Mad Anthonys honor Painter
Purdue coach, local philanthropists to get Red Coats
JUSTIN A. COHN | The Journal Gazette
Purdue men's basketball coach Matt Painter will be one of the recipients of the Mad Anthonys' Red Coats, the charitable organization announced Thursday, and will be honored May 21 at the Clyde Theatre.The Mad Anthonys will also give Red Coats – their highest honor – to Rick and Vicki James of Metal Technologies Inc. and the James Foundation.
Red Coats have been given to myriad celebrities, sports figures, politicians and philanthropists since 1958. The Mad Anthonys' Pro-Am golf tournament will be June 20 at Pine Valley Country Club and raise money for the Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House, which provides lodging and support services for families of children undergoing pediatric and neonatal treatment.
“Whether it's on the court, in business or in philanthropy, coach Painter and Rick and Vicki James are amazing and inspiring success stories,” Sherri Miller, president of the Mad Anthonys Foundation, said in a news release. “Just as importantly, they're wonderful examples of people who utilize their success to give back and make an impact on people and communities. We are incredibly thrilled to recognize them as our 2022 Red Coat recipients.”
Painter, who according to the Mad Anthonys was born in Fort Wayne, has been the Boilermakers' head coach since 2005. He's been selected the Big Ten Coach of the Year four times and was the National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year in 2019. He's led Purdue to the Sweet 16 three times in the last four years.
Rick James founded Auburn-based Metal Technologies Inc., a global metal casting company, in 1997 and helped the company expand to Michigan, Minnesota and Mexico.
He stepped back from day-to-day management of Metal Technologies in 2012 and founded the James Foundation with his wife, Vicki. According to its website, the James Foundation focuses on “funding and enhancing all levels of educational experiences to promote good citizenship and leadership through education; community by promoting the arts, the cultural fabric of our communities; and faith by enriching the Christian discipleship and leadership in all life experiences.”
Trine University has bestowed Rick James with its highest honor, the Pillar of Success Award, and Trine has honored Vicki with its Woman of Distinction Award. In addition to being chairman of the Trine University board of trustees, Rick is chair of the National Park Foundation.
“Vicki and I have long been admirers of the Mad Anthonys and the important work they make possible in our community, so this is an incredible honor for us,” Rick James said in a news release. “To join such an illustrious group of Red Coat recipients is an amazing experience for us, and we're excited to help them raise money for many important causes in our community.”
The Mad Anthonys are composed of business leaders and professionals from northeast Indiana.
