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Not Far From Home: Ronnie Brewer’s Home Ties In Oklahoma City

Not Far From Home: Ronnie Brewer’s Home Ties In Oklahoma City

By Alanna Bradley, News9.com - email

Ronnie Brewer is the newly acquired forward from the New York Knicks who is expected to make an immediate impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defense.

2/21/13 Related Story: CBS Sports: Thunder Acquire Ronnie Brewer from Knicks, Trade Maynor

He may be moving from New York, but his move to Oklahoma will be one that finds him closer to home. In fact, his uncle Walter lives in Oklahoma City and is the men’s basketball coach at OKC’s Southeast High School.

“We’re excited,” Walter said. “He’s closer to home. We’re more of a family-oriented group. It’s great to have him closer to home. Since we’re all from Arkansas it’s not a big drive.”

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Event: Ronnie Brewer Foundation A Night With the Stars

Event: Ronnie Brewer Foundation A Night With the Stars

The Ronnie Brewer Foundation presents the 2nd Annual “A Night With The Stars”.

All proceeds from “A Night With The Stars” will go to help build a new gym and life center at the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club.
To purchase tickets to either event, click here, or contact Verlyn at 479-973-3937.

Hosted by John Salley

Event: A Night With The Stars
Date: July 14, 2012
Time: 7PM to Midnight
Location: Fayetteville Town Center

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NBA Star Raises Money for New Gym

NBA Star Raises Money for New Gym

The Second Annual Ronnie Brewer Foundation Gala “A Night with the Stars” at the Fayetteville Town Center on Saturday raised funds for a new Boys and Girls Club gym. The former Razorback basketball player who grew up in Fayetteville said the Boys and Girls Club is a place that influenced his life.

“It built my character… I think it helped build my competitive nature,” Ronnie Brewer said.

The new gym at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club will carry Ronnie Brewer’s name.

“To have my name on it means a lot because you can never tear it down, you can’t move it. It’s always going to be there,” he said.

To read more please visit this link.

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The Ronnie Brewer Foundation presents the Brew Bowling Extravaganza!

EVENT: BREW BOWLING EXTRAVAGANZA
DATE: JULY 13, 2012
TIME: 7PM TO 9PM
LOCATION: OZARK BOWLING LANES
TICKETS: $100/EACH

TICKETS: $500/TEAM

TO ATTEND: $50/EACH

The Ronnie Brewer Foundation presents the 2nd Annual “A Night With The Stars”.

EVENT: A NIGHT WITH THE STARS
DATE: JULY 14, 2012
TIME: 7PM TO MIDNIGHT
LOCATION: FAYETTEVILLE TOWN CENTER
TICKETS: $100/EACH

TABLE: $1,000 (SEATS 8)

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Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork

RONNIE BREWER FOUNDATION GALA WEEKEND

July 1, 2012 – The Ronnie Brewer Foundation will host its 2nd Annual “A Night With The Stars” Gala sponsored by Superior Buick GMC Automotive Group of Siloam Springs. The event will take place Saturday, July 14th at the Fayetteville, AR Town Center. The Gala will raise money for a new Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club gymnasium. The night will consist of a silent auction, live auction, dinner and dancing. Former NBA star John Salley will host the gala.

The weekend will kick off on Friday with The Ronnie Brewer Foundation Inaugural Bowling Extravaganza at Ozark Bowling Alley in Fayetteville. Brewer and his celebrity guests will bowl with friends and fans for a good cause!

Ronnie Brewer is known for his philanthropic efforts, being honored with the Silas Hunt Award in 2009 for his donation of $50,000 to the University of Arkansas journalism scholarship fund. He is also an active participant in The Ronnie Brewer Foundation, whose mission is to aid in the education and athletic development of his community’s youth through sports and recreation.

The Ronnie Brewer Foundation Gala Weekend would not be possible without all of the phenomenal sponsors. UAPB/Stamp Out Smoking, Boar’s Nest, Bariola’s, Parker Law Firm, Hair Couture, Staybridge, Cooper Communities, Nickelodeon, Dynasty, Bedford Camera & Video, Signature Bank, Arvest Bank, University of Arkansas, CAA Sports, Gadson Management Group, Citiscapes, Legacy Blues and Slam Magazine.

If you would like more information about the events or to purchase tickets please go to www.ronniebrewerjr.com. To schedule an interview, please contact Knyja Reed at 312-254-9828 or email kreed@gmgtgroup.com

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Chicago Bulls Guard Ronnie Brewer Jr. Adopts Pershing West Middle School

Chicago, IL-­‐ On February 20th, 2012 Ronnie Brewer’s “Brew Crew Foundation” adopted Pershing West School in Chicago, Illinois. Located on Chicago’s Southside, Pershing West is striving for excellence! Led by the principal Cheryl Watkins, Brewer was so impressed by Watkins passion for her students, that he adopted the school to assist with the development of current and upcoming educational and athletic initiatives.

 

On February 28, 2012 Ronnie Brewer Jr. honored 8 fourth through eighth grade high achieving students and their principal. The selected students attended Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Hornets as a reward for their academic achievement. The students represented Brewer by wearing their prize t-­‐shirts from the “Brew Crew” Foundation. In addition, Brewer’s “Brew Crew” Foundation has elected to enhance the schools Extended School Day Program by providing educational items and sporting good equipment to aid the students. It is Ronnie’s hope that he can be used as an instrument  to harness the power of professional sports to make a difference in the  community.

 

 

The “Brew Crew” Foundation is a non-­‐profit organization serving the needs of greater Northwest Arkansas and Chicago communities. The Foundation strives to support each community in at-­‐risk situations while promoting education, physical fitness, and the importance of working together as a team. For more information about The “Brew Crew” Foundation and upcoming events, please log onto www.ronniebrewerjr.com.

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Ronnie Brewer For Stamp Out Smoking

The Minority Initiative of Stamp Out Smoking will launch this year’s public education efforts with new television and radio advertising featuring former Arkansas Razorback and current Chicago Bulls player, Ronnie Brewer.

Entitled I Can’t Imagine, the TV/radio advertisements highlight Ronnie in the element that has deemed him a star – basketball. Ronnie is reminiscing on the path he has taken to pave his career while underscoring how life may be totally different had he chosen to smoke.

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Ronnie Brewer Jr. Fan’s Edge Autograph Signing

Ronnie Brewer

CHICAGO, IL -ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2011

Chicago Bulls guard Ronnie Brewer will be making an appearance and signing autographs and other memorabilia at FansEdge in Shops at Northbridge, 55 East Grand Ave. from 2-4pm. This is a great opportunity for both Brewer fans and Bulls fans to meet one of the more exciting players from the 2011-2012 Chicago Bulls roster.

The event is being hosted by FansEdge, the nation’s #1 Fan shop and has 12 locations in Illinois. FansEdge provides access to the hottest sports items, personalized tees, NFL sideline apparel, player jerseys, women’s apparel by celebrity designers, and much, much more… On Saturday, be sure to get your Ronnie Brewer T-shirt and other memorabilia.

All proceeds from the autograph signing will benefit Ronnie Brewer’s very own Brew Crew Foundation. The Ronnie Brewer Foundation was established in 2009. Ronnie Brewer has committed himself to giving back to his community. Through his involvement in charitable events, it is Ronnie’s hope that he can be used as an instrument to harness the power of professional sports to make a difference in the community. It is his desire to help fund nonprofit organizations in the areas of education and youth sports (basketball camps) and recreation in order to positively impact his community. Please check out www.thebrewcrew1.com.

For more information about the event please contact: Knyja Reed at 312-254-9858 or email kreed@gmgtgroup.com.

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BSO Interview: Chicago Bulls’ Ronnie Brewer Talks Lockout and Playing with Derrick Rose

Brewer and Rose on the court

RONNIE BREWER TALKS TO CARLA PARKER OF BLACK SPORTS ONLINE ABOUT THE LOCKOUT AND PLAYING WITH DERRICK ROSE

I had the opportunity to have a Q&A session with Chicago Bulls guard Ronnie Brewer. Brewer has had an up and down career since the Utah Jazz selected him 14th overall out of Arkansas in the 2006 draft.

He had his best season with Utah in 2008-09 where he average 13.7 points per game. His numbers went down the following year and he was traded to the Memphis Grizzles where, unfortunately, he had a season-ending hamstring injury.

He agreed to a deal with the Bulls in 2010. Brewer, who average 6.2 ppg last season, is currently in his hometown – Fayetteville, Arkansas – where he has been working hard to improve his game during the NBA lockout.

What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during the lockout?

“Staying in shape. Working on my game. I had a prior engagement where I was giving out school supplies to the local youth at the Boys and Girls Club. Had a dinner to raise money for a new gym at the area Boys and Girls Club. But that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing. Staying in shape, working on my game and doing as much as I can in the community while I’m in town.”

What are your thoughts on other NBA players playing overseas during the lockout and have you consider that option?

“I think you definitely have to look into it and make sure if it’s the right situation and right opportunity for you. Playing in the NBA is a lot of people’s livelihood. That’s the way that they make a living. You take that away you have to find a way to make money. Hopefully an agreement can be reached and we can start playing, but it’s definitely an opportunity. It’s a realization that out lockout might be last for a few months or maybe the entire season. So you have to look into it. I’ve been in talks with my agent about different situations.”

Are you optimistic that the lockout will end sooner than what is expected?

“Yeah, for sure. Hopefully it won’t be a long lockout at all. [Hope] that we won’t miss any time or miss any games. Right now it’s just talks and that’s as far as it goes. I’m hoping we can get something situated so we can move on.”

Last season, the Bulls swept the Miami Heat during the regular season but the team lost 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. From your perspective what didn’t your team do in the ECF that you all did do during the season to defeat the Heat?

“We didn’t execute down the stretch. I think while we were playing during the season we played very well down the stretch. In crunch time, in the last three minute of the game, we just didn’t play well in the playoffs against those guys. I think in game one we came out with a lot of intensity and a lot of fire. In games 2, 3, and 4 I think we just didn’t play our style of basketball and our style of basketball is what matters in the last few minutes. To me that was the turning point of our season and that’s what allowed us to get put out by the Miami Heat.”

After the Bulls were eliminated what was the conversation like in the locker room after the game between the coach [Tom Thibodeau] and the players? What were some words he said to you all to keep you all encouraged?

“Mostly motivation. He said basically ‘y’all look around at each other faces. Remember this feeling because you don’t want to be on the end of this stick anymore. We want to be the team celebrating in the locker room, excited about going to the Finals and having the opportunity to play for a world championship. And every time you’re working out and you get tired, and every time you lifting weights and conditioning, remember this feeling. Remember how we felt like now and how everyone faces looked at that moment. And after you get that motivation continue to work hard, continue to get better and come back next year better that you did this year. And be looking forward to a long season next year because we plan on being in the same position next year and go farther than we did last year.’”

Before you got to Chicago last year you were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and unfortunately you had the season-ending hamstring injury. Usually when a player has a season-ending injury it takes awhile, usually a full year, for a player to get back to 100-percent. Did you feel that you were at 100-percent to play your best basketball?

“Honestly, at the start of the season I tweaked by hamstring again. So that was another thing I had to overcome. It took me awhile to get back where I needed to be but I felt like midway during the season I started getting my stride and started getting used to the offense and the new guys on the team. To me the last month in the season I got better and I improved. I’m optimistic about where I’m at right now and where the team is going. I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and improving and being able to help my team out.”

If there is a season this year do you believe you’ll be at 100-percent?

“For sure. I’ve been working really hard to improve my game, to get stronger, faster, quicker and more explosive. I think I’ve come along fairly well. I just have to continue to work hard and to get better. When I do that I’ll be okay.”

What was it like playing with MVP Derrick Rose?

“I think at times I tend to watch him because he does so many things very well. He had so many highlights. So a lot times you’re just basically watching him do his thing. To me he makes everyone around him better. He made everybody good and I think that’s really what a true leader does. To me it was just a blessing to be around him.”

What did you learn from him specifically to help elevate your game?

“Work ethic. He came in as one of the best players in the league and he worked the hardest. He came in early, got shots up. Stay late, got shots up. Continued to condition on a regular basis and tom me I think that made everyone work Hard to get better. Watching what he was doing, I didn’t want to be the guy who wasn’t working harder or not bringing their game. So everyone came in and worked as hard as he did night in and night out.”

What do you think you need to improve on to help the team get to the next level, the Finals?

“Me personally, I think you can always work on something in your game. You want your ball handling to get better or conditioning in the weight room to get stronger. For me I just got to continue to work on my jump shot and make it where I’m shooting with confidence in clutch situations. I think if I continue to do that then I can help the team and push the team to a championship.”

What do you think the team needs to do to get to the next level?

“I think we were right there. If we didn’t have some mishaps late in the 4th quarter we could have been in the Finals. I feel pretty comfortable with the guys on our team and the direction the direction that we’re going. I think everybody is improving and ready and anxious to get back to work.”

Talk about the water slide injury you had as a child that gave you an “unorthodox shooting technique.”

“When I was a child I had went to the lake where they had an annual event, a back-to-school event. I was on the water slide and I couldn’t swim that good so I was trying to slow down a little bit. And I ended up putting my arm out the slide and it got hit and I ended up have a compound fracture. Twelve years later at the draft it was a constant thing that they kept bringing up and how my shot was different. But it doesn’t really bother me. I’ve adjusted to how I shoot and continue to work hard. Maybe people will stop talking about it”.

Your dad, Ron Brewer, also played in the NBA and played at Arkansas and he helped his team reach the Final Four in 1978. What did he teach you about the game when you were a kid?

“He taught me everything about the game. He was the one who taught me the basic fundamentals about basketball. All the things on the defensive end, how to dribble, how to pass, how to move out the basketball, how to play the passing lane, how to dribble with your head up so you can see everyone around the court. Everything I know about basketball I learned from him.”

At Arkansas did you feel any pressure to be as successful as or better than your dad was?

“Not necessarily. My dad actually didn’t want me to play basketball because he didn’t want there to be a comparison. But I never felt like there was much of a comparison. He played in the 70s and I wasn’t a part of that time. I never really felt any pressure or anything. I just went out and played the game as hard as I could and had the opportunity to enjoy it while I was playing. He supported me and made me aware that there was no pressure.”

Article source: Black Sports Online

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Shoot for the Stairs – Skyrise Climb

Ronnie Brewer Jr

SHOOT FOR THE STAIRS – CHICAGO BULLS PLAYER RONNIE BREWER TO PARTICIPATE IN RIC SKYRISE CHICAGO 2011 -THE PLANET’S TALLEST INDOOR STAIR CLIMB

SKYRISE CHICAGO DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2011

WHO:

Chicago Bulls guard, Ronnie Brewer, is committed to staying in shape and supporting the Chicago community during the NBA lockout. On November 6, Ronnie will be participating in SkyRise Chicago 2011 to benefit The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Brewer is known for his philanthropic efforts, being honored with the Silas Hunt Award in 2009 for his donation of $50,000 to the University of Arkansas journalism scholarship fund. He is also an active participant in his own foundation, The Ronnie Brewer Foundation, whose mission is to aid in the educational and athletic development of his community’s youth through sports and recreation.

“As an athlete that has struggled with injury I know firsthand how important the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is,” said Ronnie Brewer. “ When you get knocked down they are your crutch to get back up and carry on with your everyday life. I am very excited to be working with them for such an amazing cause.”

WHAT:

RIC SkyRise Chicago is the planet’s tallest indoor stair climb benefiting the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). Not only can individuals and teams soar 103 floors up Willis Tower, there is also the option to hand-cycle the equivalent distance and elevation. Last year, SkyRise Chicago raised more than $1,000,000 to support the world-class rehabilitation care and cutting-edge research at RIC, ranked the #1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America.

WHERE:

Willis Tower

233 S. Wacker Dr.

Chicago, IL 60606

WHEN:

Sunday, November 6, 2011, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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All The Right Moves | Good Health Initiative

Ronnie Brewer of the Chicago Bulls and Kris Humphries of the New Jersey Nets join The Rogosin Institute in promoting health awareness by bringing attention to the risk factors for kidney disease.

Professional Basketball Player Ronnie Brewer teams up with the Rogosin Institute to Prevent Kidney Disease and to get the word out about hypertension, diabetes and obesity- all risk factors for kidney disease. Kris Humphries and Rogosin’s All the Right Moves Good Health Initiative encourage screening to prevent kidney disease. For more information go to: www.rogosin.org/GoodHealth

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Ronnie Brewer Jr. Recognized as Sporting Generosity’s Player of the Month

Ronnie Brewer Jr

RONNIE BREWER (SEPTEMBER, 2011)

Ronnie Brewer Jr., shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls, was born March 20, 1985 in Portland, Oregon. At four years of age the Brewer family moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Ronnie Brewer Jr. would spend the remainder of his childhood. After graduating high school, Ronnie Brewer Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and attended The University or Arkansas where he became a star athlete for the Razorbacks. after spending three years at the university, Ronnie Brewer Jr. was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 14th pick of the first round in the 2006 NBA draft. it was in Utah where Ronnie first started talking about his own foundation and shortly thereafter The Ronnie Brewer Foundation was born.

Ronnie Brewer Jr.’s motivation behind the foundation was simple. said Ronnie Brewer Jr., “I wanted to put the shoe near the foot to help provide the children of Fayetteville an opportunity for hope and success. I’ve lived in the Fayetteville area most of my life, and it’s great to see the hope that the Corliss Williamson’s and the Scottie Pippen’s have provided the community. although i was given the gift to play basketball, I was also given the gift to give back to my community. Wanting to give back is just a the way I was raised.”

Shortly after launching his foundation in 2006, Ronnie Brewer Jr. donated $50,000 to the University of Arkansas’s Journalism Scholarship Fund. said Ronnie Brewer Jr., “In college not only did I want to be a great basketball player, but I also wanted to be a great student. so with that in mind I wanted my first contribution to be for academic purposes with an emphasis on african american studies” Ronnie Brewer Jr.’s donation and continuing support to the school of journalism is awarded annually via scholarships to students who win writing competitions and meet the requirements of students in need.

Today, Ronnie Brewer Jr.’s foundation continues to be extremely active in the Fayetteville community. The foundation recently had their first gala in which they raised $80,000 for the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club.

As Fayetteville is one of the fastest growing cities in the united states, the boys and girls center is not equipped with enough resources to provide for the children in need. With The Ronnie Brewer Foundation’s donations, the boys and girls clubs will build a new gymnasium and life center. It’s Ronnie Brewer Jr.’s hope that the project is completed in the upcoming year.

Additionally in Fayetteville, Ronnie Brewer Jr. has set up a scholarship fund for high school students. The scholarships are for academic purposes and are regularly distributed to qualifying students.

Finally, Ronnie Brewer Jr. and his foundation continue to make an impact in the community that far exceeds his financial donations. Since breaking into the league, Ronnie Brewer Jr. has spent every christmas giving out gifts to children of the boys and girls clubs. he regularly records public service announcements on behalf of charities and their related causes, frequently visits schools to read and speak of the importance of education, and annually holds basketball camps for children of all ages.

Said Ronnie Brewer Jr., “When you become a professional athlete you have to grow up quick or be left behind. Being an athlete has allowed me to become a better person. It’s important to remember athletes are just regular people and many of us do everything we can to give back.”

–Sporting Generosity would like to thank Ronnie Brewer Jr. and The Ronnie Brewer Foundation for everything they have and hope to achieve.

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2011 Brew Crew Camp A Huge Success

Ronnie Brewer

Ronnie Brewer talks with the youth about the benefits of receiving an education.

 
The Annual Brew Crew Basketball camp was a huge success thanks to all the volunteers who came up to help this year. Lots of Northwest Arkansas youth attended this event and were happy to see their favorite basketball player, Ronnie Brewer.

Ronnie Brewer

Ronnie leads exercises to encourage teamwork and healthy lifestyles.

Ronnie Brewer

There was a great turnout to this year’s camp!

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