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:
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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
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