Last Friday the Partnership for Prescription Assistance “Help is Here Express” bus tour rolled through Indianapolis and Louisville with American TV icon and “Leave It To Beaver” star Jerry Mathers.

The bus tour is part a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies – raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease in the United States. Patients can also learn about new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

Jerry Mathers, who suffers from diabetes and is traveling with the PPA bus to raise awareness of this devastating chronic disease, is best known for his portrayal of “Beaver” in the television classic, “Leave It To Beaver.” Currently shown on TV Land and in countries throughout the world, “Leave It To Beaver” has made Jerry Mathers one of the most well known actors in television history.

To date, the PPA has helped more than 6 million people across America, including more than 275,000 patients in Indiana and 125,000 in Kentucky. Since its launch in April 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 2,500 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs. The “Help is Here Express” is staffed by trained specialists able to quickly help uninsured patients in need access information on more than 475 patient assistance programs, including nearly 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

When the “Help is Here Express” moves on, patients can visit PPA’s easy-to-use Web site (www.pparx.org) or call the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) where trained operators field calls in 150 languages.

-Steve Bryant

Former Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones headlined the Bluegrass Farms Chaplaincy’s Racino Grande fundraiser at Keeneland Racetrack’s Keene Entertainment Center last night. Peritus’ Lisa Sheehy is a member of the Chaplaincy’s Board of Directors and was key in organizing and leading the high-profile event. A live auction included the halters of famed racehorses Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta which earned thousands for the chaplaincy. Learn more about the work of the chaplaincy on Kentucky Farms at www.bluegrassfarmschaplaincy.org.

-Gary Gerdemann

What woman doesn’t love a little blue box? On September 27th, the attendees at Lexington’s Pink-Tie Gala had the chance to bid on Tiffany & Co. pink-themed jewels to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In addition, Tiffany & Co. generously donated gifts for all the event organizers with a special pink Tiffany scarf to the committee chair woman.

All in attendance had a great time raising money for a wonderful cause. Don’t forget October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Danielle
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

(President of Belmont University, Bob Fisher and I.)

Tuesday, October 7 marked the much anticipated Debate ’08 celebration at Belmont University. For the first time in history, a presidential debate was slated to unfold in the state of Tennessee – more specifically, at my alma mater.

The weeks preceding the debate were filled with guest speakers, movie screenings and debate preparation. Despite the daily deterioration of available parking spots, the Belmont community was overflowing with excitement.

I was fortunate enough to experience the action first hand through a volunteering opportunity. I represented the Myspace Impact team. In the same vein of Myspace music sites, Myspace has created impact sites that cater to non-profits and political candidates. You too, can add Sarah Palin to your ‘top 8’ by visiting www.impact.myspace.com.

As a Myspace Impact team member, I handed out various freebies and encouraged media representatives to submit a question for the presidential debate on our giant, portable computers. Volunteering proved to be a unique way to actively engage in Debate ’08.

It is an exciting time in our nation’s history. Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama have a daunting task awaiting them in the White House. Participating in this debate was monumental for me, as I will be voting for the first time this November. This election will become a key part of our nation’s history and I couldn’t be happier to have been a part of it.

Sara
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

We are always looking to recruit top notch students. Steve and I had the opportunity today to talk with several University of Louisville Business School students about our internship program. We met some great students, toured the Career Center and were able to score some pizza as well. Thanks to the University of Louisville for hosting us!

Kelly
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The wait is over. The Peritus Pundit has arrived! Visit www.perituspundit.com and predict the winner of the election, not only will you be crowned the Peritus Pundit, we’ll also donate $1,000 to the charity of your choice!

Peritus staffers from three offices gathered recently at Barren River State Resort Park to lay the groundwork for future growth. Pictured above are our proud Peritussians in their team jerseys!

After working for almost six years in catering and event planning I thought I knew a good bit of the industry. I know the lingo, the vendors and many tricks of the trade which led me to Peritus and continues to be something I enjoy. After assisting in the planning of several large scale events with our firm and having the chance to plan the Museum Plaza groundbreaking last fall I felt pretty experienced, until yesterday.

As I stepped onto the expansive carpeted entrance at the 2008 Ryder Cup, I was immediately in awe. I couldn’t take it all in fast enough. It was tent after tent, banner after banner, image after image, large statues, ample security, convenient concessions and golf gift shops - all of which was just the impressive entrance.

As I made my way through Valhalla Golf Club during the first day of practice rounds I couldn’t help but think how much time, energy and extensive planning had gone into such an extraordinary event. The entire course was adorned with beautifully decorated tents, perfect landscaping, well placed advertising and brand recognition, thousands of staff members, strategically placed media risers as well as convenient telephone stations for those addicts like me without their Blackberries.

I left Valhalla with golf being an afterthought. I sat back and realized planning a PGA Championship Tournament is the big leagues, the event planning Superbowl if you will. It was nice to be able to step back and understand how much I have to look forward to in the industry and how many other areas I have yet to explore. So hats off to the PGA and everyone involved in the 2008 Ryder Cup, I was blown away.

For all the live Ryder Cup action visit www.courier-journal.com or www.thegolfchannel.com

Kelly
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

This weekend I attended the Denver Broncos home opener against the San Diego Chargers. The game was one of the weekend’s best with Denver winning 39-38 and improving to 2-0 on the season.

Head coach Mike Shanahan made the gutsy call to go for a 2-point conversion with just 29 seconds left and it proved profitable when quarterback Jay Cutler hit rookie Eddie Royal over the middle for the win.

The crowd at Mile High was so loud you could feel the ground shaking beneath your feet. (Of course, the touchdown prior to the 2-point play was setup by a controversial call that was later ruled incorrect, but that is a discussion for another day.)

While it was the premier ticket on Sunday’s slate of games, the play on the field was an afterthought for me. I had the privilege to attend the game with Tim McKernan, a Denver Broncos legend. McKernan never played a down of pro ball, but his legacy is forever solidified in Broncos lore.

McKernan is known among Broncos fans lovingly, but simply as “Barrel Man”. For over three decades, McKernan never missed a game, while wearing only a barrel, a pair of Tony Llamas boots and a Broncos cowboy hat. He was the first Broncos fan to be inducted in the NFL’s Fan Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Braving all types of weather conditions, Barrel Man has been a constant at Denver games since the late 1960s. (For the record, the coldest game he ever attended was in 1983 against the Chicago Bears when the wind chill factor dipped to -30 degrees.)

The unique part of Sunday was that it was McKernan’s first game without the barrel. He retired the barrel after the 2007 season due to health complications after an abdominal aneurysm ruptured in 2003.

Even without the barrel, McKernan was treated like royalty by Broncos fans and stadium personnel. We were ushered to the front of every line until we reached our seats on the front row of the stadium’s second level. The only delay was stopping every couple steps as fans asked repeatedly to have their picture taken with McKernan. Many fans just thanked him for his years of service and wanted to shake his hand.

Sunday’s Broncos game was one of the season’s best, but thanks to Barrel Man, it is one I will never forget.

Matt
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Pictured above from left to right: Tim Mulloy, Mark Mulloy, Brett Guthrie for Congress, Congressman Roy Blunt, Scott Jennings and Bob Gunnell.