Annual Celebrity Sports Camp
Transcription
Annual Celebrity Sports Camp
The RuJohn Foundation presents our Annual Celebrity Sports Camp June 23rd - June 29th, 2013 Jamaica www.rujohnfoundation.com Agenda Sunday 6/23 4-6:30pm: Acting, Banking/Financial and Young Ladies Workshops 7pm: Press Conference/Reception and Awards Dinner Location: Knutsford Hotel Monday 6/24 1pm: School Tour - Kingston College 2-5pm: Basketball, Football and Cheerleading Camp Location: Kingston College, North Street Tuesday 6/25 2-4pm: School Visit - Cardiff High School Wednesday 6/26 1pm: School Tour 2-4pm: Acting Workshop 2-4pm: Basketball, Football and Cheerleading Camp Location: Herbert Morrison High School, Montego Bay Thursday 6/27 2-4pm: School Visit www.rujohnfoundation.com ABOUT The RuJohn Foundation The RuJohn Foundation, a 501 c(3), non-profit organization, mission is to provide the necessary tools for education to the rural and inner-city schools of the United States and Jamaica. The foundation began in 2003 in honor of Ruth and John Tulloch, the grandparents of CEO and President Andrew and Christina Bachelor. Ruth and John taught their children to help those who can’t help themselves. To commemorate their memory, Andrew and Christina started the foundation. Since its inception, the foundation has conducted several celebrity sports camps, collected supplies for hurricane victims, donated computers and school supplies to various schools in Jamaica. We also hope to stress the importance of hard work and perseverance through sports. It is believed that if young people are taught to be achievers, then many fears will be eradicated and a society will rise up with a positive attitude. The positive attitude will hopefully spread from a localized area to reach an entire island or nation. Since 2005, The National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) players have displayed their professional skills and taught students the fundamentals of American Football and Basketball. Over the years the following NFL teams have been represented: Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Pittsburg Steelers, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. The NBA teams consisted of players from the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The RuJohn Foundation sports camp continues to inspire involved youth to reach for a brighter future. Each year we strive to help the youths of Jamaica accomplish their goal in being a better citizen. Since the inception of the foundation, not only have The RuJohn Foundation conducted sports camps across the Island of Jamaica but have donated the following items to organizations and schools: School supplies Computers, computer desks and printers Contribution towards various school lunch programs Assistance to hurricane victims Scholarship to students Ceiling fans to schools Commercial stoves and microwave ovens to schools In-ground and portable basketball systems Hygiene kits American footballs and basketballs Football helmets, shoulder pads and uniforms Refurbished two basketball courts Renovation of an athletic building at a local school www.rujohnfoundation.com Andrew & Christina Bachelor Chief Executive Officer & President Andrew Bachelor - Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bachelor, born in Toronto, Canada, attended Coral Springs Charter for both Middle and High School. He was Vice President of the Human Relations Club, where he was instrumental in taking a group of his peers to Jamaica on a charity trip. Later, he went on to become the CEO of The RuJohn Foundation. Andrew’s love for sports took him to Florida State University, one of the leading Division I colleges in the United States. While there, he consistently ranked among the Top 15 High Jumpers in NCAA and had a personal best jump of 7 feet 2.5 inches. He graduated from the FSU College of Business in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and later moved to California to pursue a career in acting and filmmaking. Following appearances on shows such as Burn Notice and My Pyramid, Andrew established his production company, Bach Enterprises. He has written, directed, produced and starred in his own original series, King Bachelor’s Pad. Previous guest stars include Lamorne Morris (New Girl), Tamala Jones (Castle), Robert Ri’chard (Coach Carter) and Neil Brown Jr. (The Walking Dead). Andrew has also collaborated with YouTube’s biggest networks, including DeStorm Power, Alphacat, Glozell, Kain Carter and Comedy Shaq. Christina Bachelor - President In 2011, Christina Bachelor graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Fisher School of Accounting. In May 2012, Christina graduated with a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California. Christina launched her professional career in August 2012 at the prestigious Big Four accounting firm of Deloitte & Touché. At an early age, Christina learned the importance of giving back by volunteering at her Church and various clubs at both her High School and College. In High School she was the treasurer for the National Honors Society. While in college, she not only served as their Treasurer, but was also actively involved in planning various charity events. Christina is also a very active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has coordinated many fundraising activities, served as Treasurer, and conducted membership intake. Christina served as Secretary for 4 years for the National Association for Black Accountants and Programming Chair for Mu Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to those positions, while in college she served in a leadership position, in the Caribbean Student Association, Caribbean Gator Aid, Student Government, and the Multicultural showcase. She is currently the third vice president of the Inglewood, CA graduate chapter of her sorority. www.rujohnfoundation.com Angela Oliver Director Angela Oliver - Director Angela Oliver became actively involved in philanthropic work when her son Andray Blatche entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2005. Having volunteered with various organizations from children program to Cancer outreach programs, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization on program planning and implementation. Angela ministers to children in underserved neighborhoods through a variety of outreach programs, charitable events and outright gifts. She knows firsthand how to help and minister to others having lost her sister to breast cancer. A native of Syracuse, New York, Angela is the President of the Andray Blatche Foundation. She currently resides in South Carolina with her husband Alonzo, and her younger son, Tre. Her eldest son, Andray, is currently playing for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets as a forward. Pictured Left: Unveiling the plaque outside of the refurbished sports pavilion at Kingston College's North Street campus are; Angela Oliver of the Andray Blatche Foundation, Byron and Ingrid Bachelor of the RuJohn Foundation, head boy Reynell Barnett and acting principal Everton Burrell. The RuJohn and Andray Blatche foundations donated the bulk of the $6.5 million that it cost to refurbish the facility, which now boasts a gymnasium, a sportsmaster's office, among other things. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) www.rujohnfoundation.com Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller Supports the RuJohn Foundation Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has been an avid supporter of the RuJohn Foundation for years. While delivering the main address at the foundation’s 2012 annual celebrity meet-and-greet reception at Knutsford Court Hotel, Simpson Miller lauded the foundation for assisting Jamaican schools and organizations with financial and material donations. "Any contribution to education is a contribution to the development of Jamaica," Simpson Miller stated. "Any contribution to the children is a contribution to the future of Jamaica. We are blessed to have people with big hearts. We cannot pay for what they give to us every time they come here.” Guests for the 2013 charity event will have the privilege to dine with the Prime Minister and enjoy her presence while giving back to the Jamaican community. www.rujohnfoundation.com A Christmas Surprise Spreading Christmas Cheer! The RuJohn Foundation was involved in two shopping excursions to the delight of a good number of children. 50 students between the ages of 6 to 13 went shopping in Kingston, Jamaica with Jamaican Track athletes Warren Weir, Jermaine Gonzales, Ricardo Chambers and Rosemarie Whyte; co-sponsored with Mega Mart. 25 children from Coral Springs, FL were also treated to a shopping spree at Target courtesy of Whitsyms Nursing Service. Please visit www.RuJohnFoundation.com to help by contributing gifts or making a donation. www.rujohnfoundation.com Student Testimonials Over the years, the RuJohn Foundation and its celebrity guests have impacted hundreds of Jamaican students by instilling self worth, dedication and ambition. In 2012, the foundation contributed over $200,000 USD to improve local schools and provide scholarships for students to attend a college or university. Below are testimonials from individuals that were inspired and thankful for their experience with the RuJohn Foundation. Dear RuJohn Foundation: I am honoured to have received a scholarship from your organization. You have aided in providing me with the opportunity to achieve a higher education and thus contribute to the development of my country. I will make the best of this opportunity by not only achieving academic success but also by giving back to my community. Also, thank you for the laptop. It will certainly be used as a learning tool. I enjoyed the awards ceremony and was truly inspired. I hope that you continue to change the lives of young people and may God continue to bless you and your family. Best Regards, Racquel Jarrett **************************************************************************** Dear RuJohn Foundation: I would like to take the time out to express my sincere gratitude to you in offering me a scholarship from your foundation. I truly appreciate your kind gesture and I will continue to do my best in my endeavors. I mostly indeed had a great time at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston on Sunday, June 17, 2012; by getting to meet wonderful celebrities, NFL and NBA players respectively, whom had their own insights of aiming high to achieve one's goals and never giving up. I am therefore looking forward in continuing to escalate my relationship with you and the RuJohn Foundation thoroughly, by staying in contact as much as I can, updating you with my achievements, grades and so on. I am very grateful for this monetary gift and laptop which will surely aid me in university with my assignments and such, as I didn't own one personally. I hope the Lord will continue to outpour his blessings upon you, your family and your profound foundation. Yours truly, Saskia Barton www.rujohnfoundation.com Media Celebrity Guest Social Media Following: Twitter: 1,135,853 YouTube: 2,148,247 By utilizing social media, our celebrity guests and athletes raise awareness of the foundation’s purpose and progress. The video blogs, which are posted to YouTube.com, have the potential to reach over 2 million people around the world. Print Media: Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Gleaner Television: TVJ (Smile Jamaica) and CVM www.rujohnfoundation.com Celebrity Testimonials Guests Describe Their RuJohn Experience “When I first visited Jamaica, it was mind blowing to see some of the conditions that these kids have to learn under. I saw it with my own eyes what little they have. For them to deal with those circumstances really impressed me. My family and I are trying to help out in any way that we can and we’re glad to have partnered with the RuJohn Foundation to make a difference.” - Andray Blatche, Brooklyn Nets “I do a lot of charity work with inner city kids in my hometown Philadelphia. It’s important that we provide that help for children everywhere. Jamaica is a great country with so much to offer, so I’ve made a commitment to come back to remind the youth that every one of them has a gift and a purpose. It’s my responsibility to use my blessings to bless others.” - Raheem Brock, NFL Super Bowl Champion www.rujohnfoundation.com Celebrity Testimonials Guests Describe Their RuJohn Experience “I became involved with the RuJohn Foundation in 2012 and I’m still so thankful they reached out to me. There is no better feeling than helping others, especially the youth, and that’s what this foundation is all about. I was so inspired after attending the summer camp last year, I decided to begin my own non-profit for children in my hometown of Los Angeles. The Bachelor family really reminded me that it is our duty to uplift our communities and the next generation.” - Robert Ri’chard \ “There were so many people who helped me when I was a kid and I see it as a privilege to be able to share my blessings with others. It felt good to speak with the young teens in Jamaica and tell them that anything they want to achieve in life is possible. I plan to go back every summer and help promote positivity and inspire those kids to work hard and never give up on their dreams.” - Lance Gross www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Andray Blatche Position: Forward/Center Height: 6 ft 11 in Weight: 260 lbs Born: August 22, 1986 High School: Herringer High School (Syracuse, New York) / South Kent Prep (South Kent, Connecticut) NBA Experience: 2005—Present Draft: 2005; 49th pick of Second Round by Washington Wizards Personal/Pre-Pro Bio: Son of Angela Oliver, Blatche is one of the NBA’s most unique athletes, considering that he did not play organized basketball until high school. Nevertheless, he quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with as at Herringer he averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, and eight blocks per game. His success continued at South Kent, where he averaged 27.5 points, 16 rebounds, and six blocks per game leading his team to a record of 32 - 9 record. When not being an offensive and defensive threat on the hardwood, Blatche is involved in his community and service projects. If he is not making an impact with his selftitled organization (Andray Blatche Foundation), he can be seen on the scene contributing genuine time and interest with team functions including Wizards Basketball Clinics, “Salute to the Stars,” “Abe’s Table,” “Reading Time-Out”, “We Can,” visiting wounded persons at Andrews Air Force Base/ Walter Red Army Medical Center, and with families at the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia. Professional Bio: Blatche proves in his performance and statistics that he is on the rise as a phenomenal athlete. After splitting time during his rookie season with the Washington Wizards and the Roanoke Dazzle (NBA Development League), he averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Starting in 63 of 64 games in his 2010 - 2011 season, he produced 18.8 points, 8.20 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Blatche is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Last season, he averaged 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds & set a career high field goal percentage of 51.2%. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Raheem Brock Position: Defensive End Height: 6 ft 4 in Weight: 274 lbs Born: July 10, 1978 High School: Murrell Dobbins High School (Philadelphia, PA) College: Temple University NFL Experience: 2001 - 2011 Draft: 2002; Picked # 238 of Seventh Round by Philadelphia Eagles Other Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2002-2009), Tennessee Titans (2010) and Seattle Seahawks (2010-2011) Awards: Superbowl XLI Champion. 2010 NFC Champion Personal/Pre-Pro Bio: In High School, Brock played tight end, fullback, and linebacker. During his senior season led his team to a Division Title in 1997. He was a four year letterman at Temple University, started in 33 games and finished his college career with 160 tackles, 11 sacks, 30 stops for losses and 35 QB pressures. When not fighting in the trenches as a defensive lineman, Brock holds a profound presence in his community with his self-titled foundation (Raheem Brock Foundation). He is well known for giving back to his hometown city of Philadelphia (through “Brock’s Kids) and Temple Athletic Program. In addition, he can be found exercising his entrepreneur mindset in recording studios of Beast Modez Entertainment; having already signed two up and coming artists, Jae Ellis and Last Donna. Professional Bio: In his career, he has totaled 319 tackles, 38 sacks, 19 pass deflections, and 12 forced fumbles. Arguably his best seasons were with Indianapolis Colts from 2004 - 2006 where he started in all 16 games of each season amassing 138 tackles, 16 sacks, eight pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles. He amassed a career high nine season sacks in his 2010 season with Seattle Seahawks; 2010 NFC Divisional Champions. He has played in 16 career playoff games (two starts) and two Super Bowls; winning with the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI versus the Chicago Bears. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Reggie Evans Position: Forward Height: 6 ft 8 in Weight: 245 lbs Born: May 18, 1980 High School: Woodham High School (Pensacola, Florida) NBA Experience: 2002—Present Reginald Jamaal "Reggie" Evans is an American professional basketball player. The power forward is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas from 1998–2000 and then transferred to the University of Iowa. In 2001, Evans led the nation in free throws attempted, free throws made, and double-doubles. He led the Big Ten Conference in rebounding in 2001 and 2002, and was named Big Ten Tournament MVP in 2001 and Second Team All-Big Ten in 2002. He was Honorable Mention All-American in 2001. Evans signed with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he became known for his tenacious rebounding. In 2004–05, he led the league in rebounds-per-minute-played after finishing in the top 10 the two previous seasons. Despite playing under 24 minutes per game, he finished ninth in the NBA in total rebounds. A 2005 statistical analysis published on ESPN determined that on average, Evans will rebound one quarter of all shots missed while he is in a game. In the 2006 season this dipped to 21.5 percent, however, this was still good enough to edge out teammate Marcus Camby for the best rebound rate in all of basketball. On July 11, 2012, Evans was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. On March 27 in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Evans notched career highs in both points (22) and rebounds (26) as the Nets won 111-93. 2 days later in a game against the Denver Nuggets, Evans had another great night with 15 points and 16 rebounds. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest John Salmons Position: Forward/Guard Height: 6 ft 6 in Weight: 207 lbs Born: December 12, 1979 High School: Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Pennsylvania) College: University of Miami NBA Experience: 2002—Present Draft: 2002; 26th pick of First Round by San Antonio Spurs John Rashall Salmons is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings. He is the son of Sandra and John Salmons. Salmons was a member of a Pennsylvania high school state championship team while at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in 1997, where he reached the 1,000 point club. He went on to play college basketball at the University of Miami, in Florida. Salmons was drafted out of the University of Miami by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2002 NBA Draft. On July 24, 2006, Salmons signed a multi-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. On December 22, 2006, he recorded his first triple-double of his NBA career against the Denver Nuggets with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Salmons was traded to the Chicago Bulls on February 18, 2009 and he proved to be a key contributor in the Bulls making the 2009 NBA Playoffs, continuing to average over 18 points per game for the season. On June 23, 2011 he was traded back to the Sacramento Kings. Salmons and his wife, Taniesha, have a son, Josiah and a daughter, Saria. He has participated in the Kings Read to Achieve program, visited local schools and mentored youth on the importance of literacy and the benefits of reading. Salmons also joined teammates to help build frameworks for new homes which were donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Ronald Moore Position: Guard Height: 6 ft 1 in Weight: 156 lbs Born: July 14, 1988 High School: Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Pennsylvania) College: Siena College (NY) Ronald Moore was born July 14, 1988 in Philadelphia. Ronald guided Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School to three consecutive Suburban 1 Championships. As a senior, he averaged 17 points, eight assists and two steals per game, leading to a 28-3 record. He was also a Third-Team All-Southern Pennsylvania selection by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Colonial Newspaper Player of The Year and Times Herald Player of the Year. Ronald played for the Siena Saints from 2006-2010. His 1070 points ranks 33rd all-time. He was the key to the Siena offense with his fantastic ability to distribute the ball. He finished his career as the Siena all-time assist leader with 823, and also the MAAC leader (now 2nd) and 23rd all-time in NCAA history. Ronald was part of a team who won 3 consecutive MAAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships. His class of 2010 was the winningest class in Siena history (97). He was named to the All-MAAC 2nd team and All Tournament 1st Team in 2009. In 2010 he was named First Team All-MAAC, First Team All-Tournament and NABA District 1 1st team. Ronald is also third all-time in steals with 223, including an impressive 64 his senior season. During his first season playing professional basketball in Slovakia, Ronald led his team to the league’s Championship Game. He spent his second season in Poland, where his team played in the EuroCup and finished 4th in their league. Ronald currently plays professionally in Hungary, where he recently led his team to winning both the Hungarian Cup and the National Championship. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Darius Butler Position: Cornerback Height: 5 ft 10 in Weight: 185 lbs Born: March 18, 1986 High School: Coral Springs Charter School (FL) College: University of Connecticut NFL Experience: 2009 - Present Darius J. Butler is an American football cornerback who is currently a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Butler attended Coral Springs Charter School in Coral Springs, Florida. While there he played quarterback and safety. He also played basketball, scoring over 1,000 points during his career. He was an All-County selection as well as an All-State honorable mention. Butler played college football at the University of Connecticut, where he was a four-year starter and two-year team captain. He was primarily a cornerback, but he also spent time as a kickoff returner and wide receiver. Butler was twice named Big East Player of the Week, both during his freshman year in 2005. He earned Big East Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting three passes for 122 interception return yards and a touchdown in a game against Army on October 1, 2005. The 122 return yards set both a Connecticut and Michie Stadium record. After his senior season in 2008, Butler was named to the All-Big East first team, despite not having a single interception all season. Butler was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (41st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He got his first career start and interception against the Tennessee Titans. Butler was signed as a free agent by the Indianapolis Colts on September 25, 2012. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Leonard Weaver Position: Fullback Height: 6 ft Weight: 250 lbs Born: September 23, 1982 High School: Satellite High School (Satellite Beach, FL) College: Carson-Newman College Awards: NFL All-Pro & Pro Bowl (2009), NFC Champion (2005) Leonard T. Weaver III is an American football fullback who last played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football for Carson-Newman College. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2005, and has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Born to Jennifer Gilmore and Leonard T. Weaver Jr., Weaver attended Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida and was a student and a letterman in football, basketball, and track. He played running back and quarterback at Satellite. Weaver attended Carson-Newman College where he starred on the Carson-Newman Eagles football team. He began his college football career at Carson-Newman as a linebacker, making nine tackles in two starts as a redshirt freshman in 2001. In his final year, still a tight end, Weaver earned Division II All-American honors from the AP, American Football Coaches Association and others. He led the 9-3 Carson-Newman Eagles to a conference championship and the second round of the Division II playoffs with 27 catches for 571 yards and 8 touchdowns, leading all Eagles receivers. Weaver signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2005 and converted to the fullback position. His first starting game was against the New Orleans Saints, where Weaver had 3 carries for 40 yards and 3 receptions for 53 yards. He recorded his first touchdown against the St. Louis Rams on November 25, 2007 on a 5 yard run. Weaver was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a starting fullback. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Raven Symone Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman, known professionally as Raven -Symoné, is an American actress and singer. She released her debut album, Here's to New Dreams in 1993 and her next album, Undeniable, was released on May 4, 1999. Raven appeared in several successful television series, such as The Cosby Show and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From 2003 to 2007, she starred in the Disney Channel series, That's So Raven in which she played Raven Baxter, a psychic teenager who tried her best to keep her psychic powers a secret. During her time on That's So Raven, Raven released her third studio album, This is My Time (2004) which was her best selling solo album to date. After a year of the end of That's So Raven, she released her fourth studio album, RavenSymoné (2008). During 2003 to 2006, she participated in four soundtracks from Disney, RIAA -certified double-platinum album, The Cheetah Girls (2003), RIAA-certified gold album, That's So Raven (2004), That's So Raven Too! (2006) and RIAA-certified platinum album, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006). The soundtracks sold a combined 4.1 million copies in the U.S. alone. As of April 2008, Raven-Symoné has sold 314,000 albums in the United States. Raven transitioned to a film career, starring in several films aimed at young audiences, including Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), College Road Trip (2008), and successful television films, including Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999), The Cheetah Girls (2003), its sequel Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), For One Night (2006), Revenge of the Bridesmaids (2010). Raven has also lent her voice to the animated series Kim Possible, for the character Monique and films such as Disney‘s Tinker Bell. In 2011, Symoné starred in the short-lived ABC Family comedy series State of Georgia as Georgia Chamberlain, an aspiring actress with a huge ego who moves to New York City to try her hand at an acting career. In 2012, Raven ranked No. 8 on VH1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars Of All Time" list. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Robert Ri’chard Born: January 7, 1983 Hometown: Los Angeles, California College: Loyola Marymount University Awards: 1998 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Children's Special Robert Ri'chard was born Robert Andrew Richard in Los Angeles, California. He has appeared in the UPN hit sitcom One on One as Arnaz Ballard, and in the Nickelodeon sitcom, Cousin Skeeter. He has also appeared in films such as Coach Carter, Light It Up and House of Wax. His breakout role was in the TV adaption of Anne Rice's novel, The Feast of All Saints, where he plays the young Marcel who becomes a man within Louisiana's Creole society. Like his character, he shares Creole ancestry and has been professionally acting since the age of 13. Ri'chard has guest starred on many hit shows such as Boston Public, Touched By An Angel, CSI:Miami, My Wife and Kids, and The Jamie Foxx Show. In 2000, he starred in the Disney Channel TV movie Alley Cats Strike. Ri'chard has appeared in the 2006 season of Veronica Mars. In 1997, Ri'chard starred in the television special, In His Father's Shoes, which earned him the 1998 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Children's Special. In the sitcom Meet the Browns, he portrays Derek Porter, a buffoonish frat student who lives next door to Brown Meadows. On November 16, 2011, it was announced that Robert Ri'chard was cast as Jamie in the hit TV series, The Vampire Diaries. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Lance Gross Born: July 8, 1981 Hometown: Oakland, California College: Howard University Awards: 2013, 2009 and 2008 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Best known for his award winning portrayal of Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s hit TBS sitcom House of Payne, Lance Gross is a rising star in the industry and quickly becoming a household name. Lance recently starred as Brice in Tyler Perry’s #1 box office hit, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor. Gross won two consecutive NAACP Image Awards in 2008 and 2009 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The show, which recently wrapped its sixth season, has won numerous NAACP and Vision Awards since its premiere in 2006. Other television credits for Gross includes The Bernie Mac Show on Fox and EVE on UPN. Lance made his feature film debut alongside Tyler Perry and Angela Bassett in the 2008 Lionsgate/Tyler Perry dramedy Meet the Browns. In addition to acting, Lance has appeared in numerous music videos for R&B stars Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, Latoya Luckett, Angela Simmons, Kelis, Mary J. Blige, and Tyra B. Lance is a native of Oakland, California and received his Bachelor of Arts in theatre from Howard University. He trained at The Ivanna Chubbuck Studio and Tasha Smith Acting Studio. He originally wanted to become a professional track and field athlete, but turned it down in order to pursue his dream of acting. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Camille McDonald Born: November 26 Hometown: Mamaroneck, New York Nationality: Jamaican American College: Howard University & Fashion Institute of Technology Beauty/Fashion Accomplishments: Miss. Florida Teen, Miss. Jamaica US, America’s Next Top Model, America’s Next Top Model All Stars, Glam Sense Contributions in Fashion. Best known for her appearance as a contestant on the hit reality TV show America’s Next Top Model, Camille McDonald is a seasoned international professional model and television personality. In the short span of time since the world first discovered Camille’s fresh face on the iconic international television series America’s Next Top Model, Ms. McDonald has become a highly sought after celebrity personality, a selfless philanthropist, as well as a powerful media mogul. Born in the city that would eventually make her famous, Camille is a native New Yorker. Raised in the Caribbean influenced suburbs of the North East Bronx by Jamaican parents, Camille was taught by both her mother and father of the value of entrepreneurship coupled with the power of a sound mind for business. Camille would excel both academically as well as socially during this time period in her life, discovering her love and talent for sports as well as her deep desire for education and personal development. It would be during this time period that Camille would compete in her very first beauty pageants (Stephanie Gibbs Model Search Florida, Miss Teen Florida, and Miss Jamaica US). In January of 2004, Cycle 2 of America’s Next Top Model would introduce the world to Camille McDonald and her world famous Signature Walk that became synonymous with her brand. The producers of ANTM and producers of ANTM and executive of The CW Network would soon discover that the Camille McDonald storyline was a Top Neilson Ratings attraction for the show, which would ultimately solidify Ms. McDonald’s US fan base. As ANTM would be syndicated in over 30 countries across the globe, Camille McDonald would rapidly become a household name and international sensation through the worlds of fashion and beauty. Europe called and Camille would sign with the Milan Division of Major Model Management International. As a philanthropist, Camille works with a myriad of charitable organizations both in her native New York as well as across the globe. Signature Mentoring (SM) is the youth outreach division of her company which focuses on mentoring youth with the dreams of having a successful career in fashion and entertainment. Camille also lends her voice and talents to a wide array of worthy causes including GMHC of NYC, The American Heart Association, Carma Foundation, The Water Initiative as well as Linx2FUNDS. Most recently Camille McDonald has been named a Circle of Promise Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Jussie Smollett Born: June 21, 1983 Born: Santa Rosa, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil Described as a ‘quiet storm’, Jussie Smollett has been building up steam, becoming a force to be reckoned with. Coming from a family of entertainers, Jussie has been studying the business of show since the age of four. As 1/6 of the ultra-talented Smollett siblings, he is best known for his acting. This Fall he can be seen as British racecar driver, Tariq Hamilton, in the feature film, Born to Race: Fast Track and this Christmas he is Nico Dempster, a douche of sorts in Allison Burnett’s Undiscovered Gyrl with Britt Robertson, Justin Long and Martin Sheen. He also recently landed a recurring role on FOX’s The Mindy Project. From playing the son of Halle Berry and Danny Glover in Alex Haley’s: Queen and his roles in Disney’s The Mighty Ducks and Rob Reiner’s North to starring alongside his siblings in the ABC sitcom, On Our Own, Smollett is a multi-faceted artist. He recently released his debut ep, The Poisoned Hearts Club. The music boasts a mix of pop and soul over alternative and hip-hop beats. The singer/songwriter is described by Ebony magazine as “…an urban Adam Levine brewed in a cup of MJ.” Jussie is also an avid supporter of causes and charities both foreign and domestic having been named one of the 30 artists under 30 truly making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS by the Black AIDS Institute, sitting on the board of Artists for a New South Africa as well as being a supporter of the Jenesee Foundation, a shelter for battered women. With a heart as big as his talent, firm acting chops, a buttery yet powerful voice, storyteller lyrics and undeniable stage presence, Smollett is setting the tone for what is sure to be a journey worth watching. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Lamorne Morris Born: August 14, 1980 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Lamorne Morris is an actor, comedian and television personality best known for playing Winston on the Fox sitcom New Girl. Originally from Chicago, before wanting to become an actor, Morris wanted to be a basketball player. Morris studied at College of DuPage, The Second City Training Center, and was a member of Second City's Outreach and Diversity Ensemble. He made his TV debut as host of his own show HotWyred on BET, a witty interactive tech and gaming show. Morris has since become a familiar funny guy as one of BET’s most visible on-air personalities, with his comedic antics and coverage for many of the network’s top-rated shows. Most recently, Morris has been seen as the co-host of the daily music and entertainment news show BET Now with Alesha Renee. Morris has shown off his acting chops in several award-winning independent films and shorts including April Fools, One Word and voiceover work for animated comedy Urban Group Squirrels. He studied theatre at the College of DuPage near Chicago and is a recipient of the Chris Farley Memorial Acting Scholarship. With his recent relocation from New York to Los Angeles, Morris has begun developing several of his own show concepts and is up for several film and television projects. Currently Morris can be seen in many commercials, including ones for State Farm Insurance, Taco Bell, Twix, Miller Lite, Las Vegas, 7 Up, Edge, Sears, Microsoft Windows, Chili's, McDonald's, Ford and Hornitos Tequila. Morris is featured in the supporting role of Winston in the Zooey Deschanel anchored comedy series New Girl, which premiered September 20, 2011, on Fox. Morris has also appeared in some youtube videos by the channels FunnyorDie and, more recently, Water. Morris featured in one of Water's videos starring Matt Damon which aim to increase awareness about the lack of water in third world countries. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest PHOENIX Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts "I am far from shy! I came out of the womb ready to sing,” says Boston native Danielle Marie Green, better known as Phoenix. Inherently born with the gift of a strong yet soothing voice, Phoenix possesses the ability to capture her audience and maintain their full attention. Born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Phoenix would make up funny voices and accents all before the age of 4, discovering her innate talent. By the age of 6, she began performing in front of her church congregation; taking center stage in front of any camera, commanding all spotlights, and always ready to perform. Phoenix’s craft would further be developed while attending The Boston Arts Academy, where she studied Jazz and won numerous accolades within her Jazz ensemble. In 2007, Phoenix moved to New York City with just her dream in sight and a goal of creating a music career with longevity. Her dream came to fruition when she met Super Bowl Champion Raheem Brock, one of the NFL’s premiere Defensive Lineman, and was signed to his entertainment conglomerate Beastmodez Entertainment. Raheem recognized that Phoenix wasn’t just your typical signer; she wasn’t just R&B, Soul, Jazz, or even Rock but a mixture of all musical genres. Currently, Phoenix has a growing fan base on YouTube as she covers and recreates various classic hits. She continues to mesmerize audiences during Fashion Week runway shows, singing back-up for numerous artists and opening up for the multi-platinum band The Roots’ sold out concerts. The energetic and exceptionally confident Phoenix with her unique vocal range, will be noted as the next singing phenomenon of this era. “I’m on my way to a creating a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression,” states Phoenix. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest DeStorm Power Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Awards: 2011 American Music Awards New Media Winner, 2013 Streamy Awards Best Web Musician DeStorm Power (pronounced day·storm) is an American YouTube personality, musician and comedian. He is the 110th most subscribed user as well as the 37th most subscribed musician on YouTube. His channel, DeStorm, has more than 240 videos which, together, have been watched more than 191 million viewers. After interning and ghostwriting at Atlantic Records, Universal, and various other record labels, Power set out to establish himself as a performer, using YouTube as a platform to share his singing, songwriting, and production skills with the online community. Power's videos are typically comedic and also often incorporate rapping and beatboxing. He was an accomplished triple jumper and Master personal trainer, and was notably invited to the Olympic Trials. Power's YouTube channel, registered under the username DeStorm, has more than 1,300,000 subscribers, and is used primarily for his musical endeavors. It is currently the 8th ranked music channel on YouTube. His videos on the channel have been viewed over 191,000,000 times. DeStorm often composes and performs covers or Beatbox covers of well known songs or creates content for major brands such as Pepsi, GE, Yahoo and Nintendo. Power occasionally collaborates with other popular YouTube personalities and recording artists, such as Mystery Guitar Man, Freddie Wong, Ray William Johnson, Nice Peter and Kina Grannis. DeStormTV, Power's second YouTube channel is used primarily for blogging, motivational, and behind the scenes videos. As a former personal trainer and Olympic level triple jumper, Power also gives fitness tips to the 200,000+ subscribers of this channel. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Iman Crosson Born: March 27, 1982 Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky Iman Crosson has honed his talented presence and dead-on impersonation to become America’s leading Barack Obama impersonator, appearing on FoxNews, Entertainment Tonight, and at corporate events around the country. The youngest of 5 children, Iman has been the comical personality that has made people burst with laughter since he was a child. Iman would spend his time at home mimicking his childhood idol, Jim Carrey and reenacting the comedy sketches of the then smash sketch comedy show In Living Color. At the age of 12, Iman's parents enrolled him in The School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio. To sharpen his craft, Iman made the decision to attend Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio as a dance major with a minor in acting. It was here that his skills were honed with classical training in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, African and even hip-hop. Within a quick two years, Iman was recruited by the nationally respected African-American Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and performed with their student company. Within months after moving to California, Iman's career skyrocketed having his online following jump from a mere 7,000 subscribers to over 60,000 subscribers and counting. His recent video made in honor of the election, a spoof of rapper T.I.'s "Whatever You Like", soared to nearly 7million hits. His spoof was heard nationwide on radio stations, CNN and even was named New York News #4 of the top 10 Obama songs of 2008. When asked repeatedly if he could top it he then released another music video spoof of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" which hit a staggering 4 million hits within an impressive 3 weeks. Iman has made a huge splash in the industry being coined as "The Man who proved Obama can be made funny" by New York Magaine and hailed by the Los Angeles Times as having an impression that "is eerily as accurate as Tina Fey's Palin" Iman has now stacked up over a whopping 17 million views online for his videos. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Siobhan St. John Siobhan St. John is captain of the Brooklynettes, the dance team for the Brooklyn Nets, and she has been dancing for the team for seven seasons. Siobhan has studied tap, ballet, and jazz dance for thirteen years and hip-hop for twenty-three years. Siobhan has been teaching dance and cheerleading for over twelve years. In 2010 Siobhan performed with Shakira at the NBA All-Star game, and she most recently performed with Chris Brown on the Today Show. Siobhan has performed in South Korea, the Philippines, China, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Russia, Brazil and Mexico on behalf of the Nets organization. Outside of dance, Siobhan enjoys instructing and coaching cheerleading. Siobhan was a cheerleader at New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, NY, and she has been a coach at New Rochelle for eleven seasons. This year the New Rochelle Cheer program brought home two out of three National Cheerleading Championships. Siobhan has also been a cheer instructor for the Universal Cheerleading Association for twelve years and has played an integral role in developing their summer curriculum and dance routines for the last seven years. Siobhan has an undergraduate degree from Lehman College, and she recently graduated from The Chicago School of Psychology with a Master’s degree in Psychology. Her future aspirations are to become a successful psychologist and a motivational speaker. Although a native New Yorker, Siobhan has family ties to Jamaica. Her grandmother is first generation American, and her great-grandparents were born in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. Siobhan credits much of her strong upbringing to her Jamaican heritage. www.rujohnfoundation.com Meet Celebrity Guest Amanda Robinson Amanda Robinson is a professional dancer and model raised in Piscataway, NJ. She just finished her second season with the Brooklynettes, the dance team for the Brooklyn Nets. Amanda has had the privilege of representing the Brooklyn brand overseas with performances in Brazil, China, Italy, Turkey, London, and Spain. Growing up, Amanda was always adventurous, coming from a large family of seven siblings. At the age of three, her mother enrolled her in a recreational dance class at a public library to help channel her endless expressive energy. By the age of seven, Amanda began training at a local dance studio, where she studied ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, hip hop, musical theatre, swing, and also was a member of the studio's competitive talent company for the next ten years. In her teens, Amanda experienced her first taste of the professional dance world when she was awarded a full scholarship to study classical ballet and pointe at the training school for the New York City Ballet – The School of American Ballet. During this time, she was cast as a member of George Balanchine’s, “The Nutcracker” and “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream.” Amanda went on to further her dance career by competing in dance at the collegiate level. She was member of The College of New Jersey’s nationally ranked dance team and was captain her senior year. Amanda double-majored in Psychology and Communication Studies in college, specializing in Radio/Television/Film Production, and she loves to continue to explore mass media and production. Amanda’s future aspiration is to continue to travel the world, and being of Jamaican descent, she is incredibly excited to partake in this journey and to learn more about her roots. www.rujohnfoundation.com 2013 Sponsors www.rujohnfoundation.com