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Dream Team
Diane McGraw, Executive Producer President, red eye entertainment, inc.
Diane McGraw has been involved as an executive in the sports and entertainment industry over the past 22 years. Currently she is President of red eye entertainment, a sports and entertainment production and marketing company, located in Media, Pa. Prior to forming red eye entertainment, Diane served as the founding President of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, President & CEO of the Orlando Area Sports Commission and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress.
 As President, her primary function was to manage the day to day operations of each commission, solicit sports and entertainment events that would stimulate the economy, enhance the image of the city as an event destination and provide outstanding entertainment opportunities for its local citizens. Her role also encompassed strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, communications and government relations.
As Founding President of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment she spearheaded the return of the Grammy Awards and MTV Awards to LA, served as Chairperson for the U.S. Olympic Torch Relay and the Sr. PGA Championships, helped implement the inaugural MTV Save the Music Program, hosted the 1993 PGA Championships, Nicklodeon Kids Choice Awards, the Nike World Volleyball Championships and returned the AFI Film Festival to the City of Hollywood. She also recruited a formidable list of prominent sports and entertainment executives to serve on the Commission's Board.
As President of the Orlando Area Sports Commission, she represented the City of Orlando and surrounding five county area. She served as the Chairman of Special Events for the 1996 Olympic Soccer Games, hosted the U.S. Jr. Olympic Volleyball Championships at Walt Disney World, the U.S. Olympic Pan Am Games Team Processing and Training, the U.S. National Field Hockey Championships, Sr. Softball World Series and U.S. Swimming Jr. Nationals, Governor's Baseball Dinner. to name a few.
A native of Philadelphia, she served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress and spearheaded the city's bid to host the 1994 World Cup by hosting the first U.S. Men's National Team Game vs. Russia at Franklin Field, spearheaded an effort to keep the Army Navy Game in Philadelphia by coordinating a city-wide promotion for the traditional classic and served as the liasion to the Academy's on behalf of the city. She hosted and prepared successful bids for the 1992 NHL All Star Game, 1996 Major League Baseball All Star Game, 1993 Navy vs. Notre Dame Game, Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship, World Cup Karate Championships, among many other national U.S. Olympic and NCAA events.
McGraw was also one of the founding directors and Past Chairman of the National Association of ` Sports Commissions, an industry association which now is represented by over 300 cities across the U.S.
In 1978, McGraw began her career in the entertainment industry as the Assistant to the President of the Screen Actors Guild and the Astoria Motion Picture & TV Center in New York. In 1980, she started her own special events/production company and produced the "I Love NY Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament, held at Forest Hills and the National Tennis Stadium in Flushing Meadows which was televised on USA Network. After spending six years in the "Big Apple", McGraw moved to Holland and produced events such as the British Caledonian Airways Tennis Legends Championships, now a stop on the Sr. ATP Tour.
She has organized numerous events on behalf of charities such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, UNICEF, and the Queen Whilhelmina Cancer Foundation in the Netherlands.
 Her board appointments have included the Women's Sports Foundation Advisory Board, Southern California U.S. Olympic Committee, Sr. PGA LA Host Committee, International Sports Marketing Association, U.S. Field Hockey Federation and the Media Theater for The Society for the Performing Arts. She served on the Sports Advisory Boards for Temple University and Virginia Commonwealth University. She was listed as one of the "40 under 40" top executives by the Philadelphia and Orlando Business Journals.
Helen Hammerschmidt, Education / Program Director
Helen serves as an Executive member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF); Chairperson for the JDRF Gala, in addition to overseeing all other JDRF events, such as the Walk for the Cure, which raised $2 million for the Chapter. The Gala raised over $3 million making it one of the largest fundraisers of its kind in Philadelphia. Also, a mother of three small children, Helen has been very active in various schools along the Main Line of Philadelphia, including Episcopal Academy and the Haverford School. Her professional and educational background is in public policy and International Affairs, having received her Masters' degree from John Hopkins' School for Advanced International Studies and her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. She is the author of two public policy publications here in the United States and Japan.
PANEL MEMBERS BIOGRAPHIES
Lou Tilley, Host, CN8 "Out of Bounds"
Lou Tilley brings more than 20 years of broadcast experience to CN8 and is one of the best-known personalities in the Philadelphia sports scene. At CN8, Tilley is host, writer and executive producer of the network's newest sports program, "Out of Bounds" with Lou Tilley, a 30-minute program airing each weeknight that examines the nation's biggest sports stories. Prior to this show's launch in March 2005, Tilley was the host, writer and executive producer for "Lou Tilley's Sports Connection." He also previously served as the lead sports anchor for "CN8 News" at 7:00 & 10:00 PM/ET.
Lou Tilley's outstanding work at CN8 won him honors at the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards where he was recognized for "Outstanding Talk Program/Series." This award brings Tilley's Emmy total to seven for his work covering the Philadelphia sports scene. Tilley is actively involved in the network's extensive on-air sports coverage, and is often found behind the mic as the play-by-play voice for many games carried by CN8.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, where he won All-City and All-State honors in football, Tilley attended Wake Forest University on a full athletic scholarship and graduated with a degree in political science. Committed to the community in which he grew up, Tilley is actively involved in raising awareness and funds for many charities including the American Lung Association, the Breast Health Institute, and the Arthur Ashe Tennis Foundation.
Don Tollefson, Host: Producer/Sports Host, FOX 29 TV
Philadelphia area sports fans could not ask for a better friend than Don Tollefson! As sports anchor for the "FOX Ten O'clock News," Tollefson combines his knowledge, enthusiasm and "love of the game" to provide viewers with the best sports coverage throughout the Delaware Valley.
Tollefson joined the FOX 29 team in April, 1995, as a general assignment reporter with an emphasis on community reporting. Utilizing his dedication and knowledge of the region, Tollefson served as the co-host of "Good Day Philadelphia," FOX's morning news and entertainment program, for two years from April, 1996 to April, 1998. In addition to reporting at FOX, he hosted a variety of sports-related programs including "The Ray Rhodes Show" and "Eagles Game Day Live."
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Menlo School, Menlo Park, California, 50-year-old Tollefson attended Stanford University and began his journalism career as a correspondent for Associated Press in San Francisco where he covered the Patty Hearst kidnapping. In 1975 he moved east and became a sportscaster and sports director of WPVI-TV (Channel 6-ABC, Philadelphia). During Tollefson's reign at Channel 6, he covered some of the most exciting moments in Philadelphia's sports history and worked with the nation's top athletes and entertainers, enriching his own career with a wealth of professional experiences.
Tollefson left WPVI in 1990 partially for health reasons, but mostly because of his determination to create a non-profit motivational program to benefit disadvantaged children called "Winning Ways." Now in 12 states, he invites professional athletes to address school assemblies and encourage young people to get involved in life -- taking positive action, not negative.
"Our philosophy is to get kids involved in many activities so they're too busy to get into trouble," Tollefson explains. "We're about prevention, giving kids positive examples before they get into drugs or into other trouble." "Winning Ways" has made progress, being presented in over 400 school districts nationwide. If Tollefson had his way, his organization would touch the lives of millions of children offering positive alternatives to boredom.
In excellent health and with "Winning Ways" a great success, Tollefson returned to television in 1995, delighted to bring the brighter side of news to viewers of FOX 29. He currently resides in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. During his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and golfing.
Vince Papale, Guest Speaker.
Former Philadelphia Eagle and subject of Disney’s movie “Invincible”.
In 1976, Vince Papale—the 2006 recipient of The Vincent T. Lombardi Symbol of Caring Award—was working as a schoolteacher and a part-time bartender. That year, Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil held a press conference and invited some locals, including Papale, who was a former track star, to a workout. The rest is history. Papale showed up at the workout and ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, a world-class time. Coach Vermeil offered him a contract on the spot, but this 30-year-old walk-on still had to make the team.
Papale beat the odds to become the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. He still holds that record. He eventually became a team captain and played in the NFL for four years. He was voted “Man of the Year” by the Eagles in 1978, for his many charitable activities.
After retiring from the Eagles following the1979 season, he was a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years. After that, Papale entered the world of commercial mortgage banking which led to his present position as a marketing executive and special projects director for Sallie Mae. Papale is married to the former Janet Cantwell. They reside in Cherry Hill, N.J., with their two children, Gabriella and Vincent. Janet is a former member of the USA World Gymnastics team and has coached and taught gymnastics all over the world. They are the only married couple to have been inducted individually into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
After a lifetime of beating the odds, Papale met another great challenge with strength and tenacity. In 2001, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Since that time, he has fully recovered. He has become a sought-after spokesman, encouraging people to get regular check-ups and raising awareness about cancer prevention. In addition, Papale has served as chairman or co-chairman for various associations, including the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans, Spina Bifada Association, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the American Heart Association.
A movie about Vince Papale, called “Invincible,” was released August 25 and opened to rave reviews, finishing #1 at the box office two weeks in a row. It features Mark Wahlberg as Papale, Greg Kinnear as former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil, and Elizabeth Banks as Janet.
Vince Papale’s life personifies the Lombardi Gala’s theme of Beating the Odds, from his NFL career to his fight against cancer. The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is honored to bestow upon him this year’s Lombardi Symbol of Caring Award.
Don DiJulia, Athletic Director, St. Joseph's University
DiJulia is in his fifth decade of affiliation with St. Joseph's University (SJU). A 1968 graduate of the university, he has more than 30 years of professional experience. DiJulia began his career as an assistant basketball coach in Washington D.C., returning to SJU in 1976 to serve as Director of Athletics. He oversaw the growth of women's athletics as softball and cross-country were added as a varsity sport. From 1981-1988 DiJulia served as Commissioner of the East Coast Conference (1981-1984) and Commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (1984-1988), returning to SJU in 1988 as Athletic Director.
Colby Colb, WPHI/ Philadelphia radio personality/Program Director
Colby "Colb" Tyner has demonstrated that with passion, hard work and a commitment to the community, one can make a difference in the lives of many. In high school, Colby enjoyed performing as a DJ for numerous parties and by the age of 17, acquired an internship at WUSL-FM in Philadelphia. Within six months, he landed a coveted position as a producer for the 6-10pm show and was instrumental in making it the #1 Arbitron-rated program. Colby soon stepped into the spotlight in 1991 as the creator and host of Radioactive, a groundbreaking hip-hop show. For 7 years Colby kept hip-hop afloat in Philly, he featured many of the biggest names in hip-hop on a weekly basis Colby also hosted a SFX nationally syndicated program with Busta Rhymes. . He has received 2 Philadelphia Air Awards for his work. Colby attended Temple University and later earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Radio/Television/Film.
Lorraine Ballard Morrill, News and Community Affairs Director, Clear Channel Entertainment
Lorraine Ballard Morrill is News and Community Affairs Director for Clear Channel Philadelphia, which includes Power 99 FM, WDAS FM/AM, Smooth Jazz WJJZ, Sunny 104.5, and Q102. Loraine has overseen numerous award-winning community service campaigns won the National Association of Broadcaster’s 1993, 1996, 1998 and 2001 Crystal Radio Award – an unprecedented four times. Loraine received the March of Dimes 2001 Award for Excellence in Radio Lifetime Achievement Award.
John Robertson, Entertainment Attorney, Section 8 /Libertad / Universal Music
John Robertson, Esq. concentrates his law practice in the areas of civil litigation, entertainment and sports law. He has represented and managed various clients including songwriters, record companies, musicians, actors, sports, radio and television personalities. He is the CEO/co-founder of Libertad Entertainment, a Latin entertainment, film, record and music publishing company and CEO/founding member of Studio 4 Entertainment, LTD., a music production and publishing company.
Barbara Montgomery, President Bean & Bumpy Music
Barbara Montgomery has been in the entertainment field for over thirty years as a music industry executive, publisher, producer, songwriter, arranger, recording artist, as well as working in production for film and television. She began performing as a jazz vocalist in 1970 but took a detour in her music career by joining the NBC/Westinghouse television station that produced the "Mike Douglas Show. She has been Music Director for Richard Simmons since 1986. This has given her the opportunity to produce the music for over 20 exercise videos ranging from oldies to disco to Broadway to Latin music, working in studios from New York to Los Angeles with hundreds of world class studio musicians. She has produced music for numerous television infomercials and winning independent films, Barbara recently finished producing music for “Champions On Ice”, the Olympic ice skating tour, and is an advisor to many jazz musicians for their music production. She has been volunteering with The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, and is deeply involved in gun violence prevention working with Mothers In Charge.
Bonnie L. Grant, Director of Communications, Philadelphia Eagles
Bonnie Grant joined the NFC Championship Philadelphia Eagles in October 2005 as Director of Communications. Ms. Grant had previously served the City of Philadelphia under Mayors John F. Street and Edward G. Rendell as Deputy City Representative. Events and programs under her management included the annual Philadelphia Marathon and 8K Race; the Mayor’s City Hall Ball; Philadelphia Holiday Festival; the City’s Annual Independence Day Ceremony; and promotion of Sunoco Welcome America, a multi-day festival celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. Ms. Grant managed marketing and communications for last year’s Live 8 Philadelphia and served as co-chair of the Subaru Greater Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival. Ms. Grant holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Tyler School of Art and a master's degree in journalism from Temple University. She is passionately involved in local and regional theater as an actor, writer and producer. She wrote, produced and performed a show in the 2005 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. She has served on the boards of The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, the Breast Health Institute and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association.
Anne Gillette, Casting Director, Wickline Casting
Anne has hundreds of credits in feature films, television, commercial and industrials, which include: Nationwide talent searches for Spelling Television and NBC Daytime, "The Long Kiss Goodnight, with Geena Davis and Samuel Jackson, "The Florentine" with Jim Belushi and Luke Perry... hundreds of commercials like "McDonalds"and "Best Buy". Ann recently returned to Wickline Casting full time Head of the Casting Department. As a Producer... Ann has produced countless industrials and commercials... Television shows like "The Fretz Kitchen" with the nation's top chefs and the popular lifestyle show, "Scene 8" on CN8 and live productions like the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant for Miss America. She worked on the production team of the CBS television series, "HACK" it's first season Ann has developed a large following as one of the top acting and media coaches in Philadelphia... working with actors, celebrities, corporate professionals and political candidates.
Adela Godinez, Director of Marketing, Philadelphia Phantoms
Adela graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a Degree in Communication Arts in 1999, where she also was an Inaugural member of the Division II women's soccer team for three seasons. Upon graduation, she began her career as the Public Relations Director for the Huntsville Channel Cats of the CHL. The following season she served as an Account Executive for the Asheville Smoke of the UHL. Godinez continued her career as the Director of Marketing and Promotions for the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots and the Pensacola Barracudas of the AF2 from 2001-03. She held the same position for the Reading Royals of the ECHL from 2003-04 prior to joining the Phantoms in November of 2004 where she currently serves as the Director of Marketing. Adela is grew up in Bryn Mawr, PA where she attended Archbishop John Carroll HS and now resides in Upper Darby, PA.
Bill Weston, Program Director, WMMR
Bill is a native of Western New York (Buffalo area) Graduated Ashland University Radio-TV / Marketing degrees. 20+ year resume of programming radio stations in many formats including Rock, Top-40, Alternative, and Adult Contemporary.Market experience includes Buffalo (WHTT), Savannah (WIXV), Providence (WHJY), New York (WAXQ), Richmond (WKLR & WDYL) and Philadelphia (WMMR). Awarded Rock Program Director of the Year by Radio & Records magazine in Dallas this year.During his tenure at WMMR, Weston has moved one of America’s most respected rock stations from13th to a recent 1st place finish in the Arbitron ratings. Weston enjoys life in Narberth, PA with his wife of 18 years, Connie and children Paul and Jade.
Paul Jolovitz, Host Sportsradio 610 WIP
Noted as one of the most popular media personalities in Philadelphia, Paul has been a host on Sportsradio 610 WIP since 1997, entertaining listeners with his top-level knowledge of local and national sports. In addition, he co-hosts The Postgame Show on Philadelphia Eagles Radio Network (94-1 Free FM WYSP) and has made guest appearances on Comcast SportsNet's Daily News Live, The Angelo Cataldi Show, CN8's Lou Tilley's Sports Connection, and CBS 3's Sunday night sports wrap. Paul is also a guest broadcaster on ESPN Radio. Unlike most broadcasters, Paul’s commentary is multi-faceted. Having worked as a stand-up comedian in Philadelphia, New York and Las Vegas since 1993. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Paul graduated from Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania in 1983, with a bachelors of science in economics. He currently resides in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania with his wife, Am.
Christopher J. Cabott, Esquire - ZANE Management
Chris Cabbott is an associate attorney with the Law Office of Lloyd Z. Remick and Zane Management, Inc. He received his B.A. from La Salle University in 2001 and his J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 2005. Attorney Cabott is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Mr. Cabott is the co-author of Keeping Out the Little Guy: An Older Contract Advisor’s Concern, a Younger Contract Advisor’s Lament, 12 Vill. Sports & Ent. L.J. 1. In addition, he captained the winning team at the 2005 National Sports Law Moot Court Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana and was named the competition’s Outstanding Oral Advocate. Mr. Cabott is a member of the Widener University School of Law Alumni Board of Directors and the American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports Law.
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