFL champion dedicates a large part of their life to prepare.  Branch says “It’s not just about the games you see on Sundays, it’s the day in and day out preparation that gets you to Sunday’s game.  Even in the off season, we have to work on certain skill sets and staying fit.  It’s a fulltime job and I want the kids in this camp to see what they are facing when you have to play a sport whether its high school, collegiate and/or professional.  We make the camp fun but we will push your child so they can understand the commitment they are obligating themselves too and how they need to juggle athletics and academics”. 

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 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.

In April, “Team Branch” participated in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s miniMarathon.  They raised thousands of dollars for their foundation.  For the first time, the foundation also had organizations submit request for grants.  The Deion Branch Foundation awarded five organizations grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for programs and services that cater to the youth in the area. 

We would like to thank St. X High School, Papa Johns, WGZB, ESPN Radio Louisville, parents and volunteers for your support.  If you would like to be a sponsor and/or donate items for the goodie bags please contact us at 502-295-0435 or 334-507-3632. 

To setup an interview with Deion Branch please contact Sherlene Shanklin at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.   To learn more about the 4^th Annual Skills & Drills Football Camp and other programs Branch and his foundation participate in go to the Deion Branch Foundation go to www.deionbranchfoundation.org.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  There’s a new Kentucky Derby event that celebrates faith and community service.  Grace at the Race will honor individuals from the corporate, sports and entertainment sectors.  Honorees have shown commitment and contributions to community service.
This year’s proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana and the West End School.

This year’s guest include:  Ken Griffey Jr., Scottie Pippen, Gary Payton, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Ralph Sampson, John Calipari, Emil Brolick, Lynn Merritt and Anthony Anderson.  Marvin Winans will perform during the event.  Grace at the Race will be held Thursday, May 2nd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Galt House in downtown Louisville.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

Follow me as I take you to some of the hottest events during the Kentucky Derby weekend.  You can go to www,whas11.com and click on THe411 or the Derby section and look for my blog Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin.

http://www.whas11.com/community/blogs/down-the-stretch/Down-the-Stretch-with-Sherlene-Shanklin–Celebrities-attending-2013-Kentucky-Derby-events–203906251.html?fb_action_ids=10151874681233275&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  Today, you have enjoyed the KDF Winefest, Texas Hold’em Tournament, Ramble for the Roses and the Hole in One Golf Concert.  Tonight, it’s the Kentucky Derby Festival Rhythmfest Concert featuring soul/funk group, Cameo.  They are known for their hit songs like “Candy”, “Single Life” and “Word Up!”  The concert will begin at 9:00 p.m. at the Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  All you need is your 2013 Pegasus Pin to enter the concert.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com  You can also follow me on twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  If you are still looking for something to do on Derby night, you might want to attend the Silks in the Bluegrass at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  This year the proceeds benefit Operation Open Arms, which finds homes for children while their mothers are in prison and Boys & Girls Haven.

This year’s entertainment is R & B/Soul singer and songwriter Valerie Simpson.  Simpson and her late husband Ashford Simpson had hits like “Solid” (As a Rock) and they wrote Chaka Khan’s mega hit “I’m Every Woman”.  Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan will be their special guest. U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul is expected to attend the event.

The Silks in the Bluegrass will be May 4th at the Crowne Plaza.  Doors open at 7 p.m. and cocktails begin at 7:30 p.m.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr.

By Sherlene Shanklin

I released last week that Master P was headed to the Derby city to party with us for the first Saturday in May.  He tells me tonight, that he chose Cole’s Place to hold his birthday party because it was in the proximity of a homicide just one year ago.  He wanted to show compassion for the community and that his city of New Orleans is no different than Louisville.  He wanted to encourage those in the community to continue to support those businesses.

Master P plans to give back while he’s in Louisville.  On Saturday, May 4th, Derby Day It’s the No Limit Forever Compassion Basketball Camp.  Master P along with some special guests will be at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA hosting a free camp.  It’s for ages 6 to 14.  The Compassion Camp is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.    Master P says he sees it as an act of caring and challenges others to do the same.  He goes on to say that he knows that there’s no save all solutions but to show concern for community is the first step.  He hopes to just instill life skills into the young people who are participating in the Derby Day camp.
You may remember, the last time Master P was in Louisville he spoke candidly with the families of homicide victims.  I was there when he told them that you can’t continue to be blame others for your actions and don’t let anyone influence you to do wrong.   He says you have to take responsibilities for your own actions.

So, parents if you have a child between the ages of 6 and 14 there will be a free basketball camp hosted by Master P on Derby Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  I’m going to release another celebrity name for the Grand Gala.  He won 2011 Heisman Trophy and now he runs the offensive for the Washington Redskins.  Robert Griffin III will walk the “Purple carpet” at the Grand Gala held on Friday, May 3rd at 7 p.m.  The event will be held at Marriott East in Louisville, KY.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  I announced earlier today that Jennifer Hudson will be performing at the Grand Gala on Oaks night in Louisville, KY.  Now, I can announce one more guest and he used to dominate the boards in the NBA.  He’s a four-time NBA Champion, 15-time NBA All-Star and his number was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.  Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal will be one of the celebrity guest for this year’s Derby event.  I reported last week that O’Neal’s comedy tour will be in Louisville at the Palace on May 31st.  The Grand Gala will be held on Friday, May 3rd at the Marriott East in Louisville, KY during the Kentucky Derby weekend.

 If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr. 

By Sherlene Shanklin

We are exacting two weeks away from Oaks Day.  I said earlier this week, that I would make an announcement in regards to Kentucky Derby events.  This is an exclusive to The411.  One of the most prestigious and star studded Kentucky Derby events is returning and they come out of the gate strong by announcing their entertainment.  I’m talking about the Grand Gala.  We have seen some of the biggest stars in the entertainment and professional sports industry walk their Red Carpet.  I can now tell you that it will be a night for the history books.  Academy Award and Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson will be the entertainment for the evening.  I have a few more details of the event but you have to follow me to find out who will attend the event Oaks night.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  The Kentucky Derby is just a couple of weeks away but I can definitely see its going to be a star studded weekend.  The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) and the Project to Preserve African American Turf History, (PPAATH) brings a real Hollywood powerhouse to their 3rd Annual Isaac Murphy Image Awards.   Isaac Murphy, the son of a former slave was  the first jockey ever to win three Kentucky Derbies.  Many historians consider Murphy the greatest jockey of all time.

The 3rd Annual Isaac Murphy Image Awards announce this year’s Lifetime Achievement for Entertainment award recipient.  It’s Academy Award Nominee Angela Bassett.  She has a long list of notable roles as Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X movie and her role as Tina Turner in the What’s Love Got to Do With It.  Bassett has played in other films like How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Akeelah and the Bee.

Also, that evening there will be other community and business leaders honored.  In business, Mr. Winston Pittman, Sr of Pittman Enterprise will be honored.  Dr. Mary Evans Sias, President of Kentucky State University will be honored for her leadership in education.  In sports, they will recognize Doug Williams.  He’s the only African American quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. The former Washington Redskin was also Super Bowl 22 MVP.

The event will be held on Derby night, May 4th at 7 p.m. at KCAAH located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.  For additional information and/or to purchase tickets call 502-583-4100.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at sshanklin@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @sherlenemediapr.

By Sherlene Shanklin

First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver remarks at Eastern Kentucky University’s commencement.  The ceremony will be held in Richmond, KY on Saturday, May 11th at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Obama will address graduates from the College of Education and the College of Business and Technology as part of her Joining Forces initiative to support veterans and military families.  EKU is one of only 16 Tillman Military Scholar Partner Universities in the nation, is recognized for its Veterans Success Center that is a one-stop-shop for numerous services, from specialized job placement for veterans to full-time advisors and counselors dedicated to serving their community.  EKU is ranked 16th nationally among the 2013 “Best for Vets: Business Schools” by Military Times EDGE magazine.

If you have a story send it to The411@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

IBFFN & Mid-Town Music Academy Present Benefit

“Muscle Shoal Live: The River That Sings”

Sherlene Shanklin

(502) 295-0435

Nashville, TN March 27, 2013 -  The International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) and the Mid-Town Music Academy (MTMC) proudly announces that the benefit concert “Muscle Shoals Live: The River That Sings,” will be held April 20, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. at David Lipscomb University Collins Auditorium.

About Mid-Town Music Academy

Our vision for Mid Town Music Academy is to restore the creative, cultural, communal, and economic vitality of our local, national and global villages. It is to create a reality that facilitates the aspirations of future generations who need access to human and economic resources to be competitive in the entertainment job market. It is to partner with other institutions and individuals who support the ideals of a highly creative and technical classroom setting that will prepare our children for the new musical training processes and the new entertainment business environment.

Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin:  If you do not have your Kentucky Derby hat tonight you can attend Hats for Hope to bid on over 200 hats.  Some of the hats have been worn by some of the top celebrities.  Nicole Kidman donated two of her hats as well as Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York and Ann Romney.
The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The proceeds benefit the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.  Tickets are $40 per person.  For more information about Hats for Hope visit their website www.hatsforhopelouisville.org.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @Sherlenemediapr.

By Sherlene Shanklin

The Louisville Palace just released that Shaquille O’Neal Presents All Star Comedy Jam.  The show is scheduled for Friday, May 31st at 8:00 p.m. They have not released the names of the comedians but I looked up some of the past events and stars like Monique, Cedric The Entertainer, DL Hughley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Hart and Earthquake have all been apart of his past shows.  I do have confirmed that there will be a special guest performance by DJ Spinderella from Salt-n-Pepa.
Tickets are $39.50 and $48.50 and they are on sale now at the Louisville Palace Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.  As soon as I get the lineup I will pass it along to you.
Follow me sure you follow me during Derby with my blog “Down the Stretch with Sherlene Shanklin…Taking you inside Kentucky Derby events”.   If you have a story idea and/or event send it to me at The411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on twitter @Sherlenemediapr.   

news Release                                                                

  March 27, 2013                                                                                              

 Louisville Central Community Center, Inc. (LCCC) is holding a news conference at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 3rd at its offices to announce a new program that supports academic achievement for school-aged youth, outside the classroom. eLEARN OLYMPICS is an interactive, web-based portal for students and parents that provides opportunities for enrollment, access to the eLearn Olympics Games, competition results, celebrations and related human interest stories. 

 eLearn Olympics will provide incentives and rewards for student achievement in areas of reading and mathematics. It helps students reach their highest potential as they face more challenging academic standards.

 eLearn Olympics will spark a spirit of pride among students, parents, schools and community-based learning places through educational competition, academic skill development and public recognition. Students can earn public distinction as gold, silver or bronze medalists in a variety of academic performance categories.  Through eLearn Olympics, students will use Study Island and Success Maker educational systems made available by JCPS, to hone their academic skills.

 To celebrate the launch of eLearn Olympics, Dr. Donna Hargens, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent will be present at the news conference along with Carl Thomas, President of the Gheens Foundation, and representatives of the Angel McCoughtry Dream Foundation. 

Sam Watkins, Jr., President & CEO of LCCC says: “This is a strategic initiative and we feel that we have all of the right components in place to make eLearn Olympics a huge success. We are partnering with organizations and community leaders that want to see all our children be successful and the value of education increased throughout our community.”

We will have students, parents, educators and eLearn Olympics staff available for media interviews.  To learn more about eLearn Olympics go to www.elearnolympics.com. 

LCCC is a 501c(3), private, non-profit community-based organization that is governed by an independent, volunteer Board of Directors. It offers a variety of programs and services in support of children and families. Early childhood education, youth development, arts education and other after school programs, employment services and job training for adults, money management and home ownership are just some of the services provided.

Immediate Release

AREA YOUTH WILL GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM MALE ROLE MODELS IN THE COMMUNITY DURING A SUMMIT IN SOUTHERN INDIANA

March 24, 2013

We all know it can be tough for youth to handle academics, peer pressure and what’s happening in their personal lives.  Many times they wished they had someone who could truly relate to their problems. Men Building Men’s mission is supported by two main principles, intervention and prevention. Men Building Men Inc. provides opportunities for youth, especially the African American male between the ages of 11 and 19 to have a sounding board and platform to express themselves.   

On Saturday, March 30th, they continue their mission by hosting The Men Building Men 2013 Youth Summit at the Holiday Inn Hotel 505 Marriott Avenue Clarksville, IN from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  The summit will have informational booths and a room full of men encouraging our youth to stay on the right path.  The following mentors have confirmed their participation:  Mr. Herlon Robinson- Community/Public Affairs Coordinator Marketing Specialist Passport Health Plan and DJ for Magic 101.3 FM; Mr. Travis Haire-Assistant Superintendent of Leadership for Greater Clark County Public Schools; Mr. Shawn Gardner-Founder/Director 2NOT1 Fatherhood and Families and Ms. Stacie Steinbock Founder/Director of Kentucky Teen Institute.    

There will be a special performance by Mr. McDaniel Bluitt and the West Louisville Boys Choir

Frank L. Porter, Men Building Men Founder/Director says “The young men we cater to deal with the many challenges growing up in today’s society we want to be there to encourage them to make the right choices and not to just settle for following the crowd. We have to invest in their future.  I want them to know that we have a support system in place and that they can depend on ongoing guidance. We’re also expecting former collegiate athletes to explain the importance of exercise and keeping their bodies and minds in top physical condition. ” 

We have provided a schedule for The Men Building Men 2013 Youth Summit for your review.  If you would like to setup an interview with Mr. Frank Porter please contact VIPP Communications by calling 502-295-0435 or by email us at info@vippcommunications.com.  We thank you in advance for your support.  You are also invited to attend the youth summit on Saturday, March 30^th.  We will make the founder, youth and guest speakers available to you for interviews. 

To learn more about Men Building Men, please visit www.menbuildingmen.org.

The timeline for the summit: 

8-8:30am              Registration, meet and greet (with refreshments)

8:35-8:45              Opening address (Mr. Travis Haire-Assistant Superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools)

8:45-9:15              First breakout session

9:20-9:50              Second breakout session

9:55-10:10            Break

10:15-10:45         Third breakout session

10:50-11:20         Fourth breakout session

11:25-11:45         Break

11:50-12:10         Performance by the West Louisville Boys Choir

12:15-12:45-        Keynote Speaker (Mr. Herlon J. Robinson- Community/Public Affairs Coord. Mktg Specialist, Passport Health Plan)

12:50-1:00            Closing address/dismissal

AS A SPORTS FAN YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT AN ATHLETE BUT THIS STORY WILL AMAZE YOU AND HAD TO BE DOCUMENTED TO GIVE OTHERS HOPE AND INSPIRATION

It’s the story of Derek Anderson the Man not the Fame

 March 5, 2013 

Immediate Release

Former University of Kentucky and NBA Champion Derek Anderson has released his first book called “Stamina.” This amazing book is about how his Inspiring Life Journey can mold and motivate us all. In the publication, Derek will take you back to times in his life when he could have easily given up but instead he found a way, out of no way.  As you read the book, he will reference certain times in his life and what he did to survive. 

At age eleven, Derek lived alone in a rundown apartment with no electricity and no food for three straight days. At the age of twelve, he lived in a shelter home because the school system didn’t know his real social security number.  Then at the age of fourteen he had to work not one but two jobs to take care of his young son all while still trying to survive in the middle of a drug infested project housing. He had to endure his sister being killed by their father’s best friend while her new born child lay just feet away from her. Derek had to stand by helplessly as his mom would struggle with substance abuse and endure his father walking out of his life for more than 20 years.

His final awakening was surviving a brutal stabbing from a neighborhood street fight that would have kept him from sharing his life story of outlasting his opponents.

His opponents in life consisted of poverty, loneliness, disappointment, jealously, and lack of equal educational opportunities. Just as he learned in sports, life is about how bad do you want to win, how much time are you willing to put into making your dreams become a reality, and how much are you willing to sacrifice now for your success later. He has won on every level of basketball but his biggest accomplishments are being a good father, a good person, and a great child of God.

Derek named his book “Stamina” because everyone has come to a point in their lives where they want to give up or give in but all you need to do is have enough Stamina to win in life. Derek wants to encourage others to realize that to make it in life you must never allow someone’s negative opinion about you to become your reality. Your positive character is way more valuable then any amount of money or fame, because it will never leave you in good or bad times!”

Derek is thankful for the opportunity to encourage others and to share his life’s journey and to open people’s eyes in a Blind World.

You can now order your book at DerekAndersonWorks.com, or purchase at Barnes & Nobles and Joseph Book Stores.

If you would like to setup an interview, schedule a book signing and/or have Derek Anderson speak at your event contact Sherlene Shanklin, Derek Anderson’s publicist at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@derekandersonworks.com. 

You can also visit www.DerekAndersonWorks.com for additional information. 

For field producers, freelance journalists, photographers (still and videographers), celebrity liaisons and Red Carpet management contact us at info@vippcommunications.com

To book Sherlene Shanklin for speaking engagements, lectures, freelance journalist, field producer (entertainment, fashion and sports), freelance publicist and/or voice-over artist contact us at info@vippcommmunications.com.