FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010
CONTACT—ProLink Sports
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
“TUESDAYS WITH EDDIE MAC” RETURNS ON 87.7 FM “THE TICKET”
Former Denver Bronco Back for Second Year of Popular Show Sponsored by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
DENVER—Former Denver Broncos great Ed McCaffrey returns to the Denver airwaves on Tuesday, Aug. 17 for the second year of his popular show “Tuesdays with Eddie Mac” sponsored by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
McCaffrey’s show will air each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. on 87.7 FM “The Ticket” on the Vic and Gary show, co-hosted by Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller of CBS4 Sports. The trio will break down all the action in the NFL and with the hometown Denver Broncos, and provide fans Ed’s unique take from the players’ perspective.
McCaffrey was widely respected for his toughness and team-first attitude throughout his 13-year NFL career, as well as his ability to dissect for fans what they are seeing on the field and articulate the story behind it.
A fan favorite during his nine seasons in Denver (1995-2003), McCaffrey has maintained an active presence in the Colorado community as company pitchman, corporate and event speaker and host of The Ed McCaffrey Football Camps. He remains extremely popular with the region’s sports fans and has continued to support the community through The McCaffrey Family Foundation.
“Vic and Gary” airs Monday through Friday from 7-9 a.m. on 87.7 “The Ticket” and features two of the most recognizable authorities on sports in Colorado. CBS4’s Lombardi and Miller have earned the respect of players, coaches, fans and fellow members of the media for their straightforward, intelligent and entertaining approach to their reporting and commentary.
Ed McCaffrey is represented by ProLink Sports, LLC, a full-service athlete representation firm specializing in image management, public relations, community outreach, media training and media placement for professional athletes.
# # #
About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB): Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., has been serving up wholesome, fun dining experiences in a family-friendly environment for more than 40 years. Red Robin, the “Smiling Burger®” expert, is famous for serving more than two dozen high-quality, Honest to Goodness® gourmet burgers with Bottomless Steak Fries®, as well as a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, appetizers, entrees and signature Bottomless Beverages™. There are more than 430 Red Robin® restaurants located across the United States and Canada, including corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM™!
About 87.7 The Ticket: 87.7 FM “The Ticket” is Denver’s “Live and Local” sports talk radio station. Award-winning CBS4 television sports personalities Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller present “Vic and Gary” each weekday morning from 7-9 a.m. The lineup also includes Chad Andrus & Patrick Watkins (9 a.m.-Noon), Charles Johnson & Joel Klatt (Noon-3 p.m.), Les Shapiro, G-Man & JoJo (3-7 p.m.) and Nate Kreckman (7-10 p.m.).
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
"Like" us on Facebook
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Colorado Springs Gazette Drops Broncos Beat
The decision by The Gazette of Colorado Springs last week to stop covering the Denver Broncos with a dedicated beat reporter has caused a stir not only in Colorado sports media circles, but also among NFL reporters in other cities.
It is a tribute to the respect within the industry for the Gazette's (now former) Broncos beat reporter Frank Schwab. It is also a reaction to the curious decision made by a newspaper that while not originating in Denver proper, does represent a large community in the Broncos "secondary market," where there is a strong Denver Broncos fan-base and a large number of season-ticket holders.
Schwab, who did an outstanding job and consistently got better during his seven years on the beat, will now cover the Air Force Falcons. Air Force football is huge in its home city of Colorado Springs, so putting Schwab on that beat is a wise move journalistically. The team deserves great local coverage and Schwab will provide that.
Schwab also gets a gift in the form of a reunion with Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun--not only an extremely talented and successful coach, but a true gentleman and first-class guy. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Calhoun when he was on the Broncos staff (2003-05) and have enjoyed seeing his ascension from quality-control coach to coordinator to collegiate head coach. A true example of good things happening to good people.
The timing of the Gazette's decision to drop the Broncos beat is odd too, because Schwab had gained even more of a foothold on the Broncos beat with last year's shuttering of the Rocky Mountain News and the relationships he had established through his longevity in that spot. Competing against the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News was not always easy, but Schwab made his mark and made those papers' coverage better in the process.
Schwab was also the most active reporter I've seen engaging readers/fans on Twitter. He worked hard to inform them and generate debate, but always maintained an even keel, took criticism in stride and never made it personal. Those who followed him as @fs3142 can now do so as @GazetteAirForce.
What remains to be seen is whether the Gazette experiences any drop-off in readership by replacing beat reporting on the most popular sports team in the region with what will presumably be a mix of AP stories and Gazette columns. The assumption is that the paper believes the work of its fine columnist David Ramsey will provide the personalized local touch on the Broncos beat.
Viewed through that lens, it could prove to be a financially savvy way for a newspaper to confront the economic challenges of its business by deploying its best people in places where they can make the most impact, while trusting they won't experience a drop-off in the process. But it does seem like a questionable decision given the immense popularity of the Denver Broncos in the state of Colorado and beyond. My suspicion is that it is a gamble on the habits of readers, not a statement that they believe that popularity has waned.
Time will tell, but what is certain is that it is time to salute Frank for his excellent work on the Broncos beat, and for being a true professional to work with (except when he kept my VHS copy of Super Bowl XXXII for more than a year for a piece he was researching; he did return it in proper working condition, though maybe not rewound). He appears to be the last in a line of outstanding reporters with whom I enjoyed working in that role, preceded by Kamon Simpson, John Branch, the late Jim Lassiter and Mike Burrows since 1995.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
"Like" us on Facebook
It is a tribute to the respect within the industry for the Gazette's (now former) Broncos beat reporter Frank Schwab. It is also a reaction to the curious decision made by a newspaper that while not originating in Denver proper, does represent a large community in the Broncos "secondary market," where there is a strong Denver Broncos fan-base and a large number of season-ticket holders.
Schwab, who did an outstanding job and consistently got better during his seven years on the beat, will now cover the Air Force Falcons. Air Force football is huge in its home city of Colorado Springs, so putting Schwab on that beat is a wise move journalistically. The team deserves great local coverage and Schwab will provide that.
Schwab also gets a gift in the form of a reunion with Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun--not only an extremely talented and successful coach, but a true gentleman and first-class guy. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Calhoun when he was on the Broncos staff (2003-05) and have enjoyed seeing his ascension from quality-control coach to coordinator to collegiate head coach. A true example of good things happening to good people.
The timing of the Gazette's decision to drop the Broncos beat is odd too, because Schwab had gained even more of a foothold on the Broncos beat with last year's shuttering of the Rocky Mountain News and the relationships he had established through his longevity in that spot. Competing against the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News was not always easy, but Schwab made his mark and made those papers' coverage better in the process.
Schwab was also the most active reporter I've seen engaging readers/fans on Twitter. He worked hard to inform them and generate debate, but always maintained an even keel, took criticism in stride and never made it personal. Those who followed him as @fs3142 can now do so as @GazetteAirForce.
What remains to be seen is whether the Gazette experiences any drop-off in readership by replacing beat reporting on the most popular sports team in the region with what will presumably be a mix of AP stories and Gazette columns. The assumption is that the paper believes the work of its fine columnist David Ramsey will provide the personalized local touch on the Broncos beat.
Viewed through that lens, it could prove to be a financially savvy way for a newspaper to confront the economic challenges of its business by deploying its best people in places where they can make the most impact, while trusting they won't experience a drop-off in the process. But it does seem like a questionable decision given the immense popularity of the Denver Broncos in the state of Colorado and beyond. My suspicion is that it is a gamble on the habits of readers, not a statement that they believe that popularity has waned.
Time will tell, but what is certain is that it is time to salute Frank for his excellent work on the Broncos beat, and for being a true professional to work with (except when he kept my VHS copy of Super Bowl XXXII for more than a year for a piece he was researching; he did return it in proper working condition, though maybe not rewound). He appears to be the last in a line of outstanding reporters with whom I enjoyed working in that role, preceded by Kamon Simpson, John Branch, the late Jim Lassiter and Mike Burrows since 1995.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
"Like" us on Facebook
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lonie Paxton's Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge Set For Sept. 28, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
CONTACTS:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports: (303) 929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports: (303) 886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
LONIE PAXTON’S CELEBRITY SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE SET FOR SEPT. 28, 2010
Event Features NFL Stars Teaming Up to Support Active Force Foundation
DENVER—The First Annual Lonie Paxton Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is coming to Colorado Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. Join Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton and a number of his teammates and sports figures for this one-of-a-kind event at the Kiowa Creek Sporting Club in Bennett, Colo. (46700 E. County Rd. 30).
This event benefits Paxton’s Active Force Foundation and its mission to provide opportunity for physically challenged individuals to engage in a healthy lifestyle through sports experience and education. Active Force Foundation provides camps for disabled athletes to experience the unique four-wheel mountain bikes they have designed and built.
“I’m excited to have an event of this kind in Colorado,” Paxton said. “The people here have been terrific in supporting Active Force Foundation, and we’re looking to build up our programs to reach even more disabled athletes and give them outdoor experiences they’ve never had before.”
The 2010 Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is an event you don’t want to miss. Participants enjoy the opportunity to test their skills on Kiowa Creek’s professionally designed sporting clays course. You don’t need to be an expert marksman—this event caters to all experience levels, even those who have never shot before. Lunch and dinner are provided, as well as entertainment and a special opportunity to mingle with some of Colorado’s most recognizable athletes.
“Come out and enjoy a great time with my teammates and me in support of a great cause,” Paxton said. If you’ve never shot before, don’t let that stop you. There’s something for everyone, and you might just like shooting clays more than you expected.”
Sponsorship and ticket information are available by visiting www.prolinksports.net or calling Judianne Atencio of ProLink Sports at (303) 886-3950. There are several levels of sponsorship packages available, and they can be tailored to meet a company or organization’s unique interests.
To learn more about Active Force Foundation please visit www.activeforcefoundation.org.
# # #
ABOUT ACTIVE FORCE FOUNDATION
NFL player Lonie Paxton launched Active Force Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to implement its downhill four-wheel mountain bikes into adaptive sports camps and programs throughout the world in order to better serve the disabled sports community. Paxton is in his second year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 after playing eight years with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
CONTACTS:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports: (303) 929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports: (303) 886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
LONIE PAXTON’S CELEBRITY SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE SET FOR SEPT. 28, 2010
Event Features NFL Stars Teaming Up to Support Active Force Foundation
DENVER—The First Annual Lonie Paxton Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is coming to Colorado Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. Join Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton and a number of his teammates and sports figures for this one-of-a-kind event at the Kiowa Creek Sporting Club in Bennett, Colo. (46700 E. County Rd. 30).
This event benefits Paxton’s Active Force Foundation and its mission to provide opportunity for physically challenged individuals to engage in a healthy lifestyle through sports experience and education. Active Force Foundation provides camps for disabled athletes to experience the unique four-wheel mountain bikes they have designed and built.
“I’m excited to have an event of this kind in Colorado,” Paxton said. “The people here have been terrific in supporting Active Force Foundation, and we’re looking to build up our programs to reach even more disabled athletes and give them outdoor experiences they’ve never had before.”
The 2010 Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is an event you don’t want to miss. Participants enjoy the opportunity to test their skills on Kiowa Creek’s professionally designed sporting clays course. You don’t need to be an expert marksman—this event caters to all experience levels, even those who have never shot before. Lunch and dinner are provided, as well as entertainment and a special opportunity to mingle with some of Colorado’s most recognizable athletes.
“Come out and enjoy a great time with my teammates and me in support of a great cause,” Paxton said. If you’ve never shot before, don’t let that stop you. There’s something for everyone, and you might just like shooting clays more than you expected.”
Sponsorship and ticket information are available by visiting www.prolinksports.net or calling Judianne Atencio of ProLink Sports at (303) 886-3950. There are several levels of sponsorship packages available, and they can be tailored to meet a company or organization’s unique interests.
To learn more about Active Force Foundation please visit www.activeforcefoundation.org.
# # #
ABOUT ACTIVE FORCE FOUNDATION
NFL player Lonie Paxton launched Active Force Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to implement its downhill four-wheel mountain bikes into adaptive sports camps and programs throughout the world in order to better serve the disabled sports community. Paxton is in his second year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 after playing eight years with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
"Like" us on Facebook
Friday, July 9, 2010
On LeBron James, ESPN--and Dan Gilbert
Much criticism has been lobbed toward LeBron James and ESPN in the wake of last night’s one-hour “Decision” special to reveal which NBA team James would choose in free agency.
Much of it has been deserved, but when you analyze the motives and the desired outcomes of each, I think ESPN probably deserves the least, James a moderate amount, and a late entry into the spectacle, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, probably the most. He may have been late to the party but he made his presence felt in spectacular fashion.
ESPN and James achieved what most brands ultimately want: Everybody is talking about them.
Overall, it was a good business decision by ESPN to participate. Above all, ESPN is in the entertainment business and the goal is to attract viewers. That they did, with a 7.3 rating according to early Nielsen overnight figures.
Journalistically, however, ESPN created an awkward situation for its NBA reporters and analysts by creating a special for James to announce his decision. Even if no actual edict was issued to them to preserve the suspense for the show, they created the appearance of a compromise among most logical folks who were certain ESPN reporters would not scoop an ESPN special.
While that concern is valid, it’s debatable whether the perception of journalistic compromise by a TV network even matters to anybody besides those in the industry. It is viewers that ESPN cares about, and the perception of a such compromise is unlikely to hurt viewership to any degree.
James has been called everything from narcissistic to an out-of-control egomaniac for dragging out his decision and then choosing to place even more attention on himself with the special. Understandably so.
I don’t fault him for exercising his right to play anywhere he wants. It is the manner in which he went about it that did the most damage to his image. Choosing to deliver a figurative punch to the solar plexus of long-suffering Cleveland sports fans on national television was a choice that lacked sensitivity and heart.
It was evident in James body language and facial expressions that he felt as much pain for leaving his home and fans behind as he felt excitement for going to Miami. There was a somber tone to the whole debacle. So why did he choose this method to make his announcement?
Some have said he deserves praise, not criticism, because he used the opportunity to provide funding and awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. That’s nice, but then why wasn’t there any mention of that dynamic or the specifics involved with it in the special? Unless I missed it, James was simply sitting in a Boys & Girls Club branch in Greenwich, CT, with kids around him, who in the end were more out-of-place props than named beneficiaries of James’ self-indulgence.
If James wanted to be sensitive to those in his home state he could have orchestrated this much differently. Once he made a decision, he simply could have planned the signing and press conference with his new team and then called the Cavaliers (and his other suitors) to deliver the news personally. The press conference takes place in Miami, giving time for Cleveland media to travel there, allowing opportunity for Cavaliers fans to hear his answers to questions being asked by their hometown media.
While I think it would have been a nice story for James to stay in Cleveland, I’ve seen enough in professional sports to lose most notions of idealism I had while following sports growing up. But I don’t believe James deserves, as some have said, to be the “most hated man in the NBA.” Outside of Cleveland, what beef do other NBA fans and sports fans in general have with James choosing after seven years in Cleveland to sign a free-agent contract to play elsewhere?
I defend those Cleveland fans because as a Seattle native I felt the pain of watching both Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez bolt from the Emerald City. Neither was even a true hometown hero, though we felt like they were, having seen each grow from 18-year-old signees to major superstars. Griffey’s departure was easier to take because he actually went home with his move to the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez is another story. At least I can understand the vitriol that accompanies the feelings of betrayal when a long-time star leaves a city by his own choice.
Surprisingly, the one deserving the most criticism for his actions relative to his role and the expectations that go with it, is Gilbert. His unhinged written rant—in the font Comic Sans, no less—came out of nowhere just as the aftermath of this spectacle was winding down, and AFTER the Cavaliers organization had issued a very professional, well-reasoned statement to the media.
It is understandable Gilbert would feel betrayed and want to rally his team’s fans when things seem to crumbling around them. That’s what leaders do. But his approach was so bizarre for a team owner that it probably did him more harm than good.
Sure, it’s refreshing for media and fans to receive such candor from an owner of a professional sports franchise. And for his part, while Gilbert wants to win, he also wants to sell as many tickets and cash in on as much devotion as possible from the team’s fans and potential fans.
A big part of that, however, is built on signing players to deliver those wins and championships he’s promising, and if there’s one thing professional athletes are most loyal to—besides themselves and their families—it is their fellow players. After witnessing Gilbert’s epic blast at James’ back as he walks out the door, what player is motivated to come play for him? And it is those players who will determine whether the Cavaliers win even that first championship Gilbert is promising his fans.
Among PR directors’ worst nightmares is dealing with an owner or executive who is ruled by his emotions when speaking publicly (perhaps only topped by working with one who comes in the next day—or calls at 5 a.m.—with complaints about the negative stories you’ve allowed to be printed, or failed to prevent).
Either way, this whole LeBron James free-agent spectacle has given sports fans and media much to talk about during one of the slowest sports periods on the calendar (and don’t tell me about the World Cup, because while it’s huge globally, most sports fans in the United States truly don’t care beyond hoping the USA wins).
For all the criticism lobbed in his direction, LeBron James will be fine. He will make boat-loads of money, live in a great city and win a lot of games. He could have handled the whole process with a greater degree of humility, but his overall brand will not suffer, and clearly that is what is most important to him.
Those championships, however, will not come easily, no matter how much talent is around him.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Much of it has been deserved, but when you analyze the motives and the desired outcomes of each, I think ESPN probably deserves the least, James a moderate amount, and a late entry into the spectacle, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, probably the most. He may have been late to the party but he made his presence felt in spectacular fashion.
ESPN and James achieved what most brands ultimately want: Everybody is talking about them.
Overall, it was a good business decision by ESPN to participate. Above all, ESPN is in the entertainment business and the goal is to attract viewers. That they did, with a 7.3 rating according to early Nielsen overnight figures.
Journalistically, however, ESPN created an awkward situation for its NBA reporters and analysts by creating a special for James to announce his decision. Even if no actual edict was issued to them to preserve the suspense for the show, they created the appearance of a compromise among most logical folks who were certain ESPN reporters would not scoop an ESPN special.
While that concern is valid, it’s debatable whether the perception of journalistic compromise by a TV network even matters to anybody besides those in the industry. It is viewers that ESPN cares about, and the perception of a such compromise is unlikely to hurt viewership to any degree.
James has been called everything from narcissistic to an out-of-control egomaniac for dragging out his decision and then choosing to place even more attention on himself with the special. Understandably so.
I don’t fault him for exercising his right to play anywhere he wants. It is the manner in which he went about it that did the most damage to his image. Choosing to deliver a figurative punch to the solar plexus of long-suffering Cleveland sports fans on national television was a choice that lacked sensitivity and heart.
It was evident in James body language and facial expressions that he felt as much pain for leaving his home and fans behind as he felt excitement for going to Miami. There was a somber tone to the whole debacle. So why did he choose this method to make his announcement?
Some have said he deserves praise, not criticism, because he used the opportunity to provide funding and awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. That’s nice, but then why wasn’t there any mention of that dynamic or the specifics involved with it in the special? Unless I missed it, James was simply sitting in a Boys & Girls Club branch in Greenwich, CT, with kids around him, who in the end were more out-of-place props than named beneficiaries of James’ self-indulgence.
If James wanted to be sensitive to those in his home state he could have orchestrated this much differently. Once he made a decision, he simply could have planned the signing and press conference with his new team and then called the Cavaliers (and his other suitors) to deliver the news personally. The press conference takes place in Miami, giving time for Cleveland media to travel there, allowing opportunity for Cavaliers fans to hear his answers to questions being asked by their hometown media.
While I think it would have been a nice story for James to stay in Cleveland, I’ve seen enough in professional sports to lose most notions of idealism I had while following sports growing up. But I don’t believe James deserves, as some have said, to be the “most hated man in the NBA.” Outside of Cleveland, what beef do other NBA fans and sports fans in general have with James choosing after seven years in Cleveland to sign a free-agent contract to play elsewhere?
I defend those Cleveland fans because as a Seattle native I felt the pain of watching both Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez bolt from the Emerald City. Neither was even a true hometown hero, though we felt like they were, having seen each grow from 18-year-old signees to major superstars. Griffey’s departure was easier to take because he actually went home with his move to the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez is another story. At least I can understand the vitriol that accompanies the feelings of betrayal when a long-time star leaves a city by his own choice.
Surprisingly, the one deserving the most criticism for his actions relative to his role and the expectations that go with it, is Gilbert. His unhinged written rant—in the font Comic Sans, no less—came out of nowhere just as the aftermath of this spectacle was winding down, and AFTER the Cavaliers organization had issued a very professional, well-reasoned statement to the media.
It is understandable Gilbert would feel betrayed and want to rally his team’s fans when things seem to crumbling around them. That’s what leaders do. But his approach was so bizarre for a team owner that it probably did him more harm than good.
Sure, it’s refreshing for media and fans to receive such candor from an owner of a professional sports franchise. And for his part, while Gilbert wants to win, he also wants to sell as many tickets and cash in on as much devotion as possible from the team’s fans and potential fans.
A big part of that, however, is built on signing players to deliver those wins and championships he’s promising, and if there’s one thing professional athletes are most loyal to—besides themselves and their families—it is their fellow players. After witnessing Gilbert’s epic blast at James’ back as he walks out the door, what player is motivated to come play for him? And it is those players who will determine whether the Cavaliers win even that first championship Gilbert is promising his fans.
Among PR directors’ worst nightmares is dealing with an owner or executive who is ruled by his emotions when speaking publicly (perhaps only topped by working with one who comes in the next day—or calls at 5 a.m.—with complaints about the negative stories you’ve allowed to be printed, or failed to prevent).
Either way, this whole LeBron James free-agent spectacle has given sports fans and media much to talk about during one of the slowest sports periods on the calendar (and don’t tell me about the World Cup, because while it’s huge globally, most sports fans in the United States truly don’t care beyond hoping the USA wins).
For all the criticism lobbed in his direction, LeBron James will be fine. He will make boat-loads of money, live in a great city and win a lot of games. He could have handled the whole process with a greater degree of humility, but his overall brand will not suffer, and clearly that is what is most important to him.
Those championships, however, will not come easily, no matter how much talent is around him.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Champ Bailey & John Lynch Team Up to Benefit Youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Contacts:
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
Denver Broncos’ Champ Bailey, John Lynch and Morton’s DTC Team Up for Kids
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired Broncos all-pro safety John Lynch are teaming up with Morton’s The Steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center on Monday, Sept. 20, for an exceptional evening of fine wine and great food to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, home to the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center.
This indoor-outdoor event is open to the public and provides a special opportunity for everyone to remember and celebrate the life of “D-Will” with members of the Denver Broncos. A VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m., and the event opens to all ticketholders at 7 p.m.
Event co-chairmen Bailey and Lynch were teammates of Williams’ during his two seasons as a Bronco (2005-06).
"Earlier this year we all had to relive the events surrounding Darrent's death, with the trial and sentencing,” Lynch said. “Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center is a way for us to get back to remembering the positive way ‘D-Will’ lived his life."
"Rosalind said after the trial she hoped something could be learned from Darrent's death,” Bailey said of Darrent Williams’ mother. “Giving our young people a positive place like the Boys & Girls Clubs is a way to keep them safe and away from the violence that took our friend Darrent from us. We want to raise needed funds for the Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center, and we ask the people of Colorado to join us.”
In 2008, the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center opened at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, located at 4397 Crown Boulevard in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The teen center provides a gathering place for youth ages 13–18 where they can socialize, work on homework, plan and implement service projects, participate in college and career preparatory programs, and avoid unsafe activities and influences.
Guests of the Morton’s event will enjoy a fine selection of vintage wines from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries including: Cambria, La Crema, Dutton-Goldfield, Duckhorn, Merryvale, Rodney Strong, ZD, Taittinger, Jordan, Franciscan, Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin and Mt Veeder. A Van Gogh Blue Vodka Martini Bar will also be served. Republic National Distributing Company will provide all the wines for the evening.
A strolling dinner buffet will be served including such Morton’s favorites as bluepoint oysters, Shrimp Alexander, sliced filet mignon, Chicken Christopher, and poached chilled salmon.
KCNC-TV sports anchor Vic Lombardi will kick off a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. All of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.
Tickets for the VIP reception, wine-tasting and dinner go on sale today for $250 per person. Tickets for the wine-tasting and dinner only are $150 per person. A limited number of Young Professional tickets (ages 21 – 35) are $75 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.prolinksports.net.
For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Judianne Atencio at ProLink Sports at 303-886-3950.
# # #
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Since 1961, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver has been helping kids from tough neighborhoods stay out of trouble, stay in school, and succeed in life. Not just after school hangouts, the Clubs are places where young people come to learn, do homework, develop social skills, express themselves creatively, and participate in sports. Learn more at www.BeGreatDenver.org.
Morton’s, The Steakhouse
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to their founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.
The company owns and operates 80 Morton's steakhouses located in 68 cities in 28 states and Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau), as well as three Italian restaurants.
Morton’s The Steakhouse DTC is located at 8480 East Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village. For reservations, call 303.409.1177.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Contacts:
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
Denver Broncos’ Champ Bailey, John Lynch and Morton’s DTC Team Up for Kids
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired Broncos all-pro safety John Lynch are teaming up with Morton’s The Steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center on Monday, Sept. 20, for an exceptional evening of fine wine and great food to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, home to the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center.
This indoor-outdoor event is open to the public and provides a special opportunity for everyone to remember and celebrate the life of “D-Will” with members of the Denver Broncos. A VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m., and the event opens to all ticketholders at 7 p.m.
Event co-chairmen Bailey and Lynch were teammates of Williams’ during his two seasons as a Bronco (2005-06).
"Earlier this year we all had to relive the events surrounding Darrent's death, with the trial and sentencing,” Lynch said. “Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center is a way for us to get back to remembering the positive way ‘D-Will’ lived his life."
"Rosalind said after the trial she hoped something could be learned from Darrent's death,” Bailey said of Darrent Williams’ mother. “Giving our young people a positive place like the Boys & Girls Clubs is a way to keep them safe and away from the violence that took our friend Darrent from us. We want to raise needed funds for the Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center, and we ask the people of Colorado to join us.”
In 2008, the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center opened at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, located at 4397 Crown Boulevard in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The teen center provides a gathering place for youth ages 13–18 where they can socialize, work on homework, plan and implement service projects, participate in college and career preparatory programs, and avoid unsafe activities and influences.
Guests of the Morton’s event will enjoy a fine selection of vintage wines from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries including: Cambria, La Crema, Dutton-Goldfield, Duckhorn, Merryvale, Rodney Strong, ZD, Taittinger, Jordan, Franciscan, Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin and Mt Veeder. A Van Gogh Blue Vodka Martini Bar will also be served. Republic National Distributing Company will provide all the wines for the evening.
A strolling dinner buffet will be served including such Morton’s favorites as bluepoint oysters, Shrimp Alexander, sliced filet mignon, Chicken Christopher, and poached chilled salmon.
KCNC-TV sports anchor Vic Lombardi will kick off a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. All of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.
Tickets for the VIP reception, wine-tasting and dinner go on sale today for $250 per person. Tickets for the wine-tasting and dinner only are $150 per person. A limited number of Young Professional tickets (ages 21 – 35) are $75 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.prolinksports.net.
For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Judianne Atencio at ProLink Sports at 303-886-3950.
# # #
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Since 1961, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver has been helping kids from tough neighborhoods stay out of trouble, stay in school, and succeed in life. Not just after school hangouts, the Clubs are places where young people come to learn, do homework, develop social skills, express themselves creatively, and participate in sports. Learn more at www.BeGreatDenver.org.
Morton’s, The Steakhouse
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to their founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.
The company owns and operates 80 Morton's steakhouses located in 68 cities in 28 states and Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau), as well as three Italian restaurants.
Morton’s The Steakhouse DTC is located at 8480 East Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village. For reservations, call 303.409.1177.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Lonie Paxton's Active Force Foundation Bowls Perfect Strike with NFL Draft Party/Bowling Bash
Lonie Paxton put his Active Force Foundation on the map in Colorado in a big way last Thursday when his 2010 NFL Draft Party and Bowling Bash brought out stars and heroes to share in a perfect strike of fundraising excitement at Brunswick Zone in Lone Tree.The stars came in the form of Paxton, the Denver Broncos’ long-snapper, and 15 of his teammates, including All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey, quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn, starting tight end Daniel Graham and run-stoppers Darrell Reid, Ronald Fields and Mario Haggan.
But the real stars of the night were heroes from the U.S. Army’s Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson, Colo. A group of 54 soldiers and family members from that unit were the honored guests of Active Force Foundation, invited to share in the fun of the night and have a good time bowling and watching the draft with guests, sponsors and NFL players.
Active Force Foundation was created by Paxton and friend Brook Duquesnel in 2003 to build adaptive sports equipment and create programs for disabled athletes and wounded soldiers to enjoy outdoor recreational sports. Together they teamed up with engineer Jason Yim to build unique four-wheel mountain bikes that create a “level playing field” for all athletes to experience the rush of traversing a wilderness trail.The event was Active Force’s first in Colorado. Paxton started the foundation during his nine-year stint with the New England Patriots (2000-08), and sees tremendous opportunities for growth since his 2009 free-agent signing with the Broncos. The move was not only a positive one for his football career, but Colorado’s abundant mountain terrain and large military presence make it a natural home for Active Force Foundation to take its fundraising and programming to new heights.
By the nature of their position, long-snappers mostly fly under the radar—and that’s just fine with Paxton. But off the field he has big goals for the reach of AFF’s mission and the impact the Foundation can have on people’s lives.Last Thursday’s Draft Party and Bowling Bash showed the Active Force Foundation is well on its way to gathering the kind of momentum and support that make its goals fully attainable.
Congratulations to Lonie, Brook and Jason, and a special thank-you to Paul Sheehy and ProStar Sports. It was a pleasure to work with them on this event.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
Follow us on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lonie Paxton of Denver Broncos to Host Draft Party & Bowling Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 (**updated April 7, 2010**)
CONTACT:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports
(303) 929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
DENVER BRONCO LONIE PAXTON TO HOST 2010 NFL DRAFT PARTY AND BOWLING BASH
DENVER—Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton and the Active Force Foundation will host the 2010 NFL Draft and Bowling Bash party on Thursday, April 22 at Brunswick Zone in Lone Tree, Colo. The proceeds will benefit Active Force Foundation and its support of U.S. Army wounded warriors. Brunswick Zone is located at 9255 Kimmer Dr. (please note the change from the original venue, Mr. Bigg's).
Paxton will be joined by many of his Denver Broncos teammates for this special event, centered around the first round of the NFL Draft, being held for the first time on a weeknight in prime time.
The Draft Party kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and the fun continues with the Celebrity Bowling Bash at 5:30 p.m., in which sponsors will bowl with Lonie and other NFL players, as well as wounded warriors from Fort Carson, Colo.
“The causes supported by this event are very important to me,” Paxton said. “This is the perfect way to come together, have some fun and raise money for organizations I respect and support. Come join us as we salute our country's true heroes.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now:
Warrior Sponsorship—$500
* One bowling lane. Two sponsor guests bowl with two warriors and an NFL player
* 10 general admission Draft Party tickets
* Autographed Football to collect remembrances of the evening
* Exclusive photo opportunity experiences with America's heroes from the battlefield and football field
Hero Sponsorship—$250
* One bowling lane. Four sponsor guests bowl for one three-hour session
* 10 general admission Draft Party tickets
2010 NFL Draft Party Tickets—$20
* Watch the first round of the NFL Draft with members of the Denver Broncos and other NFL players (Does not include bowling)
Space is limited. To purchase a lane or tickets please download the event flyer and registration form found online at www.activeforcefoundation.org. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through AFF by sending a message to PaxtonDraftParty@aol.com or by calling (303) 886-3950.
ABOUT ACTIVE FORCE FOUNDATION
NFL player Lonie Paxton launched Active Force Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to implement its downhill four-wheel mountain bikes into adaptive sports camps and programs throughout the world in order to better serve the disabled sports community. Paxton is in his second year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 after playing nine years with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls.
# # #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)