Sign Petition
NFL Super Bowl Champion Kurt Warner Speaks about the Importance of Inclusion at Gatepath’s Power of Possibilities Event
NFL Super Bowl Champion Kurt Warner Speaks about the Importance of Inclusion at Gatepath’s Power of Possibilities Event
Warner shares his inspiring story about being a parent of a child with special needs
Burlingame, CA — Two-time NFL Super Bowl MVP and NFL Hall of Fame inductee Kurt Warner was the guest speaker at Gatepath’s 11th Annual Power of Possibilities event on March 21, 2019. As the parent of a child who is blind and has developmental disabilities, Warner has a personal connection to Gatepath’s mission of empowering people with special needs to achieve their full potential. “It was very inspirational to hear Kurt Warner speak at this year’s event,” said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider. “Kurt had a remarkable NFL career, but his dedication to the community is even more impressive.”
In a conversation moderated by Emmy award-winning journalist Nancy O’Dell, Warner talked about how his son Zack shaped his perspective on life. “He showed me on a daily basis that when you allow someone with special needs to spread their wings, you’ll be amazed at the possibilities. You’ll be amazed by what they accomplish.”
Warner and his wife Brenda founded Treasure House, a supportive living community for young adults that focuses on independence, respect, and community integration. Like Gatepath, they help individuals of all abilities thrive and reach for their dreams. Warner emphasized that everyone can make a positive impact. “What I’ve realized over time is that it doesn’t take much to really impact people. Regardless of our circumstances, we’ve all been given a platform to do something for others. For me, it all starts with including individuals with disabilities in the things we do.”
O’Dell also shared her personal connection to Gatepath’s mission and described her passion for inclusion of those with developmental disabilities. “Growing up, my best buddy was my Aunt Ellen, who was born with Down syndrome,” O’Dell said. “I can remember watching her wanting so badly to be included in certain high school activities like band and cheerleading. So, I applaud organizations like Gatepath because they help provide opportunities for everyone.”
Gatepath presented its annual Neal Poppin Award to Mitzi Zwierlein, who’s been a dedicated employee of McDonald’s for 41 years. The award is named in memory of a man who was in Gatepath’s employment program and whose determination, spirit, and enthusiasm transcended any limitations he faced. “We are honored to recognize Mitzi as this year’s Neal Poppin Award winner,” said Neider. “She’s an amazing woman whose inspiring work ethic and positive attitude have earned her the respect and love of her colleagues and customers. She radiates joy in everything she does and sets a wonderful example for others.”
The 2019 Power of Possibilities event was made possible by title sponsor, Carole Middleton, and the following platinum sponsors: Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Gatepath Auxiliary, and Sutter Health, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Other corporate sponsors included Arborwell, Bailard, Barulich Dugoni & Suttmann Law Group, Inc., Heffernan Insurance Brokers, SC Properties, D’Elia Construction Inc., Electronic Arts, GoPro, Graybird Foundation, Norman S. Wright Mechanical Equipment, Oracle, and Wells Fargo.
###
ABOUT GATEPATH
Gatepath has been a cornerstone of our community for 100 years, providing support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs, and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, we provide support to an individual throughout his or her lifetime. We collaborate with businesses, third-party providers, local nonprofits, and various other organizations to bring the highest quality services to the children, youth, and adults in our programs. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, in the workplace, and in our communities.
For more information, visit Gatepath.org.
Contact: Julia Ballantyne, Gatepath
Cell: 916-390-4671
jballantyne@gatepath.org
NFL Super Bowl Champion Kurt Warner and Award-Winning Journalist Nancy O’Dell Announced as Guest Speakers at Gatepath’s 11th Annual Power of Possibilities
Burlingame, CA — Two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion Kurt Warner will be the guest speaker at Gatepath’s 11th Annual Power of Possibilities event on March 21, 2019 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront in Burlingame, CA.
While Warner’s football narrative reads like a rags-to-riches Hollywood script, it is the story of a man filled with dignity and class that captured the imagination of sports fans and so many others worldwide. During his 12-year career, Warner continually beat the odds to quarterback the St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl and etched his name in the NFL record books along the way.
Warner’s football success is truly impressive. But his gridiron accomplishments pale in comparison to his dedication to the community. Warner believes that all people, regardless of ability, have a purpose and calling in life, and that everyone can participate in meaningful and challenging activities, establish personal relationships, and contribute to society when provided with the appropriate support and opportunities.
Inspired by their son Zachary, who is blind and has developmental disabilities, Kurt and his wife Brenda founded Treasure House, a supportive living community for young adults, focused on independence, respect, and community integration. Their vision for the future is to replicate the model and help individuals with intellectual disabilities realize their full potential. “People are going to forget that I won a Super Bowl, but they’re never going to forget the kind of impact you had on them personally,” said Warner in an interview with CBS Evening News.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Nancy O’Dell will join Warner onstage as moderator of the Power of Possibilities conversation about their personal connection to the intellectual and developmental disabilities community and the importance of advocating for inclusion in society. A proven force in all areas of her career as a host, author, producer, and entrepreneur, O’Dell is the co-host of Entertainment Tonight, contributes to CBS This Morning, and is the go-to anchor for live TV specials.
O’Dell is excited to join the Power of Possibilities event. She is passionate about inclusion and respect for all people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Growing up, my best buddy was my Aunt Ellen, who was born with Down syndrome,” said O’Dell in an interview with Ability magazine. “Because of my memories of her, to this day, she remains my inspiration for promoting inclusion for individuals of all abilities.”
Tickets for Gatepath’s Power of Possibilities event will be available starting February 1, 2019 at Gatepath.org/POP-2019.
The 2019 Power of Possibilities event is being made possible by title sponsor, Carole Middleton, and the following platinum corporate sponsors: Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Gatepath Auxiliary, and Sutter Health, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Other corporate sponsors included Bailard, Barulich Dugoni Law Group, Inc., Janice Berthold, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, D’Elia Construction Inc., Electronic Arts, Graybird Foundation, Norman S. Wright Mechanical Equipment, Oracle, and Lisa and Kevin Cullinane, SC Properties.
For more information about becoming a sponsor or benefactor of the Power of Possibilities, CLICK HERE.
###
About the Power of Possibilities
Gatepath’s Power of Possibilities event celebrates and supports the achievements of those with developmental disabilities in our community and is perfect for anyone who wants to create a world where people of all abilities are accepted, respected, and included. The Power of Possibilities is known for its powerful keynote speakers. Last year, actor Patrick Dempsey talked about how growing up with a learning disability shaped his perspective on life and helped him become a successful actor. Award-winning actor Colin Farrell, Glee actress Lauren Potter, former San Francisco 49er quarterback Steve Young, and actress and author Holly Robinson-Peete were also previous keynote speakers. Attendees of this event call the Power of Possibilities “magical,” “heartwarming,” and “empowering.” Proceeds benefit Gatepath – the largest nonprofit in the Bay Area supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential.
About Gatepath
Gatepath has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 98 years, providing a lifespan of support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities in the greater Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational and family support services, we are distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout his or her lifetime. We collaborate with businesses, third party providers, local nonprofits and various organizations to bring the highest quality services to the children, youth and adults in our programs. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respect and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, the workplace and in our communities. Join us in “Turning Disabilities into Possibilities”. For more information, visit Gatepath.org.
Contact: Julia Ballantyne
916-390-4671 (cell)
Gatepath Auxiliary Honored
The Gatepath Auxiliary was honored in October 2018 at an annual appreciation event hosted by Gatepath to recognize the members for their incredible dedication to the mission since 1950. Remarkably, more than half of the Auxiliary members have been with the Auxiliary for 20+ years! The members who were able to attend the event were recognized for their commitment with an honorary pin noting their years of service. It was a very special treat to also welcome Michael Collopy Photography, world renowned photographer, who spoke about his portrait work of inspiring changemakers who are “Architects of Peace” such as Saint Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and many more.