Sole-full store gets new home

A star-studded celebration marked the recent opening of Johnston & Murphy, an upscale men’s footwear and accessories brand and retail store at the Hill Center. The event —an evening of shopping, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music — was hosted by broadcaster Mike Keith, “the Voice of The Titans.”

Titans’ linebacker Keith Bulluck was on hand to mingle with guests and sign autographs, and a portion of the party’s proceeds from sales went to the Keith Bulluck Believe and Achieve Foundation. The football player’s eponymous organization raises money to aid foster care groups in middle Tennessee and New York. Johnson & Murphy also donated shoes to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that collects shoes to give to people in need, in honor of Bulluck.

After years at a much smaller location at The Mall at Green Hills, Johnston & Murphy’s new 2,496 square-foot location has allowed it to include a full range of products including footwear, apparel, outerwear, luggage, small leather goods and other accessories.

Titans Keith Bulluck named Walter Payton Man of the Year

The Tennessee Titans announced today that linebacker Keith Bulluck has been named the 2007 Titans Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner. This is Bulluck’s second consecutive year to garner the award as he was selected by a majority vote from his teammates, Titans staff, members of the news media and local non-profit and community executives for his dedicated community service.

“I am pleased that Keith is being recognized for more than he does on the field," said Coach Jeff Fisher. "He is a terrific player and is committed to making our community a better place.”

The Keith Bulluck Believe & Achieve Foundation raises thousands of dollars on an annual basis to benefit children in foster care as well as underprivileged children. He also recently hosted a VIP reception at Johnston and Murphy where proceeds from this event benefited his foundation as well as Soles4Souls. Both organizations are non profit and are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

For the younger kids, Bulluck hosts an annual “Back to School” Book Bag Party to promote the importance of education and being prepared for school. He invited foster children from the Department of Children Services to a 2007 Titans training camp visit, where they were able to watch practice, get autographs and receive book bags and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Bulluck donated 300 book bags filled with school supplies and also donated 600 pairs of shoes through Soles4Souls to these children in DCS custody.