(February 23, 2015) – Join others supporting Warren Village’s mission to give low-income, single-parent families the opportunity to achieve sustainable personal and economic self-sufficiency at this year’s All-Star Breakfast. Those who attend the March 13 event at Denver’s Marriott City Center will hear the fascinating and inspiring story of Bonnie St. John, single mother, best-selling author, White House economic official during the Clinton Administration and Paralympic athlete.
Like so many of the single parents helped by Warren Village’s programs and services, St. John’s story is one of overcoming the odds. Raised by a poor, single mom, Bonnie was abused as a young child. In addition, she had her right leg amputated when she was 5. But St. John overcame many obstacles in her way and went on to become the first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing when she took home a silver and two bronze medals in downhill events at the 1984 Paralympics in Austria. Recognizing that achievement, President George W. Bush honored St. John at the White House.
St. John is a graduate of Harvard University and earned a Rhodes Scholarship. She started her business career at IBM before being appointed director of human capital policy on the White House National Economics Council by President Bill Clinton. St. John has been featured extensively in national and international media and is the best-selling author of six books. For the past 20 years, she has toured the world working as a keynote speaker and leadership consultant for more than 500 companies, nonprofits and associations. “NBC Nightly News” once called her “one of the five most inspiring women in America.”
As keynote speaker of Warren Village’s biggest event, St. John will be talking about the challenges she faced growing up and the people who helped her realize and reach her potential.
“We are excited and honored to have Bonnie St. John speak at the All-Star Breakfast,” says Warren Village President and CEO Sharon Knight. “Not only is she an incredible example of how someone can be a high achiever despite the odds against them, but she can also help our donors see what kind of a difference their support can make.”
Gloria Neal, award-winning journalist from the CBS4 Evening News will host the breakfast, which will honor Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, and David L. Eves, president and CEO of Public Service Company of Colorado, for their philanthropic support of Warren Village and other nonprofits in the Denver area.
Warren Village’s All-Star Breakfast will be 7:30-9 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at Marriott City Center, 1701 California St. in Denver. Tickets are available until March 6 and are $100 for individuals and $250 for sponsors. Sponsorships are also available. Last year, more than 500 attended and raised $150,000 for the nonprofit.
