Jerome Bettis' Parents Honored Tonight, February 4

Jerome Bettis' Parents Honored Tonight, February 4

Don Barden to present "Most Valuable Parents" award at 9:15 p.m. at the Music Hall

DETROIT, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Gladys and Johnnie Bettis, parents of Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome "The Bus" Bettis, will be recognized as "Most Valuable Parents" at the Music Hall tonight, February 4, 2006.

Casino Magnate Don H. Barden, Television Judge Greg Mathis and Entertainer Vivica Fox will give the 9:15 p.m. presentation right before the Smokey Robinson concert. The Motown legend is performing as part of the 3-day, Big Game weekend extravaganza hosted by hometown businessman Barden.

"It's hard to recall a Steelers game where you didn't see Jerome's parents in the stands, cheering on their son," Barden said. "Aside from being solid parents and a great influence on Jerome, the Bettis' have also been a source of support for the children in their neighborhood. These are model parents who should be recognized."

The recognition will come following a performance by Comedian Joe Torry, a nationally known comedian and actor. Acting credits for Fox, who is emceeing the concert, include more than three dozen movies including Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" volumes I and II. Saturday's concert is the second in the three day series.

Little Richard, the father of rock n' roll, will perform this Sunday at 9:30 p.m. at the Music Hall. The show will follow the match between the Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks. Richard's trademark is his driving piano playing and high-pitched shout.

Tickets for the shows can be purchased at the Music Hall box office or at Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information on tickets, contact ticketmaster at 248-645-6666 or 313-887-8501.

The first and only African American to own a national casino company, Barden owns five casino properties with annual revenues exceeding $500 million. Barden is chair and CEO of Barden Companies, Inc., one of the largest and most successful African American owned businesses in America. The international conglomerate also includes Barden International Inc., Barden Development, BE Entertainment and other affiliate companies.

Source: Don H. Barden and Barden Companies

CONTACT: Darci E. McConnell, +1-313-343-9600, +1-313-686-8094, for Don
H. Barden and Barden Companies

-------
Profile: intent