Archives

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.

Thank You Gridiron Survivors

The first annual Kurt Warner Gridiron Survivor Pool raised nearly $3,000 for First Things First as football fans picked one NFL team to win each week, without picking the same team more than once. John from Florida outlasted everyone, including Kurt, and will receive the grand prize autographed Super Bowl XXXIV Rams jersey and a congratulatory phone call from Kurt. In March, First Things First will host the second annual Kurt Warner Bracket Hoop-la where fans can continue the friendly competition with Kurt during the excitement of the NCAA basketball tournament, all the while supporting the outreach of First Things First.

Join Kurt Warner for the 1st annual “Kurt Warner’s Gridiron Playoff Pool”

*Win a chance at an autographed Kurt Warner worn glove & 15 minute Skype video call with Kurt while supporting First Things First!*
“Kurt Warner’s Gridiron Playoff Pool” is an online NFL playoff bracket competition for the benefit of the Kurt Warner First Things Foundation. The winner will score an autographed glove worn by the “gloved-one” himself - Kurt Warner, as well as a personal Skype video call with Kurt. To be part of this competition, simply make a minimum $20 donation to the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation and fill out an online bracket. All donations must be made before
2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan 7. For more information and scoring rules click here.

Thank You St. Louis for Supporting the Warm-Up

A special thanks to the greater St. Louis bi-state area for sharing a little warmth this winter with your support of the 11th annual Warners’ Warm-up Coat Drive! Our friends at Operation Food Search are now busy counting and sorting the collected coats for distribution through their network of social service agencies, homeless shelters, and social workers in the schools. In addition, the money collected at the Rams-Saints game ($3,100+) purchased 264 coats from Columbia Coats for children in Joplin, Mo. Special thanks to our Warners’ Warm-up teammates: FedEx Office, Walgreens, LookAfter Hair Company, credit unions, police stations, A-mrazek Moving Systems, MESI, Fox 2, WB11, KMOX, Y98, Fresh 102.5, American Cleaners, and the St. Louis Rams.

Enhanced “Kurt Warner’s Football 101 for Kids” App Now in iTunes

From now through the end of the NFL season, Kurt is offering a free download of his expanded and enhanced HD version of Football 101 for Kids, designed to teach youngsters and any "gridiron novice" the basics of the game. Now available for the iPad, iPhones, iPods and new Retina displays, the touch-screen interactive format takes learning the how’s and why's about football to a higher, more exciting level and gives young fans the opportunity to win virtual trophies as they master the basics!

With capability to save scores for up to four people, Football 101 users will learn to identify players and positions, read the field, move the ball, calculate downs, and add up the scores. With two levels of difficulty, both young and old can participate and be challenged. Timed lightning rounds and new bonus rounds with expanded material test each user's skills. Click here to download today!

Sign Up Today for the Ultimate Football Experience Presented by Nutrilite

With the return of the NFL season, each week fans all across the country watch their favorite players make diving receptions, catch passes on the run, and change the course of a game with an interception. The Kurt Warner Ultimate Football Experience Presented by Nutrilite gives football fans the opportunity to make those amazing plays themselves as they take to the field with NFL stars of the past and present. Previous NFL celebrities who quarterbacked 8 man teams for this annual flag football tournament include Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Phil Simms, Matt Ryan, and of course Kurt Warner among others. The ninth annual event will take place in Phoenix, AZ on March 9 & 10, 2012. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot or team today!

11th Annual Warners’ Warm-up Coat Drive

Once again, we are calling on support from greater St. Louis for the 11th annual Warners’ Warm-up Coat Drive with the donation of winter coats of all shapes and sizes for Bi-State residents in need. Numerous options for donating include: prior to the Rams/Saints game on October 30 at the Dome, one of nearly 300 locations throughout the Bi-State from November 1st – 14th, or cash contributions on this website for the purchase of new coats. As always, Operation Food Search will get the coats to those who need them most through their network of social service agencies, homeless shelters, and social workers in the schools. Special thanks to our Warners’ Warm-up teammates: FedEx Office, Walgreens, LookAfter Hair Company, credit unions, police stations, A-mrazek Moving Systems, MESI, Fox 2, WB11, KMOX, Y98, Fresh 102.5, American Cleaners, and the St. Louis Rams. Click here to find a drop-off location near you.

Brenda Releasing Memoir with Portion of Proceeds to FTF

Brenda’s memoir, One Call Away: Answering Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith (Thomas Nelson) which hits shelves on September 6, details her stranger-than-fiction life circumstances both before and during her marriage to Kurt. In One Call Away, Brenda offers real-life advice to single moms, parents of children with special needs, people who are grieving unexpected deaths, and others struggling in the face of difficult circumstances.

“In my life I went from being a Marine, living with honor, courage and integrity, to being in line with food stamps, still living with honor, courage and integrity,” said Brenda. “I would like the reader to know that circumstances don’t determine who you are, and they are not a measure of God’s love for you.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of One Call Away will benefit First Things First.

Double Header Events Raise Funds in St. Louis

On Sunday, August 28, approximately 550 people enjoyed Night With Champions presented by Edward Jones at The Pageant in the Loop. The evening began with tastes from Pappy’s, Cardwell’s at the Plaza, Fitz’s, Dewey’s Pizza, Stadium Sports Bar & Grill, Sugo’s and The Renaissance Grand. Guests also bid on a wide array of sports memorabilia and entertainment packages in the silent auction. Joe Buck emceed the evening of football insight, personal stories, and many laughs with Kurt, Brenda, and Sam Bradford. The next morning golfers enjoyed a gorgeous day on the links at Norwood Hills Country Club with food and beverage from Chick-fil-A, Auntie Anne’s, Smoothie King, Pepsi and Anheuser Busch. Special thanks to FedEx Office, Nutrilite by Amway, NFL, and the St. Louis Rams for supporting the third annual events which raised over $92,000 for First Things First!

"We're Going to Disney World!" Reunion in St. Louis

On a very hot July day in St. Louis, the Warner Family and "We're Going to Disney World!" alumni families from the past nine years were happy to play indoors in the youth center of St. Louis Family Church. It was a fun afternoon of video games, basketball, bounce houses, food, music and catching up with Make-A-Wish and Dream Factory families from Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. First Things First hosts reunions with the families every two years to give the families an opportunity to reconnect with each other and the Warner clan.

Arête Mentor Kids Help Feed My Starving Children

Kurt and Brenda have dedicated their lives to giving back and that's exactly what they wanted their new Arête friends to do during their June activity. The mentees from Sunshine Acres joined Kurt and Brenda at the Tempe location of Feed My Starving Children for an afternoon of packing food to be distributed to malnourished children all over the world. After some friendly competition between Brenda's line and Kurt's line, the group proudly packed 22 boxes – enough to feed 13 starving kids for an entire year! Once again, thanks to NY 54 Limo for providing car service for the Arete mentees.

Join Kurt Warner for the 1st annual “Kurt Warner’s Gridiron Survivor"

*Win a chance at an autographed jersey & phone call from Kurt while supporting First Things First!*

“Kurt Warner’s Gridiron Survivor” is an online competition for the 2011 NFL season for the benefit of the Kurt Warner First Things Foundation. Each week participants attempt to pick the winner of one professional football game. Win and “survive” to pick again the next week. The winner will score an autographed Kurt Warner Super Bowl jersey, as well as a personal phone call from Kurt. To be part of this season-long competition, simply make a minimum $20 donation to the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation here. Designate your donation to “Survivor FB.” 100% of your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution and will support the outreach of First Things First.

Click here for more details.

Foursomes and Sponsorships Now Available for Third Annual Golf Classic in St. Louis

Join Kurt and Brenda Warner at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis for the third annual Kurt Warner Golf Classic on Monday, August 29. Prior to the morning on the links, golfers will enjoy premiere seating at Night With Champions presented by Edward Jones at The Pageant on Sunday, August 28 with Special Guest Sam Bradford. The third annual event will be held at Norwood Hills Country Club on Monday, August 29, 2011. Call 602-385-0840 to purchase a foursome or other sponsorship. Click here for more information on the Golf Classic and to reserve your spot today!

Tickets to Night with Champions presented by Edward Jones On Sale Now!

Prior to their annual Golf Classic, Kurt and Brenda are proud to host Rams QB and 2010 NFL Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford, with celebrity emcee Joe Buck for the third annual Night with Champions presented by Edward Jones on Sunday, August 28th at The Pageant. Tickets are now on sale thru Ticketmaster or The Pageant Box Office with two tiers of tickets of available. $51 for floor seating includes the Bon Appetit Fare and Auction featuring delicious samples from some of St. Louis' favorite restaurants: Pappy's, Gooey Louie, Cardwells at the Plaza, Fitz's, Dewey's Pizza and more! $31 for balcony seating for the show portion only. All proceeds benefit the St. Louis outreach of First Things First. Click here for more information. Click here to purchase your seats today via Ticketmaster.

“We’re Going to Disney World!” 10th Annual Trip

Through First Things First, Kurt and Brenda along with their kids hosted 10 Make-A-Wish families in Orlando for the 10th annual trip that creates memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Five families from Arizona, three from St. Louis, and two from Iowa enjoyed a weeklong vacation at Disney World with luxury accommodations at Give Kids the World, a fairytale non-profit resort. Special thanks to For Those Without A Voice who provided a grant for everyone’s flights. The Warner’s and the Wish families spent each day together, exploring the theme parks and socializing over meals. Over the past ten years, First Things First has hosted 85 families for this annual trip!!

“We’re Going to Disney World!” Reunion in Phoenix

On Saturday, June 4, the Warner family gathered with 2006-2010 “We’re Going to Disney World!” alumni from Arizona for an evening of reminiscing. Thanks to the generosity of a special family, the reunion was hosted at a private home in Litchfield Park complete with swimming pool, playground equipment, basketball court, sand volleyball, trampoline, petting zoo and more! Carrabba’s Italian Grill generously provided dinner for the big group.

Warners Return to Cedar Rapids to Complete Home Challenge

Kurt and Brenda returned to Kurt’s hometown to join Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and dozens of volunteers and partner organizations to raise walls on a new home in the profoundly flood affected Czech Village area. This home marked the 100th home built or rehabilitated by CVHFH since its start in 1988. First Things First made a $100,000 gift to help complete two Habitat homes in 2010 and challenged Cedar Rapids organizations to match their gift in 2011. The community responded by raising $101,600, making it possible to build this Habitat home right in the heart of the hardest hit part of the city from the Flood of 2008. Corporate and community partners who met and exceeded the First Things First Challenge include Wells Fargo, the Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS, CRST, Quaker Oats/Pepsico, Beaton Inc., Farmers State Bank, Van Meter Industrial and the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust. Special support for this building project was also provided by the City of Cedar Rapids.

Arête Fun Gets Started with Paintball

First Things First launched a new program last month called Arête, the Greek word for excellence. Through monthly activities, Kurt and Brenda are mentoring eight high schoolers from Sunshine Acres. After an initial dinner in April at Carrabba's Italian Grill to kickoff the program, the Warners were ready for some competitive fun and team building as Kurt and half of the mentees took on former Marine sharpshooter Brenda along with the remaining four. Always the competitor, Kurt proudly reported his red team defeated Brenda's team in a best of seven! Special thanks to NY 54 Limo for providing car service for the mentees!

Brenda Blesses Local Women During Tour with Women of Faith

Brenda may be the rookie on stage for the "Over the Top" Tour of Women of Faith, but when it comes to philanthropy she is the seasoned veteran. After her 8-city schedule was announced, First Things First got to work creating an opportunity for Brenda and Women of Faith to bless clients from local ministries impacting women. Ten women in each of the cities Brenda visits with Women of Faith will be treated with tickets to the 2-day conference, a First Things First tote bag filled with a Women of Faith devotional, journal, bible, Warner book, and First Things First visor, as well as a Meet & Greet with Brenda during the conference.

Disability Awareness at Red Mountain HS

Red Mountain High School in Mesa, AZ participated in the one week CHEER (Consciousness Helps Encourage Equal Respect) program in April. Each day student leaders "adopted" a disability for a day from using wheelchairs to wearing vision impairment goggles to communicating on a dry erase board. In conjunction with CHEER, the Red Mountain girl's basketball team hosted a professional wheelchair basketball team one evening. The week culminated with an all school assembly led by Kurt and Brenda who shared their reasons for developing the program. Some of the student leaders spoke of their experiences and the Warners encouraged the students to befriend and learn from their peers with disabilities.

Kurt Agrees that TeachersCount

Kurt and his high school teacher/coach Richard Breitbach are part of an award winning-poster series featuring athletes and celebrities in conjunction with TeachersCount, an organization dedicated to lifting the visibility and respect of the teaching profession. The series of posters that go to schools have the theme, “Behind Every Famous Person is a Fabulous Teacher.”  For more info or to order posters for your school, click here.

Brenda Joins Line-up for Women of Faith “Over The Top” 2011 Tour

Hundreds of thousands of women are meeting up in cities across the U.S. for one-of-a-kind weekend events filled with laughter, music, drama, heart-tugging stories, and more at the Women of Faith “Over the Top” 2011 Tour. Grab your girlfriends and come hear Brenda share her inspirational story at one of seven scheduled cities this spring and fall.

Click here for a list of dates.

8th Annual Ultimate Football Experience Scores Big

In what many of the participants would call the greatest 24 hours of their life, First Things First hosted 81 participants and their guests on the evening of Friday, March 11 and all day Saturday, March 12 for the 8th annual Ultimate Football Experience. Participants from Prosource, Priority Sports, Insight/CA/Lenovo, and Nutrilite along with individuals who purchased spots on teams played flag football with and against Steve Breaston, Matt Cassel, Larry Fitzgerald, Joe Flacco, Rich Gannon, Michael Irvin, Brad Johnson, Aaron Rodgers, Michael Strahan and Kurt Warner. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, over $200,000 was raised for First Things First!

Join the 1st annual "Kurt Warner's Bracket Hoop-la"

*Win a chance at some cool autographed stuff and support First Things First!*

Kurt Warner's Bracket Hoop-la" is an online college hoops bracket competition for the NCAA basketball tournament for the benefit of the Kurt Warner First Things Foundation. The winner will score an autographed Kurt Warner Super Bowl jersey, as well as a personal phone call from Kurt. Second and third place will receive a football autographed by Kurt Warner and a Super Bowl photo autographed by Kurt Warner, respectively.

To be part of this competition, simply make an online donation to the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation here. 100% of your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution and will support the outreach of First Things First.

• A $10 donation allows you to complete ONE bracket.
• A $25 donation allows you to complete up to THREE brackets.

Click here for all of the details.

Sharing God's Love in Metro East

As a belated Valentine's Day surprise, Kurt and Brenda spread a little love through First Things First and in partnership with Aaron's, U-Haul and Lewis and Clark Habitat for Humanity when they rewarded the hard work of Daniele Huck, a single mother of two young girls (ages 7 and 3), by surprising her at her new Habitat home in South Roxana with all the furnishings to transform her house into a home. Another kudos to new foundation partner Amway for gifts of pots, pans, cutlery and cleaning supplies.

See Kurt's Facebook page for more photos.

Enjoying SPARE time with Disney 2010 Families

During a recent visit to St. Louis, Kurt and Brenda with daughter Jada shared some fun and laughter as they tried their hand at bowling with Make-A-Wish and Dream Factory families from the 2010 We’re Going to Disney World! trip in June. The families and the Warners enjoyed catching up and reminiscing. Check facebook.com/kurt13warner for more photos from the afternoon.

Homes for the Holidays Program Blesses Two Families for Christmas

Two families were rewarded for their hard work in achieving the dream of homeownership on Wednesday, December 22 with furnishings to turn their houses into homes. In Goodyear, Janel and her two sons worked with Neighborhood Housing Services of Southwestern Maricopa County to complete the steps necessary to purchase their first home and in New River, Heather and her son worked with Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills to become first-time homeowners. On the closing day of their homes the unsuspecting single moms were surprised to find furniture, appliances, home décor items, cleaning supplies, food and more - gifts made possible by First Things First’s partnership with Aaron’s, U-Haul, R&S Mattress, Amway, Albertson’s and The Pedal Power Foundation.

Support First Things First by Donating your Unwanted Tix

Have you ever purchased tickets for a sports, theater or music event and later realized you couldn’t use them? Now you have a new, easy and beneficial option for those tickets! Tix4Cause.com is an innovative ticket exchange website where:

• Ticketholders turn their unwanted seats over to First Things First and qualify for a tax deduction.
• Ticket purchasers choose from these great seats, and receive reasonable pricing (tickets are offered at fair market prices).
• 100% of ticket proceeds are given to First Things First

Don’t let a single ticket go to waste, instead, place them for sale on Tix4Cause to benefit First Things First!

Kurt Honored with PeyBack Award

Kurt recently attended Peyton Manning’s 8th Annual PeyBack Bowl in Indy to accept the annual PeyBack Award, presented to someone currently or formerly involved in professional football who exhibits character, integrity, and honor; someone who has given back to the game and society. Kurt also joined a jam-packed list of celebrities from the sports world as a celebrity bowler for the event which raised over $420,000 for Manning’s PeyBack Foundation.

Kurt Trades Cleats for Dancing Shoes on TV’s Top Show

While he was never known for his quick steps on the gridiron, Kurt will try his hand at the Quickstep and other ballroom dances this fall on Dancing With The Stars! The Warners are excited about this unique opportunity to have fun, reach a whole new audience, and most importantly bring added attention and awareness for First Things First. Click here for full DWTS Season 11 line-up and check back frequently for the latest news from Kurt with a behind-the-scenes look at the show. Watch his dance floor debut in the season opener on Monday, September 20 on ABC and get ready to vote for Kurt!

FTF & Univ of Phoenix Continue to Score for Higher Ed in Cedar Rapids

First Things First and University of Phoenix recently awarded two individuals associated with Kurt’s childhood youth center in Cedar Rapids, Jane Boyd Community House, with scholarships to earn their bachelor’s degree. Kurt’s mom, Sue Warner, joined University of Phoenix reps to congratulate Jessica Frink and Eugene Harper on behalf of First Things First. Sue also presented Jessica and Eugene with new Macbooks and printers from FTF to help them in their studies.

Click here for additional information.

With Gratitude to the Troops

Kurt recently took time to do a phone interview with the founder of Real Combat Life, a website providing an online forum for veterans to share their experiences and educate the public on what life is like in combat from a firsthand perspective.

Click here to read the transcript of the interview covering 9/11, Brenda’s time in the Marines, Pat Tillman, and a message from Kurt to the troops.

FTF Donates $100K to Habitat to Build Hope in Cedar Rapids

As the Cedar Valley continues to rebuild from the Flood of 2008, Iowa natives Kurt and Brenda have not only challenged Cedar Rapids faith & corporate communities to commit to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, but they showed up with hammer in hand to physically do just that! Kurt and Brenda, along with some in the local Warner clan, helped raise the walls for one of 13 homes constructed as part of the second annual Americorps Habitat Blitz Build. First Things First gifted $100K to help with the completion of the final two homes, and are calling on area businesses and groups to match the gift for 2011 as part of the First Things First Home Team Challenge. Donations can be made to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity by calling 319-366-4485. Special thanks to FTF teammate Aarons for the donation of 13 kitchen tables for each of the 2010 Habitat families!

To view video footage of Kurt & Brenda at work click here…

First Things First creates magical memories with 10 special families

Ten families with a child in medical crisis joined Kurt, Brenda and their seven dwarfs for a wonderful week in Orlando recently as part of the ninth annual “We’re Going to Disney World!” trip. Each day was packed with adventure as the group of Make A Wish and Dream Factory families from Arizona, Iowa and Missouri enjoyed shows, rides, meals and lots of love, laughter, tears and hugs. Special thanks to Give Kids the World, Walt Disney World Resorts, and especially the Foundation For Those without a Voice who once again provided a generous $25,000 grant to underwrite the airfare.

Warner Family Urges Others to have “Ice Cream for Breakfast” for Great Org!

Kurt, Brenda and their seven children are the official spokesfamily for “Ice Cream for Breakfast,” a new initiative to raise funds and awareness for a whimsical resort for children with life threatening illnesses and their families in Central Florida called Give Kids the World. First Things First has been involved with Give Kids the World since its first “We’re Going to Disney World!” trip in 2002. Go to www.icecreamforbreakfast.org for more info and ideas on how you can get involved.

Kurt Voted Best Local Hero & Best Sports Figure in AZ Central Readers Choice Poll

AZ Central.com has announced its Best of 2010, this year's collection of critics' and readers' favorites in more than 250 categories of restaurants, bars, shops, services, kids favorites and more, and Kurt was voted the Best in 2 categories: Best Local Hero and Best Sports Figure. Readers' Choice winners were chosen during a three-month process. Readers were asked to nominate their top picks which were used to build a ballot from the most-nominated entries. Finally, azcentral.com users cast their votes.

To read more about Kurt as Best Local Hero click here.

To read more about Kurt as Best Sports Figure click here.

Kurt Joins MDA's Muscle Team

Kurt is the newest member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Make a Muscle, Make A Difference" campaign and flexed his muscle in ads for the charity that is dedicated to finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and ALS. Kurt joins Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron, country singer Wynonna Judd, Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney, and former Access Hollywood Host Nancy O'Dell among others in support of this great organization!

Aarons, U-Haul and FTF Surprise Single Mom with Homes for the Holidays

Carla and her 12-year old son Isaiah walked arm and arm through their new home in virtual silence. What they thought was a routine walk-thru with the staff of Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles, turned into the belated Mother’s Day surprise of a lifetime for this single mom and member of the National Guard. Each room in her 3-bedroom home was beautifully decorated thanks to Aaron’s, U-Haul, and First Things First! Rugs, lamps, couches, beds, dressers, linens, towels…even food in the pantry… it was all there! Carla and Isaiah are the 21st family blessed by the Homes for the Holidays program and the 10th in the greater St. Louis area.

Warners Lead Disability Awareness Program in AZ

Students of Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, AZ participated in the week-long CHEER (Consciousness Helps Encourage Equal Respect) program in early May. Each day student leaders “adopted” disabilities by wearing visual impairment goggles, using wheelchairs, losing the use of their dominant arms, wearing ear plugs or being non-verbal. The week ended with an assembly for the entire school hosted by the Warners to help create an atmosphere of inclusion and appreciation.

Costas, Vermeil and Warners Kick off Double Header at The Pageant

Laughter and good vibes filled The Pageant on the evening of April 22nd as Kurt and Brenda were joined by Bob Costas and Dick Vermeil for the 2nd Annual Night with Champions presented by Edward Jones. More than 600 people filled the eclectic venue in The Loop as they nibbled on menu samples from the likes of Gooey Louie, BARcelona, Oceano Bistro, Cardwell’s at the Plaza/BC’sKitchen, 1111 Mississippi/Vin de Set, Pappy’s Smokehouse, and Annie Gunn’s while they perused a silent auction brimming with sports memorabilia. The show featured an intimate Q&A format which was more conversation than interview led by the legendary Costas and concluded with lighthearted rapid fire questions from Brenda.

Rain Doesn’t Dampen Spirits on the Links

The double header fun continued on Friday morning at Norwood Hills Country Club for the Kurt Warner First Things First Golf Classic presented by Edward Jones. Despite the chilly temps and brief rain showers, golfers enjoyed the day including foursome photos with Kurt, Brenda and Dick Vermeil. Thanks to support from all the sponsors especially Edward Jones, Ralcorp, St. Louis Rams, and Fox 2/KPLR the Double Header events generated nearly $100,000 for First Things First!

AZ Rattlers Dedicate Home Opener to First Things First

On Friday, April 16th, the home opener of the AZ Rattlers game vs. the Chicago Rush at the US Airways Center is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for First Things First. The Rattlers owners have committed $20,000 personally and are asking fans to donate as they enter the arena or via website and phone for those watching on AZTV at home. All 17,000 tickets for the Arena Football game were offered free to the public by the Rattlers and their sponsors. Brenda and Kurt – the most decorated Arena Football alumni – will attend the game and participate in the broadcast promoting First Things First.

Click here to make a donation to First Things First.

Double Header Event in St. Louis

Join Kurt and Brenda along with Special Guest Coach Dick Vermeil and Emcee Bob Costas at The Pageant on April 22 for a Night With Champions presented by Edward Jones. Prior to an on-stage walk down memory lane of the amazing 1999 Championship season, guests will enjoy food from St. Louis' most popular restaurants as well as a silent auction. On April 23, golfers will take to the links at Norwood Hills Country Club for the second annual First Things First Golf Classic. Sponsorships and foursomes are available. Tickets for Night With Champions go on sale on March 1st at ticketmaster.com or The Pageant Box Office.

Click here for detailed event flier.

FTF & University of Phoenix Give Gift of Higher Ed

Thanks to a partnership with the University of Phoenix, First Things First was able to bless a young man who Kurt & Brenda have known since First Things First’s inception in 2001 through work with Sunshine Ministries in downtown St. Louis. Ramon Mitchell is the latest recipient of the First Things First Scholarship Program, which rewards deserving individuals from pre-selected partner organizations with a scholarship to the University of Phoenix to earn their bachelor’s degree. In addition to the full-ride scholarship, First Things First also gave Ramon a Macbook complete with Microsoft Office to assist him with his homework. Ramon is the sixth University of Phoenix scholarship recipient and third from Sunshine Ministries, with his mother receiving a scholarship last year.

Click here to read full story.

UFE Raises $275K with All-Star Cast

A sell-out twelve teams took to the fields at the Cardinals Training facility on March 6th for the annual Kurt Warner Ultimate Football Experience – a four-on-four flag football tourney pairing corporate teams with celebrity QBs. The Draft Party and Auction preceded the game action and set the tone for the event as teams competed for their place in the Draft to select from an all-star cast that included Anquan Boldin, Marshall Faulk, Larry Fitzgerald, Joe Flacco, Todd Heap, Chris Miller, Sean Morey, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan, Michael Strahan and Kurt Warner. Corporations sponsoring teams include Priority Sports & Entertainment, Insight/CA, Prosource, Wal-Mart - West Valley, Wal-Mart – East Valley, Wal-Mart – Phoenix, Insight/Lenovo/Procurve, Arizona Cardinals and University of Phoenix. Aaron Rodgers led a group of individuals called Team 13 to victory in the tournament which raised a record $275,000 for First Things First!

Click here to view photo slideshow of the event courtesy of Yeung Photography.

"Thanks for the Memories T-Shirts on sale

Kurt Warner will not only be remembered by football fans for playing a key role in the turnaround of two storied NFL franchises, but for being a class act and role model who inspires everyone around him. Fans can commemorate Kurt's improbable career with this special edition "Thanks for the Memories" t-shirt with all proceeds benefiting his First Things First Foundation.

Click here to purchase t-shirt.

Kurt Honored with Bart Starr Award

Kurt was presented with the 2010 Bart Starr Award, voted by his peers, for exhibiting outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community at the Super Bowl Breakfast in Fort Lauderdale,FL. In his acceptance speech, Kurt reiterated his hope to not be defined by only his football feats, “That’s been my goal, to use the 12 years, to use the platform of the NFL as a means to accomplishing and leaving a legacy that goes well beyond records, and touchdowns, and football awards.” The Bart Starr Award was presented by Starr himself at the breakfast of 1,100 attendees including notable figures such as Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, former Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy, and Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick.