" I would highly recommend The Luneaus for any camp. The Luneaus are not just great entertainment but also give a valuable message to the campers."
Gina Castelli (Head Coach, Siena College)
" The Luneaus routine is unique and exciting. The message on working hard and believing in your dreams is delivered in very creative ways. A must for your campers to witness, and great inspiration for audiences of all age groups."
Jim Jabir (Head Coach, Providence College)
" The Luneaus were great! Extremely entertaining and at the same time sent a very meaningful message to the campers."
References
Ilze Luneau captivated the Carrier Dome crowd during her halftime performance during an SU men's home basketball game. Her amazing ball handling and juggling skills are a treat for young and old. Her two adorable, young daughters provided the high point of the performance.
Pat Campbell (Managing Dir. of the Carrier Dome)
August 5, 2004
Thank you so much for your two performances at the Bard College Summer Basketball Camp. The children have not stopped talking about the performance and I personally think it was one of the best. We look forward to having you perform again next year. I wanted to say thanks in person for a great show and appropriate entertainment for our young audience.
Best Wishes,
Chris Wood
Assistant Director of Athletics
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Bard College
March 2006
Ilze,
We are still getting compliments about your performance. You touched a lot of hearts and lives that night. We are estimating that there were 1,200 people there. Many of whom were not saved.
You'll always have a special spot in our hearts. If there is ever an opportunity for you to come back, I hope you will.
God Bless.
Todd D. Smith, Monroeville Assembly of God, Monroeville, PA
Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony
May 2006
Ilze,
Greetings! I just finished filling out your request for recommendation as you are top of the line in performance and speaking God's Word into the lives of children and adults. I would highly recommed you to anyone.
Serving Together the Risen King,
Scott Grinder
Christian Sports International
LINKS :
July 6, 2006
Dear Ilze,
I thought your motivational basketball show was excellent. You did a great job of keeping the attention of our entire 7th grade class which is 190 students. This is no easy accomplishment since the program was scheduled directly before the students were let out for their summer vacation.
I would highly recommend your program to schools in the area. You were able to provide a high level of entertainment while sending positive messages on working hard, setting goals, staying drug free, etc. Thank you for a job well done!!
Principal, Driver Middle School, Marcellus, NY
November 28, 2006
Dear Ilza:
Thank you so much for your wonderul show last week. We had a very successful turnout (1700) and kids and families alike had a great time! I especially want to thank you for the individual attention you gave all the young fans in teaching them to spin a basketball, after the half time show.
I received numerous compliments about you and on a fun and entertaining experience!
Sincerely,
Bette Anne Gaube
Binghamton University
ps: your daughters are great!
January 16, 2007
Ilze:
It was so nice to have you in Chattanooga. Your performance at our Mocs basketball game was captivating. Fans were still talking about it several days later. Perhaps it will work out to have you in town for another performance in the coming seasons.
I especially want to thank you for taking time to give your testimony at Bethel Bible Village. I’m sure the kids enjoyed the “show,” but it was the message you brought that will stay with them. The Lady Mocs team really enjoyed hearing the message, too. Coach Wes Moore has told me several times how much your attendance meant to his team and the overall atmosphere of the afternoon.
Thanks again for sharing your heart and bringing your family along. Please tell Iliana and Marika that “Mr. Don” sends a great big “Howdy!” from Chattanooga. They were so cute and were a hit in the shows. God Bless You!
In Christ,
Don Harris
Director of Marketing & Promotions
Chattanooga Mocs Athletics
February 9, 2007
Hi Ilze -
Just wanted to thank you again for your participation with today's Staley School Day Basketball game at Temple University. You put on a great show, and it was nice meeting you and your kids. We look forward to having you back next year at a game. Thanks,
Scott Walcoff
Assistant Athletic Director
Marketing and Promotions
Temple University Athletics
March 2007
Ilze,
Thank you for the awesome performances during Upwards awards night. Nick asked me to follow up with you concerning the email you sent about suggestions/comments for improvement. I cannot think of anything, you really did a great job. I will be following up with the children who invited Christ into their lives during the next few weeks. Also, two adults responded that they asked Jesus into their lives during the event. On top of that one parent indicated that they were not sure if they knew Christ and wanted to know more about Him. I praise and thank God that He allows us to carry out His work. Thank you again for being part of what God is doing here at Hocutt. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Drew
Children's Pastor
Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church, Clayton, NC
April 2007
I justed wanted to say thanks again! Your programs on Friday night were fantastic! I heard from many of the parents that loved the way you connected with the children. While your basketball skills are amazing, your ability to share the gospel and your testimony were even better. I look forward to working with again. Great show!!!!
In His grip,
Rick Wells, Knox Church, Harrison Twp. MI
April 2010
Ilze, I just wanted to let you know that when we had our Upward appreciation dinner on the 17th, many, many folks commented positively about your ballhandling, energy, enthusiasm, positive approach, and clear presentation of the Gospel--outstanding! They also said they were impressed by you AFTER the presentation as you related individually to players and others. Again, we thank you for helping to make our celebration a huge success! We had ten players indicate they had prayed to receive Christ--follow-up is going on. Hope Godstock was a blessing.
To God be the glory! Georgia Herod, Washington, VT
Rocking at Jamesville-Dewitt Highschool.
On-stage at 2005 IJA show in Davenport, Iowa.
Half-time show in Latvia.
Getting covered with silly spring at NY State Fair August.
Ilze put on an absolutely amazing show. She not only impressed the fans, but I still have staff members telling me how entertaining her performance was. It was great to work with such a talented person who really puts her heart and soul into her performance. Above all, it was an inspiring to meet someone who puts her relationship with the Lord first, and uses the talents He gave her to touch others. Thanks for everything Ilze, we’ll be in touch.
Cassidy Lien
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Game Operations Representative
"Ilza did a wonderful job again for us this year! This is the second time we brought her in for the Preseason, and she Wowed the crowd! We plan on bringing her back!"
Tim Dameron
Game Presentation Manager
2004 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons
2003 & 2006 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock
Other Events:
October 31, 2008
Dear Ilze
I cannot thank you enough for your superb performance at our Symposium last Wednesday. We were in awe of your juggling, balancing, and spinning powers. It was a perfect way to end the morning - and to begin thinking about life!
Cordially,
Diana Napolitano
Government Relations Associate
Government and Community Relations
Syracuse University
September 2009
Hi Ilze!
It was just great to get to know you people and I really enjoyed the Godstock weekend. I don't have to tell you that your presentation, Ilze, is tremendous and I've been having fun sharing the little videos I took with people. Your talk was very good, as well. Many blessings and I hope that we can keep in touch. Greetings from Spain,
Lowell Brueckner, Missionary, Spain
December 18, 2009
The assembly was GREAT!! Everyone enjoyed it! I love the positive consistent message of working hard, never giving up and having fun. It has inspired many of our students! It was a pleasure to have you visit Monkton Central School again.
Ilza performed at our year end Upward Basketball Awards night several weeks back and did an phenomenal job. She had the kids full attention for more than 45 minutes as she performed trick after trick for over 300 people in attendance. The way that she intertwined the gospel message into her routine kept the kids glued to their seats as they waited to hear more. She had more than one of the parents in tears as their child was picked out of the crowd to participate. The kids realized by the time the night was over, that yes indeed they could do anything through Christ who strengthens them.
It was clear from the way that the gospel was presented that she not only believed it but that she totally embraced it. Not once did it feel like we were being preached to. She has a very effective outreach and I would highly recommend that anyone that can avail themselves of her services, do so. You won't be disappointed.
Jeff Choquette, Dir. Upward Basketball, Believer's Chapel,Cicero, NY
April 2010
The Luneaus Basketball family is top notch. I recently used them for an Upward basketball celebration. They absolutely exceeded our expectations. Their demonstration was exciting from the begining until
the end. The kids were completely intent on everything they were doing.
It is clear that they put very much time and dedication, into their presentation. Ilze did an incredible job relating the gospel to
the children and explaining it in a way that was easy for them to
understand.
Leah Dailey
Knoxville, TN
Upward Basketball celebration, CT 2010
Joseph Odhiambo (current Guiness World Record holder for dribbling most basketballs - 6, among other records)
August 17, 2010
"I checked out the piece on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b8Zp1pY5NU . It is really cool. Love your combination dribbling with five basketballs while on the sliding board. Hey, your techniques are really difficult; I am a good basketball dribbling, however, I am amazed at your techniques. With five basketballs, you handle two with one hand and three with the other hands. Further more the rhythm and coordination for both hands are different–pew, that is really difficult. Throw on the sliding board, and I am out. I took the easy way out; cheated by using my hands and feet when dribbling six basketballs. I am not going to be part of the NBA All-Star 2011 because I will be in South African with Focus Ministry. However, I hoping while I am there, I will hook up with the new program that NBA has opened there. I will keep you posted of any new development, and I will surely recommend you as my possible replacement.
Joe"
April 2011
Ilze is tremendously talented! She is an excellent example of hard work and determination and she does a great job ov weaving the message of the Gospel as well as practice and discipline. Ilze also is very impressive with her knowledge of the Bible and is amazing at referencing the scripture verses she is basing her message on. Ilze delivers with every audience and gets kids involved with her routines...a fabulous crowd pleaser. Everyone walks away from Ilze's performance with their jaws on the floor!! Don't pass up an opportunity for her to minister to your group! Annette Davie, Director of Children's Ministry N. Syracuse Baptist Church, North Syracuse, New York
"Ilze is a true performer. Her positive family oriented messaging combined with her remarkable ball handling skills is a must see! Her unique skills, along with her daughters talents consistently leave the audience mesmerized and wanting more. The Luneaus have been a remarkable addition to the Hall of Fame's programming lineup!"
Jason Fiddler
Director of Museum Sales and Operations Administration
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, April 2012
April 11, 2012
Ilze succeeded in inspiring children and adults in a personal and practical way when she came to our Awards Night. Not only were her ball handling skills the best I've ever seen, but her message was one that has stayed fresh in my mind months afterward. Immediately from the beginning of her program she explained how her relationship with Jesus is the most important thing, and how she has discovered the necessity in depending on Him for everything, every day. Her actions and words encouraged us all to not give up even when things get difficult. Her presentation of the gospel was simple, yet not watered down. She was a pleasure to work with, and you too would benefit from bringing her to your group."
-Seth Carter, Upward League Director and Youth Pastor at Wake Chapel Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC
April 11, 2012
Ilze did an incredible job as our end of the year Upward basketball entertainer. We’ve have never received so much positive feedback after a performance! Her tricks throughout her routine were amazing and she was able to keep the kids attention throughout. One of her biggest strengths is she uses her audience to come up and assist her during the routine. Our kids loved being able to volunteer and help throughout the performace. Most importantly, her ability to share the gospel is what I perceive to be her greatest strength. She was able to relate the gospel to all age levels and spoke with clarity, and love. By the way she shares the gospel you can see her heart and desire to see souls saved. We highly recommend Ilze as an Upward Performer.
Ryan Shatzer, Overland Park Baptist, OP Kansas
April 11, 2012
Awesome, keep everyone's attention not only on the her presentation, but delivered a message that everyone could understand. This our sixth season, most positive award celebration we've had. Would enjoy having her back again.
Scot Lehrer Upward Sandusky Ohio
"Ilze is a true performer. Her positive family oriented messaging combined with her remarkable ball handling skills is a must see! Her unique skills, along with her daughters talents consistently leave the audience mesmerized and wanting more. The Luneaus have been a remarkable addition to the Hall of Fame's programming lineup!"
Jason Fiddler
Director of Museum Sales and Operations Administration
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, April 2012
"Ilza did a wonderful job again for us this year! This is the second time we brought her in for the Preseason, and she Wowed the crowd! We plan on bringing her back!"
Tim Dameron
Game Presentation Manager
2004 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons
2003 & 2006 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock
April 16, 2016
"Ms. Luneau,
I just wanted sincerely thank you for coming to our school and talking with our students and performing your amazing talents with them. It was a very educational and fun experience. I would like to thank you for including our students and allowing them to participate in activities, I believe they truly enjoyed it. You've allowed our students to have fun while learning and I appreciate it."
James Canfield
Principal,
Alternative Learning Program
Director of Guidance/Secondary Alternative Programs
