BUZZ AROUND TOWN

First, it was the Ice Bucket Challenge. Now the next social media challenge has arrived

Kirby Adams
Courier Journal
Big Four Bridge lit up at night in Louisville.

Matt Thorton, Terry Meiners, John Schnatter, Jerry and Madeline Abramson and several others notable Louisvillians are trying to top each other in an effort to raise money and attention for breast cancer treatment and research.

It's part of the "Big Wig Challenge." Each Big Wig participant has pledged to raise $10,000 and is encouraging the greater Kentuckiana community to wear pink and get involved through BigWigKY.org.

From coaches to CEOs, athletes to a former mayor, the Big Wig challenge brings together some of Louisville’s most powerful personalities in a challenge for a cause.

Even the Big Four Bridge is joining in the fun as it lights up pink against the Louisville sunset Monday night. 

Louisville Big Wigs include:

  • Jerry and Madeline Abramson – Former mayor of Louisville and wife
  • Linda Danna – President General Manager of WHAS-TV
  • Scott Davenport – Head Coach of Bellarmine University Men’s Basketball
  • Vincenzo Gabrielle – Owner of Vicenzo’s Italian Restaurant
  • Greg and Kelly Galiette – Senior Vice President of the Louisville Bats and wife (breast cancer survivor)
  • J.B. and Erica Holmes – Professional golfer and wife
  • Earl Jones – Senior Vice President of Urban Operations for iHeartMedia
  • Louie (the Cardinal Bird) – University of Louisville mascot
  • Louisville Crashers – Renowned Louisville-based band
  • Terry Meiners – Radio and television personality for WHAS-TV and NewsRadio 840
  • Victoria Samuels – Vice President of Operations for Makers Mark Bourbon
  •  John Schnatter – Founder and CEO of Papa John’s
  • Matt Thornton – CEO of Thornton’s, Inc.
  • Robbie Valentine – Senior Director of Sales for AEG, Yum! Center

“The Big Wig Challenge is a fun and creative way to show support for cancer survivors close to home and to our hearts," said Lynda Weeks, executive director for Susan G. Komen Kentucky.

If you'd like to donate to Susan G. Komen Kentucky, you can do so in the name of your favorite participant or donate on the general donations page at BigWigKY.org.

Getting involved is easy, too. Grab something pink. Put it on your head. Challenge a friend or family member on Facebook. And donate! 

The challenge runs now through July 21. 

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.