Author Chris Gardner, whose story is told in Pursuit of Happyness, to speak at charity benefit

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Best-selling author Chris Gardner will be the featured guest speaker at the annual Wednesday’s Child Hearts and Hands Alliance “Winter Hugs and Warm Soles” Luncheon at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Northwood Club.

Gardner is the author of the best-selling book and autobiography The Pursuit of Happyness, which chronicles his personal triumph over poverty and homelessness. The story was made into a major motion picture starring Will Smith and is the second biggest grossing domestic drama of all time. Gardner's new book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, was released this spring. Gardner is the owner and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings and travels the country as a motivational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles.

“We are thrilled to have a speaker of this caliber to help us put the spotlight on the world of foster children and pleased to announce civic leader Myrna Schlegel as honorary chairman,” says Cheryl Brown, a luncheon chair.

WFAA-TV Channel 8 news anchor Gloria Campos, who has produced the Wednesday’s Child television segment since 1989 and is an influential advocate for foster children in North Texas, again will emcee the Hearts & Hands Alliance Luncheon. The Wednesday’s Child segment was the inspiration for the creation of the non-profit organization Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation 25 years ago. While WFAA-TV’s segment helps to find adoptive homes for children in foster care, Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation is a separate organization that addresses the many unmet needs of these children recovering from pasts of neglect and abuse.

Luncheon proceeds benefit the Winter Hugs & Warm Soles program, conducted annually by Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation, and provide new coats and shoes to North Texas foster children who otherwise might go without. Each year, the challenge becomes greater as the number of children in foster care continues to grow. The increase is alarming and funds raised will strengthen the outreach to children in desperate need. Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation is the only organization that provides funds to fulfill specific needs of North Texas foster children when no one else can or will.

One winner will be chosen for a 18-carat yellow–gold, multi-diamond pendant designed by Naomi Fine Jewelry Lounge with more than two carats of pavé diamonds surrounding a 14.5-carat green topaz gemstone from the personal collection of Gloria Campos. In celebration of 25 years with Neiman Marcus, couture plush toy designer Phebe Phillips will be featured again this year.

Luncheon tickets start at $125 per person and sponsorships are available. For more information or to make a reservation, call 214-729-5048.

Source: Martha Tiller