Latest news with #VarsityBrands
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Lawsuit filed over chaotic Dallas cheerleading event, citing injuries and security failures
The Brief A lawsuit has been filed against the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Varsity Brands, and Varsity Spirit after a chaotic incident at a national cheerleading championship in March caused injuries. The incident, which resulted in a stampede and injuries including broken bones and brain bleeds, was triggered by a fight between two parents, not an active shooter as initially feared. Victims are seeking over $1 million in damages, but their attorneys emphasize the lawsuit's main goal is to push for improved security measures at large events. DALLAS - A lawsuit was filed on behalf of several people who were injured when chaos ensued at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center during the all-star national cheerleading championship in March. While they are asking for $1 million in damages, the victims' attorneys say the lawsuit was filed with the intent of changing security measures at these large-scale events. What we know The management groups for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, plus the cheerleading company, Varsity Brands, and Varsity Spirit are facing a lawsuit over the all-star national championship competition. A video from that March weekend shows mass pandemonium as thousands ran in every direction when word spread of a potential active shooter. Dallas police concluded there was no active shooter. It started as a fight between two parents that knocked over several poles and created loud bangs. What they're saying Ashlea Schwarz is an attorney representing the victims in the case. The lawsuit says during the stampede of thousands, her clients suffered broken bones, severe head injuries, and some were separated from their children or parents for hours. It describes one parent who had a "stampede of attendees" running toward her. She "fell and lost consciousness" and "suffered two brain bleeds". The lawsuit also describes a 13-year-old girl who got her hand "stuck in a door" "which required surgery". Separated from her team, she "hid underneath a semi-truck". "How the stampede began and how the crowd crush started. Is not really what's relevant. What's relevant is what they did, and they didn't do after the crowd crush started," said Schwarz. "Just because you weren't shot does not mean that you don't have an injury." Schwarz says her clients are seeking over $1million in damages that would go toward medical bills and mental health treatments, but the lawsuit was filed to highlight alleged inadequate security measures that were in place during the event. "People got trampled, and varsity and the convention center were not ready for it, and they were not equipped, and didn't follow through on their basic duty to provide safety to the patrons at their events." Schwarz believes this won't be the last lawsuit filed about this incident as hundreds have reached out with their own complaints. She hopes it has an impact and creates change when it comes to safety at these large-scale events. "This massive stampede of 1000s and 1000s of people happened, and because no one was shot, we just said, Oh, it was no big deal. And that's part of the purpose of the case is to show that it is a big deal and that these kinds of things can be prevented and should be prevented." What's next FOX 4's Amelia Jones reached out to all the defendants in this case, including Varsity Brands and Varsity Spirit, the cheerleading companies who put on the competition. FOX 4 asked for any statement or comment on the lawsuit and is still waiting to hear back from all of them. The Source Information in this article was provided by public documents from Dallas County.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Varsity Brands Announces $10 Million Fundraising Commitment, Names Patient Play Area at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Varsity Brands, the leading platform for team Sport and Spirit solutions through its divisions BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit, has announced a new $10 million, 5-year fundraising commitment to benefit the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.® A May 9 ribbon cutting ceremony unveiled the newly named Varsity Brands Play Deck, a 19,985 square foot outdoor space located in The Domino's Village, the newest patient housing facility at St. Jude. The space features a jungle gym, cheer cone shaped bongos, a hopscotch course, picnic chairs, a basketball half court area, outdoor grills and a LED movie screen. The Varsity Brands Play Deck is the first St. Jude space named for the company. "The Varsity Brands Play Deck provides St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patients and families a space to be active, make friends and share memories," said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. "This moment is possible because of the continued support of our employees and customers who have helped raise more than $14 million to ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. We look forward to growing our partnership with St. Jude in the years to come." Varsity Brands became an official partner of St. Jude in 2011 when Memphis-based Varsity Spirit launched the "Team Up for St. Jude Spirited by Varsity" program. Today, more than 9,000 employees rally throughout the year to share the St. Jude mission with the next generation of philanthropists through youth led events such as letter writing campaigns at summer camps nationwide and donations at athletic events. "This incredible $10 million commitment from our friends at Varsity Brands is possible because thousands of selfless supporters choose to come together for a common goal," said Ike Anand, interim CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "We're grateful to celebrate another five years of partnership with Varsity Brands. This commitment will help make it possible for St. Jude to keep accelerating progress and give more kids a chance to celebrate every moment." Varsity Brands fundraises during St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend, the St. Jude Walk, and through employee giving campaigns as part of their commitment to "elevating the student experience" and engaging the next generation of philanthropists. Bill Seely, CEO of Varsity Spirit, served as the inaugural Corporate Event Chair for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in 2024, where he rallied other business leaders to support the annual event and largest single day fundraiser for St. Jude. Donate to St. Jude on behalf of Varsity Brands at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Kurt 901.297.3512
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shuffle Board: Woolmark Winner Now Jean Paul Gautier's First Successor
Athletic brand Under Armour announced that Dawn Fitzpatrick, Eugene Smith and Robert Sweeney will join the company's board of directors. Fitzpatrick has served as CEO of Soros Fund Management, a privately held investment firm, since 2017 and currently sits on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Financial Sector Advisory Council, the Advisory Council of The Bretton Woods Committee, and the Bloomberg New Economy advisory board. Smith served as senior vice president and athletic director at Ohio State University from 2005-24, during which he co-chaired the NCAA's Federal-State Legislative Working Group and participated in the NCAA's Management Council, among others. More from Sourcing Journal Material World: Circ Secures 5-Year Partner, Sodra's Tannin Arms Call Shuffle Board: Mytheresa Tweaks Leadership Team, Fair Trade Finds CEO Fall/Winter 26-27 Preview: Mills Focus on Fiber Selection and Water Conservation Since 2019, Sweeney has served as president of private equity firm Sycamore Partners, previously spending 22 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently as a partner and global head of the consumer and retail investment banking group. During his tenure at Sachs, Sweeney provided advisory support to Under Armour, including its initial public offering in 2005. Luxury conglomerate executive Bernard Arnault told shareholders that Jonathan Anderson has been named artistic director of Christian Dior Couture men's collections. Before leaving Loewe last month, Anderson served as the fellow-LVMH-maison's creative director since 2013. Bain Capital-owned cheerleading apparel provider Varsity Brands has named ex pro-footballer Donald Driver as Surge by BSN Sports' inaugural chief motivation officer. In this role, Driver will support the program empowering young women to stay in school and in sports. The appointment follows the April 11 settlement to pay $82.5 million for an antitrust class action lawsuit alleging Varsity Brands violated federal antitrust laws (among others) in 24 states regarding the monopolization of cheerleading events. In October 2023, Varsity Brands agreed to pay $43.5 million to resolve similar claims filed in May 2020. Piug-owned brand Jean Paul Gaultier has named Duran Lantink as creative director. The house announced its first-ever successor five years after Jean Paul Gaultier retired, with the Dutch designer appointed head of both ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. His debut is set for September's Paris Fashion Week with the brand's first ready-to-wear show in over a decade—following prêt à porter's 2014 shuttering—while his haute couture debut is expected next January. Contemporary retailer Vince named Yuji Okumura as chief financial officer. Okumura has served as the company's interim CFO since March and as controller since September 2020, though he joined in 2018 as director of financial reporting. Before Vince, Okumura spent over a decade in public accounting. The largest U.S. beauty retailer, Ulta Beauty, has named Lauren Brindley as chief merchandising and digital officer, effective June 3. Brindley will succeed Monica Arnaudo, retiring after nearly eight years with the company. In this role, Brindley will be responsible for merchandising, e-commerce, wellness and marketplace strategies, leading Ulta's assortment brand-building efforts. Brindley most recently served as CEO of Revolution Beauty and previously held senior leadership positions at Walgreens and Boots UK. Wood-based fiber producer Lenzing elected Patrick Lackenbucher and Leonardo Grimaldi as new supervisory board members and extended the mandate of Stefan Fida. They will serve 'until the end of the annual general meeting that adopts the resolution that discharges the supervisory board members acting in the 2029 financial year,' the group said. The elections were due to the expiry of the office terms for Fida and of chairman Cord Prinzhorn, who is stepping down to concentrate entirely on the B&C Group. At the subsequent constituent meeting of the supervisory board, Lackenbucher was elected chairman, Carlos de Almeida was elected first deputy chairman, and Fida was elected second deputy chairman of the supervisory board. Interlining and inner components producer Chargeurs has added five executives to its expanding team. The global leadership team saw Riccardo Cossu named as general manager of the EMEA region and Laure Sénéquier-Crozet named as general manager of the Senfa Cilander division. The executive team was bolstered with the appointment of Dmitry Fedorov as deputy CIO, as well as Claudia Rovati and Elisabetta Nicoli's appointments as global sales director and supply chain manager of the shirting division, respectively. Philanthropic organization the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) has named Athiththan Selvendran as chief creative officer. He is the late designer's longtime chief of staff and current chief operating officer of Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS). In his 'dual capacities,' Selvendran will continue to see the day-to-day operations of VAS—the Virgil Abloh creative nucleus owned by Shannon Abloh—which is also VAF's corporate counterpart. AS CCO, Selvendran will preserve, catalog and launch the Virgil Abloh Archives, co-lead cultural collaboration efforts and spearhead the creative design process of global initiatives. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shuffle Board: Woolmark Winner Now Jean Paul Gautier's First Successor
Athletic brand Under Armour announced that Dawn Fitzpatrick, Eugene Smith and Robert Sweeney will join the company's board of directors. Fitzpatrick has served as CEO of Soros Fund Management, a privately held investment firm, since 2017 and currently sits on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Financial Sector Advisory Council, the Advisory Council of The Bretton Woods Committee, and the Bloomberg New Economy advisory board. Smith served as senior vice president and athletic director at Ohio State University from 2005-24, during which he co-chaired the NCAA's Federal-State Legislative Working Group and participated in the NCAA's Management Council, among others. More from Sourcing Journal Material World: Circ Secures 5-Year Partner, Sodra's Tannin Arms Call Shuffle Board: Mytheresa Tweaks Leadership Team, Fair Trade Finds CEO Fall/Winter 26-27 Preview: Mills Focus on Fiber Selection and Water Conservation Since 2019, Sweeney has served as president of private equity firm Sycamore Partners, previously spending 22 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently as a partner and global head of the consumer and retail investment banking group. During his tenure at Sachs, Sweeney provided advisory support to Under Armour, including its initial public offering in 2005. Luxury conglomerate executive Bernard Arnault told shareholders that Jonathan Anderson has been named artistic director of Christian Dior Couture men's collections. Before leaving Loewe last month, Anderson served as the fellow-LVMH-maison's creative director since 2013. Bain Capital-owned cheerleading apparel provider Varsity Brands has named ex pro-footballer Donald Driver as Surge by BSN Sports' inaugural chief motivation officer. In this role, Driver will support the program empowering young women to stay in school and in sports. The appointment follows the April 11 settlement to pay $82.5 million for an antitrust class action lawsuit alleging Varsity Brands violated federal antitrust laws (among others) in 24 states regarding the monopolization of cheerleading events. In October 2023, Varsity Brands agreed to pay $43.5 million to resolve similar claims filed in May 2020. Piug-owned brand Jean Paul Gaultier has named Duran Lantink as creative director. The house announced its first-ever successor five years after Jean Paul Gaultier retired, with the Dutch designer appointed head of both ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. His debut is set for September's Paris Fashion Week with the brand's first ready-to-wear show in over a decade—following prêt à porter's 2014 shuttering—while his haute couture debut is expected next January. Contemporary retailer Vince named Yuji Okumura as chief financial officer. Okumura has served as the company's interim CFO since March and as controller since September 2020, though he joined in 2018 as director of financial reporting. Before Vince, Okumura spent over a decade in public accounting. The largest U.S. beauty retailer, Ulta Beauty, has named Lauren Brindley as chief merchandising and digital officer, effective June 3. Brindley will succeed Monica Arnaudo, retiring after nearly eight years with the company. In this role, Brindley will be responsible for merchandising, e-commerce, wellness and marketplace strategies, leading Ulta's assortment brand-building efforts. Brindley most recently served as CEO of Revolution Beauty and previously held senior leadership positions at Walgreens and Boots UK. Wood-based fiber producer Lenzing elected Patrick Lackenbucher and Leonardo Grimaldi as new supervisory board members and extended the mandate of Stefan Fida. They will serve 'until the end of the annual general meeting that adopts the resolution that discharges the supervisory board members acting in the 2029 financial year,' the group said. The elections were due to the expiry of the office terms for Fida and of chairman Cord Prinzhorn, who is stepping down to concentrate entirely on the B&C Group. At the subsequent constituent meeting of the supervisory board, Lackenbucher was elected chairman, Carlos de Almeida was elected first deputy chairman, and Fida was elected second deputy chairman of the supervisory board. Interlining and inner components producer Chargeurs has added five executives to its expanding team. The global leadership team saw Riccardo Cossu named as general manager of the EMEA region and Laure Sénéquier-Crozet named as general manager of the Senfa Cilander division. The executive team was bolstered with the appointment of Dmitry Fedorov as deputy CIO, as well as Claudia Rovati and Elisabetta Nicoli's appointments as global sales director and supply chain manager of the shirting division, respectively. Philanthropic organization the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) has named Athiththan Selvendran as chief creative officer. He is the late designer's longtime chief of staff and current chief operating officer of Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS). In his 'dual capacities,' Selvendran will continue to see the day-to-day operations of VAS—the Virgil Abloh creative nucleus owned by Shannon Abloh—which is also VAF's corporate counterpart. AS CCO, Selvendran will preserve, catalog and launch the Virgil Abloh Archives, co-lead cultural collaboration efforts and spearhead the creative design process of global initiatives. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
GREEN BAY LEGEND DONALD DRIVER JOINS BSN SPORTS AS FIRST-EVER CHIEF MOTIVATION OFFICER
Driver joins the SURGE program dedicated to empowering female athletes and their coaches FARMERS BRANCH, Texas, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SURGE by BSN SPORTS is teaming up with pro football champion Donald Driver to become the program's first-ever Chief Motivation Officer. In his new role, Driver will proudly support SURGE, a program empowering girls to stay in sports and lead healthy, successful lives. SURGE provides free online tools for coaches to build self-esteem, instill confidence and prioritize mental health in their female athletes. These tools are designed to help combat the trend of girls dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. This is a pressing need for coaches and athletes, as research shows girls who play sports through high school have higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of depression, greater academic success, higher graduation rates and are more likely to have successful careers. SURGE, which stands for Strength, Unity, Resilience, Growth and Equity, was founded one year ago to address needs for tailored resources expressed by coaches and female athletes nationwide. In its first year, SURGE membership grew to over 5,000 coaches, reaching over 370,000 female athletes encompassing 21 sports across all 50 states. 'As the driving force behind team sports, Varsity Brands is proud to champion female athletes through SURGE,' said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, the parent company of BSN SPORTS. 'Our nationwide presence allows us to connect with athletes and coaches at every level, ensuring they have access to the resources, training and support needed to succeed. With the program's continued growth and our new partnership with Donald Driver, we're working to close the gap in women's sports and help female athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.' According to the Aspen Institute's 2024 State of Play report, 72% of youth head coaches are male. SURGE's partnership with Driver aims to increase the company's connection and participation from these coaches and ensure they are best prepared to effectively support today's female athlete. BSN SPORTS is a leading provider of team sports uniforms, athlete and fan apparel, and equipment that reaches a wide range of coaches and athletes. The company serves over 150,000 coaches and teams and equips more than seven million athletes annually through partnerships with iconic brands like adidas, lululemon, Nike, Puma and Under Armour. 'Young athletes pour everything into their sport but, too often, they lack the resources and coaching support needed to reach their full potential,' said Donald Driver. 'As SURGE's first Chief Motivation Officer, I'm eager to help close that divide. From my own experiences—like creating the Donald Driver Foundation to cheering on my daughters when they compete—I've seen the impact of strong mentorship. I'm partnering with BSN SPORTS to inspire, educate and uplift female athletes so they feel unstoppable in their pursuit of greatness.' Driver joins SURGE partners and content contributors WeCOACH, Women Leaders in Sports, Nancy Lieberman Charities and Allison Schmitt, Olympian and World Champion swimmer, who was named SURGE's Chief Empowerment Officer in 2024. In addition to his contributions to SURGE, Driver will partner with BSN SPORTS' Collegiate Select Division to create positive opportunities for women's collegiate athletic programs and athletes. Visit to learn more about SURGE program details and partners, how to register, free curriculum and programming, and more. Immerse yourself in the movement by following SURGE on Instagram and X at @BSNSPORTS_SURGE and on Facebook at @ About BSN SPORTS Farmers Branch-based BSN SPORTS is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods, apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game-changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit About Varsity Brands Varsity Brands is the premier provider of customizable team sports, cheer, dance, band, and yearbook services, experiences, and products. The company's mission is to elevate the student experience, positively impacting the lives of over 55 million young people nationwide. Its divisions—BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit—champion youth participation and celebrate their achievements, fostering passion, enthusiasm, and community engagement. The company serves elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, universities, gyms, club select teams, and professional sports. Explore how Varsity Brands is shaping the future of youth engagement and making a difference in the lives of young people across the country at Media Contact: Lisa Bartek BSN SPORTS [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Varsity Brands, LLC
