(DALLAS) – February 26, 2014 – Jonathan’s Place, the only emergency shelter in Dallas County for abused children from newborn to 17 years old, has announced Academy Award-nominated writer and actress Nia Vardalos as the keynote speaker for its “A Chance To Soar” luncheon presented by Mohr Partners and Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware as the event honoree. The luncheon, to be held April 29 at Brook Hollow Gulf Club in Dallas, will raise funds to support abused and neglected children across North Texas.
Our Keynote Speaker & Honoree
As keynote speaker, Nia will share her family’s experience adopting her daughter out of foster care in 2008. An enthusiastic adoption advocate, Vardalos is a spokesperson for National Adoption Day and wrote the book “Instant Mom,” (released in spring 2013) an honest and witty account of her road to parenting.
“While Nia Vardalos may be most widely known for her work on screen, it’s her work off screen that makes us so honored to have her as our keynote speaker,” said Allicia Frye, chief executive officer of Jonathan’s Place. “Nia’s passion to share her message of foster care and adoption with her signature humor helps move us one step closer to our goal of ending child abuse and neglect. I’m confident she will inspire every single person in the room.”
At the luncheon, Jonathan’s Place will honor DeMarcus Ware, defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, for his charitable work off the field.
“When asked to choose a charity close to his heart to work with during Pepsi’s 2010 ‘Refresh Everything’ campaign, DeMarcus chose Jonathan’s Place,” Frye said. “DeMarcus has been so generous to Jonathan’s Place over the years to ensure our children feel special and valued, especially around Christmas time. DeMarcus is truly a blessing to Jonathan’s Place, and we are excited to express our gratitude to him.”
Luncheon chairs Pam Busbee and Stephanie Staubach Phillips are proud to organize the event benefiting children in needs of save, loving homes.
Sponsorships are available starting at $2,500 and individual tickets will be available in mid-March at $125 each. For sponsorship and ticket information, please visit www.jpkids.org/events/category/a-chance-to-soar-luncheon/
About Jonathan’s Place
Jonathan’s Place helps children who have been victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. We offer a full continuum of care with specialized treatment for physical, mental and emotional healing. Our programs include (1) Dallas County’s only emergency shelter that welcomes newborns to 17 year old victims of abuse; (2) a girls residential treatment program for girls 10 to 17 years old in need of therapeutic residential care; (3) a foster and adoption program where we recruit, train and support foster and adoptive families; and (4) an outreach program, National Safe Place, designed to educate youth about abuse and provide access to immediate help and safety to those in crisis. For more information about Jonathan’s Place call 972-303-5303 or visit www.jpkids.org.