NBA's VanVleet signs on as Tip-Off Classic sponsor

To have a top-flight sporting event, you have to have dedicated volunteers and sponsors willing to put time, effort and dollars to help make the event first class.

The 205 Tip-Off Classic has been blessed to have a solid group of sponsors willing to help offset some of the costs of bringing in teams from California, Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida and Chicago to show off their talents in Rockford. Among the organizations already returning as sponsors include 23 WIFR TV, the Glenwood Center and The Good Run.

This year, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center has joined as a sponsor. The Radisson is hosting a media breakfast for all teams and coaches on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Anderson Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau also are on board as a sponsors for the first time.

Associated Bank and the Rockford West state champion basketball teams from 1955 and 1956 are returning as a Gold Sponsors.

There is a new sponsorship level for 2018 and that's Platinum and that's being filled by Fred VanVleet. VanVleet, the Rockford Auburn graduate who now is thriving in the NBA, is forming a new non-profit organization to go along with his FVV23 clothing line that can be bought online or at his 328 East State St. location.

It's just the latest in a list of efforts VanVleet is getting involved in even though he makes Toronto his home most of the year. VanVleet has been the RACVB official sports ambassador for the past two years, which included hosting the FVV Fan Fest at the UW Health Sports Factory. Proceeds from that event went to the RACVB Foundation, which helps fund efforts to bring sporting events to Rockford.