Judith Ripka
Off The Market: Being Married to a Pro Athlete
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After the recent explosion of media coverage regarding high-profile athletes and infidelity, the trials and tribulations that appear to come with the territory of being married to a pro athlete is no secret to the greater population. Tia Robbins (wife of New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins), Jasmine Silva (girlfriend of St. Louis Rams safety James Butler), and Jerika Johnstone (wife of former NFL Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings player Lance Johnstone) came together to create the company Off The Market.
Last night at Taj Lounge in lower Manhattan, Off the Market presented “Live, Laugh, Love,” an exclusive, couples only launch party hosted by Fred and Tia Robbins. Athletes and their significant others attended to support Off The Market’s dedication to strengthening the relationships between committed couples. The mission: to enrich the lives of couples by offering unique services, environments, and exclusive access to valuable resources for the ultimate benefit and honoring of the relationship between woman and man.
This one of a kind evening featured live belly dancers, a virtual casino and a jewelry auction sponsored by Judith Ripka. Other corporate sponsors who supported the launch and helped to make this an incredible evening included Tenga, Coastal Advisors, Modern Luxury Ventures, Vita Coco, Hennessy Black, and Taj Lounge.
The goal of Off The Market, according to Tia Robbins, is to “spread the positive message that married couples who live in the spotlight can continually find fun and exciting ways to reinforce their love towards one another.” After speaking to guests who were lucky enough to score an invitation to last night’s private event can attest, it looks like Off The Market accomplished exactly that.
SEEN: Fred Robbins (NY Giants defensive tackle) and his wife Tia Robbins, Lance Johnstone (former Oakland Raider and Minnesota Viking) and his wife Jerika Johnstone, Aaron Ross (Giants cornerback), Sanya Richards (Olympic gold medalist), Damian Walker (NY Giants player development) and his wife Ashley Lynn, Mario Manningham (NY Giants wide receiver) and Tiffany Hughley, Lawrence Tynes (NY Giants kicker) and his wife Amanda Tynes, Kevin Boothe (NY Giants guard) and his wife Rosalie Boothe, Brett Dearing and his wife Maritza Dearing, Guy Whimper (NY Giants offensive tackle) and his wife Niah Whimper, Jeanine McLean, Hank Williams, Lashada Allan, Cos, and Danny "DJ" Ware, Patrick Tully and Phil Reese (co-founders of PR/PR).
*Photos by Joe Kohen for Getty Images
*Photo 1: Tia and Fred Robbins
*Photo 2: Sanya Richards and husband Aaron Ross
Once Upon a Time in Manhattan...
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Thursday, November 19, 2009, socials, celebs, and young philanthropists showed up for Once Upon a Time in Manhattan to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of New York City.
The night hosted by Fox 5's Dari Alexander featured with a live performance by Bradford. Although the event was held at the B&T nightclub Marquee, it was a delightful success which included red carpet shenanigans, guest speakers, food catered by Cipriani, cocktails by Diageo Spirits, and music by celebrity DJ Catherine Oulette (a.k.a. "SynCity").
Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. provides a temporary “home-away-from-home” for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The House is a supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. is the largest facility of its type in the world.
The whole club was filled with friends catching up and introducing each other to new friends, thus expanding this staple social do good feel good circle of NYC. As guests chatted and sipped on an abundance of bevs, they checked out the amazing silent auction which featured items courtesy of the Autograph Store, Winspire Travel, Judith Ripka and Steiner Sports.
As if the night couldn't get any better, each guest walked away with a VIP gift bags from a host of luxurious brands. 'Tis the season...
*All photos by Keith Lew
Bore to Chore to Cheers!
+Thursday night was rife with festivities. The evening began in Soho at B&B Italia for the launch of Esquire The Big Black Book- The Style Manual for Successful Men.
The showroom was shoulder to shoulder with well-primped people and I rather enjoyed sipping bubbly and discussing the cuts and fabrics of the suits that surrounded me and my cohorts de la nuit, Stephanie Newhouse and Jen Marden.
A dashing Scott Lehmann of Esquire made the rounds, and Marty Staff of Joseph Abboud was an absolute delightful addition to the stoic crowd. However, that was the extent of our excitement, so exited gracefully and hopped in our awaiting car.
Our next stop was, A.E.R Walk With Style Event to Benefit CancerCare. Set to host- Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Alex & Simon of Bravo's Real Housewives Of NYC, and exclusive coverage by the fantavulous Micah Jesse. A silent auction, featuring goodies from Judith Ripka and Flip, and a fashion show by Shoshanna.
Intriguing Red Carpet appearences included; my girl Jen Marden, The R&B group- Tha Heights, Michael Boley and Terrence Pennington of our NY Giants, Celeb stylist- Lauren Rae Levy, Scott Herman of MTV's Real World Brooklyn, and DL Hughly.
I have to say, although oddly organized (those of you that attended, know what I am referring to) this was one of the funnest red carpets. This was partially caused by the celebs, but mainly instigated by the sassy Micah Jesse. I, for one, loved it and believe I was not alone. Just look at the great pictures captured by my boy, Jerritt Clark, click here to view.




