Mad Anthonys Children’s Foundation names Matt Painter, Rick and Vicki James 2022 Red Coat recipients

Fort Wayne, IN (January 13, 2022)—Mad Anthonys has named Purdue’s men’s basketball coach Matt Painter, as well as Rick and Vicki James of Metal Technologies Inc. and the James Foundation, as its 2022 Red Coat recipients.

A native of Fort Wayne, Painter was named the 18th head coach in Purdue men’s history in 2005. Since then, he’s won the third-most games in school history and been named Big Ten Coach of the Year four times. He’s guided Purdue to the NCAA Tournament 12 times in the past 14 seasons, including reaching the Sweet 16 three times in the past four seasons. The National Association of Basketball Coaches honored Painter as their National Coach of the Year for the 2018-19 season. He also guided Purdue to its first-ever No. 1 national ranking earlier this season.

Rick James founded Auburn-based Metal Technologies, Inc., a global metal casting company, in 1997 after working his way up to president of Auburn Foundry. James’ unique combination of vision, entrepreneurship, and work ethic helped the company expand to additional facilities in 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 in 2011. The James Foundation is built on a belief that, by serving as civic stewards, quality of life will be enriched acting as a catalyst to undertakings that strengthen both families and community. Rick and Vicki James were both honored as Sagamore of the Wabash recipients in 2016.

In 2012, Trine University bestowed Rick with its highest honor, the Pillar of Success Award, and the university honored Vicki in 2014 with its Woman of Distinction Award. In 2013, Rick and Vicki both received honorary doctorates from Trine University. In addition to Chairman of the Trine University Board, Rick has most recently been chosen as Chair of the National Park Foundation.

“Whether it’s on the court, in business or in philanthropy, Coach Painter and Rick and Vicki James are amazing and inspiring success stories,” said Sherri Miller, president of the Mad Anthonys Foundation. “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.”

“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. “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.”

Painter and the Jameses will be honored at the Red Coat Gala, which will be held May 21 at the Clyde Theater in Fort Wayne. The 65th Mad Anthonys Pro-Am will take place June 20 at Pine Valley Country Club.

About the Mad Anthonys

The Mad Anthonys is a charitable organization founded in 1957 and comprised of business leaders and professionals from northeast Indiana. The Mad Anthonys Pro-Am is one of the premier charity golf events, along with the Red Coat Gala, raising millions of dollars for charitable organizations in Fort Wayne. In 2007, Mad Anthonys began a partnership with Mad Anthonys Hope House, dedicating its fundraising efforts to the organization.