Jerry Azumah

Men’s Journal Chicago Men of the Year 2012

jerry_blog — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:29:28 +0000

Burberry Chicago Flagship Unvailed

jerry_blog — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:01:31 +0000

Burberry recently unveiled a gleaming 5 story new Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, the second largest in North America, and to celebrate they threw a party fitting for one of the top luxury brands in the world. This event was a MAY-JAH grand production with many many servings of Veuve Clicquot! The day started off with Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts addressing Chicago business leaders at a Special Thought Leaders Luncheon at the Palmer House Hilton, Burberry Creative Director Christopher Bailey speaking at a lecture at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, and culminated with an epic party at the new store. It was also a celebration of Chicago to showcase the city’s creative community through The Art of Trench campaign that was shot by Tim Klein and Amy Creyer for Burberry, which was displayed throughout the store and some lucky participants even had billboards across the city.

The party inside kicked off with models lined at the entrance with champagne flutes for guests as music by Carl Barat who later performed with his band and DJ Matt Roan closed out the night. All 5 floors of the Burberry store was alive with gorgeous models making sure each guests’ glass was appropriately filled with copious amounts of Veuve. A few Billy’s-Billy Zane, Billy Dec, Billy Rood- were spotted. On another floor, Jena Gambaccini, Nikia Jefferson, Coree Hamilton, Amy Creyer, Jessica Moazami, Erin Brennan were mingling. Rochelle Trotter, Azeeza and Rhan Khan posed for pictures. Candace Jordan who was spotted chatting up fellow Art of the Trench participant Jessyca Dudley, was there with her husband Chuck and Paul Iacono. Maria Pinto rocking a fab leopard coat with Laura Kofoid. Kevin Aeh, Art of the Trench Chicago participant who was totally giving Blue Steel face in his photo, Artist Theaster Gates(who will be at Art Basel this week), Naomi Beckwith and Eric McKissak was also there taking in the fun. Lynne Bredfeldt, Ardie Farhadieh were jamming to the music.

Other notable guests included: Victor Skrebneski, Nena Ivon, Connie Payton, Brittany Payton, Marc Brooks-Park52, Les Coney-Mesirow Financial, Shannon O’Brien and Matt Roan, Julie Latsko-Table52, Dr. Alex and Dusty Stemer, Monika and Geoffrey Dixon, Rich Tong-Fohr Card, Maria Ponce Berre and Trey Berre, Emma Arnold, Megan Taylor, Jessica Zweig-Cheeky, Helen Melchoir, Chris LaMorte-UrbanDaddy Chicago, Jerry Azumah, Mel Muoio-Element Collective,David Syrek, Jeff Schear, Ernest Wilkins, Aramide Esubi, Lauren Gold, Sasha Bauxbaum(formerly Adler) and so much more.

The video presentation during the event was a digital experience where at some point the models began snapping their fingers to mimic sound of the rain and the screen showed what looked like marbles falling in form of rain to then reveal the store, seriously cool stuff.
Chef Art Smith, Art of the Trench campaign participant, was also at the event hanging out with with Alex Maier of Haberdash and Valentine Uhovsky- Tumblrs Fashion Evangelist and a few other friends who were treated to a special late night meal at Table52 after the party.
In celebration of the opening, the Burberry Foundation partnered with the John D. and
Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to create $2.2 million in funding to support the Chicago Hive Learning Network. This new funding, $1.7 million and $500,000 from the MacArthur and Burberry Foundations respectively, will be deployed to inspire young people in Chicago, creating new innovative educational experiences designed to nurture their skills and creative confidence.

The party was to end at 10pm but was extended to 11:30. This was such a fun and great event. I just want to shoutout and thank every single person that was involved behind the scene in executing this. Chicago will be on a Burberry high for a long time.

15th Guardian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Class of 2012

jerry_blog — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:34:34 +0000

St. Peter-Marian to induct 11 individuals, 2 teams

HALL OF FAME ROUNDUP

Eleven individuals and two teams from St. Peter-Marian High will be inducted at the 15th Guardian Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Manor restaurant, Route 12, West Boylston.

Tickets for the ceremony and dinner are $50 and can be purchased by contacting athletic director Peter Jones by email at jonesp@spmguardians.org or by phone at (508) 852-5555, ext. 20. Ticket deadline is Nov. 10.

The inductees:

Jerry Azumah (Class of 1995) was a football co-captain and MVP in 1994, rushing for 1,840 yards and 31 touchdowns and winning a Central Mass. Division 2 Super Bowl. He was also outdoor track co-captain and MVP in ’95, and went on to play football at UNH and with the NFL’s Chicago Bears for seven seasons, making the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in 2004.

Jennifer Ford Breslin (1988) was a two-year co-captain, CMC All-Star, and 1988 Telegram & Gazette Super Team All-Star in basketball, and a softball co-captain as well as a National Honor Society member and junior class president. She was a basketball co-captain at St. Anselm and had a 151-71 record as SPM basketball coach from 1994 to 2004.

Caitlyn A. Clark (2002) was a T&G Super Team pick for four years in cross-country, and Central Mass. champion for three years, leading SPM to the CMass team title three times. She was a T&G Super Team pick in indoor track, winning the district title in the mile and 2 mile and the district mile championship twice in outdoor track. She later ran track at Assumption, and was New England USA Track & Field champion twice in the 5,000 meters and once in the mile.

Michael Germain (1984) was a heavily decorated hockey all-star, including a two-time T&G Super Team pick, and led the Guardians to the CMass Division 1 title for four straight years, making it to the state final twice. He was also a two-time T&G Super Team pick in baseball, later played hockey at Holy Cross, and won 225 games in 19 seasons as SPM hockey coach, qualifying for the state tourney 14 years.

Malachi Kelley (1969) was a two-year football player at St. Peter’s, helping the team win the state Class A title in 1968, and played four years of varsity basketball as the Guardians won the Catholic Conference title in 1969. He also won a Catholic Conference title with the 1969 baseball team, winning the “Mr. Clutch Award” that year, and is now principal of Nelson Place Elementary School.

Christopher Kursonis (1994) was a football co-captain and CMC All-Star in 1993, scoring 11 touchdowns and 100 points as quarterback that year. He was also a basketball co-captain, played hockey, and was a T&G Super Team pick in baseball, a co-captain in 1993 and MVP in ’94. Before becoming a baseball all-star at St. Anselm, he was an honor student at SPM and a Greater Media Cable Outstanding Scholar-Athlete. He is now principal of Abby Kelley Foster Charter High School.

Michael Lamoureux (1997) was a five-year football player, a two-time T&G Super Team pick, a captain, and led SPM to five consecutive Central Mass. Division 2 Super Bowls. He also played basketball, and was a CMC All-Star and T&G All-Star in baseball, batting .405 one year. He was a National Honor Society member, and led the Brown football team to the 1969 Ivy League title as a 3.65 GPA honor student in economics.

Stacy A. Mattioli Courtney (1996) was a two-time T&G Super Team pick in basketball and scored 1,666 career points. She was picked for the Massachusetts Best of 80 game in ’96, graduated fourth in her class with a 3.8 GPA, and received a full scholarship to Assumption, where she became the school’s all-time leading basketball scorer (1,791 points) and was a highly decorated honor student.

Ed Riley (1988) played basketball and baseball, being named a three-time T&G Super Team All-Star in baseball as well as Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year and runner-up as National Player of the Year. He was 35-1 as a pitcher with a career batting average of .475, led SPM to two district titles and a state title, and once struck out 19 St. John’s batters. He played in the Red Sox organization, managed the Worcester Tornadoes, and is now the coach at SPM and directs his own baseball school.

Ralph “Rick” Spokis (1969) was a four-year baseball and football player at St. Peter’s, twice winning the MVP award for the annual Thanksgiving game against St. John’s. He was a T&G All-City football pick for two years, and led the Guardians to a state Class A title in football in 1968 and the Catholic Conference championship in baseball in 1969.

Leo Gravel (honorary induction) is a retired teacher at Marian and St. Peter-Marian highs, a member of the Guardian Hall of Fame committee, and a supporter of sports at both schools for almost 40 years.

The 1977 baseball team won the Division 1 state title. Members were Richard Ball, Anthony Bulak, Anthony Cicero, J. Michael Cotter, Kevin Foley, Rich Gedman, Brian Hackett, Tom Horan, Ed Kazanovicz, Robert Morton, Chuck Pascarelli, Rodney Peters, J.P. Ricciardi, David Riley, Rev. Walter Riley, Peter Rovezzi, Kevin Sheary, Tom Westerberg, and Rev. James Carmody, coach.

The 1977 softball team won the Division 1state title. Members were Sherry Aselton Gedman, Paula Carelli, Cindy Cammuso, Frances Collins Leblanc, Margaret Collins Coggins, Elizabeth Conrad Sargent, Cindy DiTullio, Maureen Duffy Shanosky, Susan Dupre Callahan, Ellen Felkel Brennan, Kathleen Kruczek Soucie, Nancy Keating Clark, Susan Morse, Mary Ann Palazzi, Lucille Reed, Ann Scannell, Janice Underhill, Sharon Trainor Zenevitch, and coaches Ann Ash Zelesky and Sandi Gentile.

Bear Appetit

jerry_blog — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:56:28 +0000

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 ~ STUDIO PARIS – CHICAGO 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy Chef specialties from your favorite Lettuce Entertain You restaurants served by current and alumni Chicago Bears players, along with a sampling of specialty cocktails and
fine wines from Pernod Ricard

Participating restaurants include

Big Bowl, Café Baba Reeba, Hub 51
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Mon Ami Gabi, Paris Club, RJ Grunts, RPM Italian

Bear Appetit features live and silent auctions which include Suite tickets for the Bears vs. Vikings game at Soldier Field on 11/25/12, trips, unique Bears-themed artwork, autographed memorabilia, and more

Among the current and alumni Chicago Bears players currently scheduled to attend are Brandon Marshall, Chris Conte, Jerry Azumah and Gary Fencik. For a complete list of Chicago Bears

scheduled to participate visit www.events.org/bearapp. The list will be updated as additional players confirm.

Event Sponsorships – $5,000

Includes ten tickets, VIP reception, gift bags for guests, full page event program ad, recognition in GameDay magazine, logo display (video) at event

Individual tickets – $200 (space is limited) Available for purchase at www.events.org/bearapp

For additional information or to purchase event sponsorships, call 847-739-5325 or email Bears.care@bears.nfl.net.

Proceeds benefit
the charitable beneficiary of the Chicago Bears

Taste of the Nation Chicago

jerry_blog — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:43:08 +0000

While Chicago’s fast-paced dining scene may prove a challenge to keep up with, on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, the city’s hottest chefs, mixologists and sommeliers will join together under one roof, united around the same cause – the fight to end childhood hunger. At this year’s Taste of the Nation® Chicago, more than 1,500 guests will have the opportunity to taste and try the best of the Windy City’s food and spirits, all while brushing shoulders with the masters who make them. More importantly, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation provides an opportunity for people to help raise critical funds needed to end childhood hunger in Chicago and across America. This summer’s Taste of the Nation will also feature live entertainment and a silent auction presenting one-of-a-kind experiences and items.

This year’s event will honor groundbreaking beverage luminaries Bridget Albert (Southern Wine and Spirits) and Goose Island Beer Co.’s John Hall in a celebration of Chicago’s contribution to the world of food and beverage.

For more info please visit: http://ce.strength.org/chicago

SUITSUPPLY CHICAGO ROOFTOP LAUNCH PARTY

jerry_blog — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:08:34 +0000

In the words of Barney Stinson, Chicago it’s time to Suit up! SuitSupply opened its second stateside outpost in a swanky rooftop penthouse on Rush St. Friday (6/29) and what fun was had by all( I surely hope they did with all the alcohol they went through). Truth be told I almost didn’t make it to the event. I arrived to realize I left my camera battery at home. I decided to cab it back to my apartment(on the way there I got stuck in the Critical Mass bike ride melee) and I must say it was worth the extra mile. There were so many well dressed guests having a great time unwinding after a long week.
The store itself is dapper heaven, it’s tailored European fit. Though the name is Suitsupply you are not obligated to only buy suits. They have tons of casual and dress shirts, pants, and some of the best crafted shoes I’ve seen outside of Ferragamo or Saks Men’s store. Jerry Azumah former Chicago Bear and founder of ASAP foundation was the ‘host” of the evening and he was accompanied by some really well dressed men. Cork Catering assisted in executing the opening party. There were tubs on tubs on tubs of Veuve, San Pellegrino, Panna, wine and Heineken being served all night. Suitsupply CEO Fokke de Jong was in attendance as well Market maker Nish de Gruiter. Models from Ford Chicago were amongst some of the guests enjoying the view.
This is a legit store and I can’t wait to find every excuse to hang out there and not just because they have a wraparound rooftop. Men, if you are ready to infuse your wardrobe with some much needed pieces this is the store for you at an affordable price. They’ve received a cosign from GQ magazine and WSJ did a piece last year where in a blind test “Both testers said the $614 Suitsupply suit matched the $3,625 Armani in quality.”
Make sure to stop by Suitsupply very soon and let Zach, Darnell or one of their helpful

http://www.socialifechicago.com/2012/07/02/suitsupply-chicago-rooftop-launch-party/#more-3052

Donovan McNabb’s Celebrity Softball Game

jerry_blog — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:38:42 +0000

By Nekia Nichelle, Sunday at 8:20 am

Yesterday’s weather was perfect to be outside and play a game of softball and that’s exactly what Donovan McNabb and his celebrity friends did for his 1st Annual All Star Celebrity Softball Game Fundraiser.

Star Athletes Larry Fitzgerald, Napoleon Harris, Elton Brand, Jerry Azumah and Bobby Simmons united to support McNabb’s charity, Donovan McNabb Fund (formerly known as The Donovan McNabb Foundation), which over the past 11 years has supported community efforts to bring awareness to people of all ages affected by diabetes. The foundation’s overall goal is to educated people everywhere on healthy prevention initiatives for them and their families.

The game ended with McNabb’s team stealing the win 7-6!

To support the Donovan McNabb Fund visit www.donovanmcnabb.com/ssp/overview

Photo Credit: Rich Man Productions /Facebook: WhiteRichardR / Twitter: @RRWReports

Full Article: http://www.chicagonow.com/just-nekia-nichelle/2012/07/donovan-mcnabbs-celebrity-softball-game/

Current, former Bears flock to Briggs’ camp in Sacramento

jerry_blog — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:31:14 +0000

SACRAMENTO –

Lance Briggs had quite a workout even without being at Halas Hall.

The seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker hosted 350 aspiring football players for his fourth-annual Nor-Cal All-Star football camp in his hometown of Sacramento this weekend. It was the largest turnout ever for an event aimed to give kids without the financial means to attend such a camp and chance to be tutored by NFL athletes.

“It was an amazing turnout,” Briggs said. “The kids, the players, the coaches — everybody involved with this just makes this keep getting better and better. Couldn’t have asked for a better camp.”

Current Chicago Bears Major Wright, Nick Roach, Tim Jennings, Kahlil Bell, Matt Toeaina, Lance Louis, and Patrick Trahan all worked the camp, as did ex-Bears Jerry Azumah, Rashied Davis, Anthony Adams and Antonio Garay.

“Lance always puts on great events, and he always has a heart for kids and giving back to where he’s from,” Roach said. “It’s a pleasure to come out and help someone like that.”

Briggs and Bell conducted a rather entertaining question-and-answer session with the campers midway through drills.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter@vxmcclure23

Adrenaline & LXM Earn Their “Street Cred” -InsideLacrosse.com

jerry_blog — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:18:43 +0000

San Diego, CA- Adrenaline and LXM have partnered with FanFueled to launch a new rewards program called “Street Cred.” FanFueled is a revolutionary fan engagement platform that transforms leagues, festivals, artists, and venues into a social game, rewarding fans for interacting with their favorite bands, brands, and content. Fans complete social actions – like sharing relevant news on Facebook or following a headliner / athlete on Twitter – to earn points and move up the leader board. Points can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences that can only be found on Engage.

FanFueled already has other partnerships with the world-renowned Roxy Theatre, The Ultra Music Festival, and Camp Bisco Festival. “Companies are increasingly recognizing that we’re changing the economics of marketing and loyalty,” explained Anderson Bell, FanFueled’s CEO & founder. “Our proprietary technology allows clients to identify and reward their most influential fans.”

“After talking with Anderson about the platform, it took all of 10 seconds for us to decide to jump all over the opportunity. To be able to reward our loyal fan base by simply doing what they already do, which is watch our videos, like our pages, follow our ambassadors, and share it with their friends, we couldn’t ask for a cooler marketing tool,” stated Adrenaline President Alex Cade. “The Street Cred participants get to interact as well as compete for some pretty ridiculous Adrenaline and LXM prizes that can only be won through playing, and kids jump all over the opportunity to win free gear.” From a custom designed shafts to a Blackcard Showcase Helmet, to a full on new Adrenaline Waredrobe, to an Adrenaline Tropics Shaft and player gear, to private lessons with an LXM PRO, to VIP tickets for LXM, to an autographed LXM game jersey, to South Swell Gold card that earns you 15% all purchases for an entire year; this rewards program might be the coolest and most rewarding thing to ever hit the lacrosse industry.

As you know LXM PRO is the world’s only professional lacrosse tour, combining elite-level athletes with live music and fan interaction in festival-like events. The Adrenaline and LXM PRO engagement platform will serve to enhance their mantra by offering opportunities for player/fan interaction, unique prizes and more. “LXM and Adrenaline Lacrosse have the most loyal and enthusiastic fans in the sport. Teaming up with FanFueled is consistent with our mission to connect with and create one-of-a-kind moments for our consumer, reward loyalty and innovate. The technology the FanFueled team has assembled is like nothing we’ve seen before and we’re confident it will take the experience our fans have at LXM and Adrenaline events to new heights,” explained Xander Ritz, LXM Pro CEO & co-founder.

FanFueled’s mission is to harness the most powerful tool in the live event ecosystem –fan passion. By redefining the economics of the live event industry, they provide event organizers with the ability to recognize their most important fans; the ones who turn an event into an experience through their influence, passion, and loyalty. The data generated from this patented marketing platform allows clients to identify and reward fans in new ways based on their contribution to an event’s success. Adrenaline and LXM are looking forward to this launch and hope that not only fans play, but that brand ambassadors and other sponsors will want to join in. “Everyone in the office is already getting weird about it, we are all getting competitive trying to be on top of the leaderboard and that’s exactly what we expected,” added Cade.

Get your account now at https://www.fanfueledengage.com/streetcred/Account/Engage. You can sign up through email or your Facebook account. The easiest way to earn points is through referrals, so the more friends a fan invites to play, the better their chances of winning. So don’t wait, and start earning your Street Cred today! For more info or any questions email info@adrenalinelacrosse.com!

PREMIER ATHLETES

jerry_blog — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:09:41 +0000

Premier Athletes is a division of Premier Relocation (a boutique real estate brokerage firm) based in Chicago. Premier Athletes serves as a luxury real estate concierge, providing exclusive high-end residences while delivering world-class amenities for sports professionals in Chicago and nationally.
www.premier-relocation.com