A Schott at the Classic for Columbus
Peyton Payton is a guest contributor, Bexley resident and Co-Founder of Crafted Culture Brewing Company. Peyton is also the Founder of Culture People You, a Bexley-based expose' of local events, live streams and one-on-one engagements with community members.
Find him @ facebook.com/culturepeopleyou
I sat down with Jennifer Walton, the media representative of the Classic for Columbus, to discuss the planning behind the event. Jennifer explains that the leadership of CEO John Pace is iconic in event planning. Team Classic uses the 10 golden rules and never uses the term “that’s not my job.” That collectively Team Classic all possess different skill sets and the entire team uses them to accomplish their goals. We discussed how important John Pace feels about building his community and passing the torch eventually to the next generation. Jennifer explains how watching John Pace in action is equivalent to a genius using their craft.
I finally asked Jennifer what should I be excited about for the Classic for Columbus? Jennifer said, "get excited about the children getting access to education thanks to the Classic!" The 2nd annual All Star Game Classic for Columbus happens this April 22, 2023, at the Schottenstein Center.
This year’s focus is on sports entertainment that spotlights education and institutions of higher learning. In more common terms it’s a party with a purpose that will raise funds for HBCUs across the country. Classic For Columbus patrons will experience an entire day of education, culture, entertainment, and festivities.
There’s a new lineup for the greater Columbus basketball legends of Hall of Fame induction celebration, which will include Paul Keels, Ronnie Stokes, Maurice Miller, Jerrid Sullinger, Terry Brook, and more. The event lineup also includes a women’s empowerment mixer with a panel discussion, wealth education talk back, marketplace and networking festivities, and the college basketball All-Star game. In addition, there will also be a college career and community fair.
The entertainment this year is bigger and better than ever with Boosty Collins with a funky battle of the bands and the Isley Brothers performing right after the celebrity game to wrap up the evening. The Classic for Columbus is not just a party but also a heavy hitter in fundraising. In the first year the Classic for Columbus contributed over $430,000 to scholarship programs and HBCUs. They connected over 4500 students with college and job opportunities. Last year over 34,000 people came together for this community event. Which is no surprise because this event has major sponsorships from Huntington Bank, Victoria’s Secret, Greater Columbus basketball legends, The city of Columbus, The Crane Group, Nationwide and RADD.
Peyton