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)