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MACHIAVELLI
November 23rd, 2006, 12:49 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 24, 2006

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF FOR EDDIE G. ROBINSON MUSEUM

Official announcement to be made Saturday, November 25, in conjunction with the Bayou Classic

GRAMBLING, La. – The national fundraising campaign for the Eddie G. Robinson Museum will kickoff on Saturday, November 25, in conjunction with the festivities surrounding the 33rd Annual Bayou Classic.

The official kickoff announcement will be made during the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus’ Jazz Brunch and will include state dignitaries, including Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco, Grambling State University officials, members of the Robinson family, members of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission, and members of the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission.

“We are extremely excited to officially begin our fundraising efforts,” said John Belton, Commissioner of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission. “This has been a long time coming and we are very eager to finally begin the process of raising money for what will ultimately be a world-class landmark that will honor the unmatched legacy of Coach Robinson, a true American icon.”

The fundraising initiative, spearheaded by The Team: Sports, Entertainment, & Media, will allow people from all over the world to contribute in a number of ways. Those wishing to contribute using a major credit or debit card may call 1-866-WINS-408 or log on to www.robinsonmuseum.com and donate online. Contributors may also mail a donation to the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum at P.O. Box 550 Grambling, LA 71245.

All contributions go to the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and are tax deductible.


“We are truly grateful to the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus for partnering with us in our announcement event,” said Wilbert Ellis, Chairman of the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission. “They have been great partners in this initiative and we are very excited about continuing to work with Caucus members throughout this process.”


In addition to the announcement event, The Team: Sports, Entertainment, & Media has produced a public service announcement promoting the museum and the fundraising efforts. The PSAs will run throughout the college football bowl season. The PSAs will feature well-known sports figures such as Super Bowl XXII MVP and former Grambling State University quarterback and head coach Doug Williams, legendary Penn State University head coach Joe Paterno, American Football Coaches Association Executive Director Grant Teaff, and NBA legend Charles Barkley.

“Eddie Robinson to me is the greatest, kindest, most caring, and most loving husband and father ever,” said Doris Robinson, Coach Robinson’s wife of 65 years. “His successes have filled him with pride and humility. When able, he has always been ready to serve his church, Grambling State University, and the community. He is a champion of all causes that he considers just. He believes in God and in his family and had extraordinary devotion to his job.”

The Eddie G. Robinson Museum will be located on the campus of Grambling State University where Coach Robinson achieved legendary status by becoming NCAA Division I college football’s all-time winningest coach. Coach Robinson won 408 games at Grambling during a 57-year coaching career that stretched from 1941-1997 and is the namesake of the Football Writers Association of America’s National Coach of the Year Award.

During his illustrious career, Coach Robinson won nine Black College National Championships and 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships. The College Football Hall of Fame inductee graduated over 80% of his players and saw more than 200 of his athletes play in the NFL, including four who are now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The fundraising campaign has a goal of raising $5 million for the creation of the museum, its exhibits, and ongoing museum operations and programs.


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slostang
November 23rd, 2006, 11:26 AM
I can not think of a more deserving person. Eddie was a great coach and person that touched so many lives in such a positive way.

FormerPokeCenter
November 24th, 2006, 03:58 PM
<<“We are extremely excited to officially begin our fundraising efforts,” said John Belton, Commissioner of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission. “This has been a long time coming and we are very eager to finally begin the process of raising money for what will ultimately be a world-class landmark that will honor the unmatched legacy of Coach Robinson, a true American icon.”>>


Grambling fans should thank McNeese AND Southern if the museum gets off the ground and gets done. Belton was Cowboy linebacker in the early 80's and got his law degree from Southern. He's most recently been on the Southern Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman of both the Southern Board of Trusteess and Southern's Athletic Committee.

He's a class act and I can't think of anybody who'll bring more dedication, determination and drive to get this thing off the ground. Anything that John gets involved in gets done in a first class manner.

He's also got ties to Grambling, having taught courses there and having represented the University on a few matters.

Great choice to get things done...

Go...gate
November 24th, 2006, 11:35 PM
This is great news. Coach Robinson's legacy is immense and deserves this kind of honor. :thumbsup: