Mad Anthonys Names Red Coat Honorees

Doug McKibben is one of this year's honorees. (photo courtesy Mad Anthonys)

The Fort Wayne-based Mad Anthonys Foundation has named the 2018 Red Coat honorees. The organization presents the Red Coat each year to individuals who have made a positive impact to the Fort Wayne region and the state of Indiana.

This year’s recipients are University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly, along with local business leader Doug McKibben. The pair will be honored June 22 at the organization’s Red Coat Dinner in Fort Wayne.

"Doug has been a successful business leader and an important part of the Mad Anthonys for many years, and his contributions as an employer, volunteer and leader have had a tremendously positive impact on our community," said Mike Wallace, president of Mad Anthonys. "At the same time, Coach Kelly has more than proven himself as a coach, leader, father and husband – and his commitment to community support and helping those in need reflects our values at Mad Anthonys perfectly."

McKibben founded what would become known as the Glenbrook Automotive Group in 1978, which the organization says is one of the largest dealership groups in northern Indiana. He also helped found the Lifetime Sports Academy and continues to serve on its board.

Kelly became head coach of the Notre Dame football program in 2009 and is currently the winningest active coach in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, according to the Mad Anthonys. He and his wife, Pacqui, founded what is now known as the Kelly Cares Foundation, which has raised and donated more than $4 million to various causes focused on health, education and community needs.

McKibben and Kelly join a long list of notable names as Red Coat recipients, including Neil Armstrong, Bob Knight, Peyton Manning and Vice President Mike Pence. The day after the pair are honored, the Mad Anthonys will host its annual charity golf tournament which has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations throughout Fort Wayne.