“THE SHARK” DAYMOND JOHN RECEIVES THE PRESTIGIOUS “HENNESSY VSOP PRIVILEGE AWARD” FOR GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
The Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council and The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurism are Recognized as Two of His Favorite Charities for Mentoring and Reducing Gun and Gang Violence
Photos at the bottom of the page.
December 23, 2014, NYC, NY—On Tuesday, December 16 Hennessy celebrated their 11th annual Hennessy VSOP Privilege Awards to support the outstanding work of honoree “The Shark” Daymond John at the breathtaking Guastavino’s in Manhattan. Daymond John is the founder and Chairman of the globally recognized FUBU Apparel brand with over $6 billion in sales, as well as star of the ABC Emmy Award winning TV show “Shark Tank.” Daymond’s love to improve conditions in poor and disadvantaged communities is one of the reasons why he has been so successful in business. People love a winner and will support them even more when they are committed to the social needs of the community. You can’t take the money with you when you die so you may as well do what you can to help those in need while you are alive.
The night started with Daymond and Sway Calloway of MTV News and Sirius/XM radio having an honest discussion about his life. The conversation ranged from his early childhood experience as an entrepreneur, his days at Red Lobster as a waiter, working with LL Cool J and Charles Fisher to build the FUBU brand, to landing a role on Shark Tank. They also talked about his two favorite charities, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurism, which offers mentoring to poor youth and the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council (HHSYC), which provides mentoring, while also addressing education, gun and gang violence prevention.
Shark Tank co-star, friend and supporter Barbara Corcoran was at the event to provide the closing statement and a special toast to Daymond to end the evening. This was truly a night to remember because it is not that often that we get a chance to be a part of a historical event that recognizes the humanitarian, social and philanthropic work of the rich and famous. For those of you looking for the wisdom of empowerment, Daymond will soon release his third book “The Power of Broke,” soon to hit bookstores everywhere.
The Hennessy Privilege Awards is an annual event that honors select individuals for their outstanding work, leadership and contributions to the community. The prestigious award is presented to individuals that embody strength and sophistication; ideals held close in the House of Hennessy Cognac for almost 250 years. Previous Hennessy Privilege Award recipients include Spike Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kanye West, Magic Johnson, Patti LaBelle and George Lopez.
Stated Daymond John, Founder of FUBU and star of the ABC Emmy Award winning TV Show “Shark Tank,” “I am thrilled to be the 2014 winner of the Hennessy VSOP Privilege Award for doing what I love, and that’s mentoring and giving back. To be a part of this prestigious initiative that has recognized the work of many stars is simply overwhelming and I’m very appreciative of this opportunity. I have been blessed with a great family, good friends, success in business and the Shark Tank TV show, but nothing excites me more than helping the underdog climb to the top.”
Continued Daymond, “Over the years I have supported many community groups but there are two that stand out above all the rest and today I get a chance to recognize my favorite charities for all the tireless work they do. The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurism and the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council are committed to mentoring and empowering young people living in poor and impoverished communities with the tools, skills and resources to achieve their personal, business and academic goals. The causes they take on are much bigger than me and give me another reason to wake up each day to continue to help young people on their journey to become winners in the rough, tough shark-infested game of life.”
Said Charles Fisher, Founder of HHSYC, “I’m excited and privileged to be here to honor “The Shark” Daymond John as he receives the prestigious Hennessy VSOP Privilege Award for his outstanding work as a Mentor, Pioneer and Visionary. He has been a friend for over 19 years and has always put people before profit, never forgetting his roots. As a trailblazer he built the successful FUBU brand and used that same expertise to help the ABC Emmy Award winning TV show, “Shark Tank,” become a household name.”
Continued Fisher “As a Board Member he has helped us reduce gun and gang violence by mentoring students, at-risk youth and young adults who are looking for a role model that knows how to win in the corporate suites. His humanitarian spirit and inspiring words of wisdom have helped our participants graduate from school, find employment and/or pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Good things happen to great people that understand the importance of giving back and I know that Daymond is just getting started. I’m proud and lucky to have him as a friend and my son Randy and I wish him continued success.”
Said Randy Fisher, Executive Director, HHSYC, “Being with Daymond at the Hennessey VSOP Privilege Awards is a historical experience I will never forget. To be in a room with so many prominent mentors, the FUBU crew, friends and family simply blew me away. I applaud Hennessy for taking a socially responsible approach to giving props to celebrities like Daymond that are doing great things in communities where academic failure, crime, poverty and violence are the norm. Near the end of the event we were selected as one of Daymond’s two favorite charities and received a monetary contribution from Hennessy on his behalf. You have to understand what this means to us; I mean out of all the nonprofit organizations that he is involved with, at the end of the day we were one of the final two that he publically recognized for being a part of his very important social service agenda.”
Continued Randy “The selection and financial generosity was the icing on the cake and one of the best holiday gifts we ever received. Though the money is important, the recognition from two powerful brands like Daymond and Hennessy means even more. We definitely put in the time and this is the reward for 13 years of hard work. The funds will be used to mentor at-risk and disconnected youth looking to graduate from school, start their own business, and also escape the dangers of crime, drugs, substance abuse, gun and gang violence. I want to thank Hennessy and Daymond for thinking about our plan to improve public safety and empower young citizens with the tools to succeed. I’m looking forward to expanding this relationship and opportunity, which is definitely a win/win for all parties.”
“I’m glad I came out to support Daymond as he was honored by Hennessy for his outstanding work to help underprivileged youth. I must say the tribute could not have been presented to a more deserving person. Over the years we have become good friends and if there is anything that I can do to further support his great work to empower others with the right tools for success he knows I’m a phone call away,” ended Barbara Corcoran, Real Estate Mogul and Star of the ABC Emmy Award Winning show “Shark Tank.”
“I’m excited about being here to support Daymond at this year’s Hennessy VSOP Privilege Awards. I have done a lot of interviews in my time, but there is nothing more exciting than sitting down with someone that shows a lot of love for the community and continues to go the extra mile to give back to help the less fortunate. Daymond has mastered the art of making money, but he also has learned how to find time to take care of those in need, that is the mark of real success. To be here with my friend is an honor and I would not have passed on this opportunity for anything in the world,” ended Sway, Sirius/XM Satellite radio.
“I remember when FUBU first got started and I just knew there was something special about Daymond John. He had a vision, was determined and was fully committed to take his company to the next level, and that he did. What is so special about my friend is that he has not allowed all of the fame and fortune to prevent him from reaching out to serve the needs of those living in poverty and crime-infested communities. This year Hennessy really selected a winner and I’m here to show my support for him and the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council for the outstanding work both of them do to stop gun violence and mentor our youth,” stated Uncle Ralph McDaniels, Video Music Box.
“I want to give a very special shout out to Leslie Short, Nicole Stoll, Rodney Williams of MHUSA, and Lily Rougeot of LVMH for being on their grind and helping us navigate through this very successful event,” ended Charles Fisher, Founder, HHSYC.
ABOUT THE HHSYC
The HHSYC was founded in July 2001 by Charles Fisher (also known as the former manager of LL Cool J, the Lost Boyz and co-discoverer of R. Kelly). The organization was created to help implement commitments made by record companies, artists, community leaders and elected officials at the historic 2001 Hip-Hop Summit in New York City. Participants are taught how to constructively use their time, talent and the Hip-Hop culture to improve social, political and economic conditions in their school, home and community. Randy Fisher is the organization’s Executive Director. For additional information, visit www.HHSYC.org.
Photos by Ronnie Wright and Ali@invisionagency.com.
Sway Calloway and Daymond John sit and discuss his life and his struggle to build his brand.
Barbara Corcoran and Daymond, both of “Shark Tank,” look at some old FUBU memorabilia.
Charles and Randy Fisher of the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council at the Awards.
The front of Guastavino’s where the Awards were held.
Randy and Charles Fisher with “Shark Tank” star Barbara Corcoran.
Ralph McDaniels, Randy Fisher, Carl Brown (FUBU), Daymond, Kedar Massenberg, Charles Fisher, Keith Perrin and J. Alexander Martin (FUBU).
Sway, Rodney Williams, SVP of MHUSA, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond.
Randy, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond and Charles.
Rodney Williams, SVP of Moet Hennessy USA presents Daymond with the Hennessy Privilege VSOP Award.
