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Generous Group in Florida Inspired by Homes for the Holidays
Last November Brenda shared her story at a Bonita Christian Forum meeting hosted by First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. A group of Canadian snowbirds in attendance that night was touched by Brenda’s stories of blessings shared through Homes for the Holidays and decided to surprise a single mom in their area. With support from Aaron’s, the group went above and beyond to ensure a hard-working mom and her three children would have everything they need for a fresh start in their new Habitat for Humanity home which closed in March! First Things First would like to thank this amazing group of “snowbirds” for reminding us all that following His promptings leads to amazing blessings.
#13 on Hand for 13th Homes for the Holidays in St. Louis on February 13, 2013
Tears, screams of excitement, stunned moments of silence, and hugs all around were the responses of two deserving families in St. Charles who knew they were closing on their Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County homes but were not expecting Kurt and Brenda on their doorsteps. In partnership with Aaron’s, U-Haul, and Amway, the families were the 12th & 13th families in greater St. Louis to be surprised with Homes for the Holidays. Aaron’s provided both families with furniture, mattress sets, computer, and washer & dryer. Amway provided kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, and air purification systems. First Things First together with support from U-Haul filled the homes with bedding, bath, and décor items along with groceries.
Join the 3rd 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 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 a printable version of all of the details.
Incredible Youth: Spring Breaks Serving Others
Through Mission: Possible! Scholarships, First Things First is honored to assist 20 groups of youth from across the country with funding for their service-based mission trips in the United States. The groups will be serving food in homeless shelters, building homes, running after-school programs for at-risk youth, doing repair work, assisting elderly in need, and more, all while sharing the love of Christ. The deadline to submit applications for funding for summer mission trips is April 1. Click here for more info.
Play with the Pros at the Ultimate Football Experience Presented by Amway’s Nutrilite brand
Don’t just play fantasy football, live it! Play alongside some of your favorite NFL players as you catch touchdown passes and change the course of a game with an interception. The Kurt Warner Ultimate Football Experience Presented by Amway’s Nutrilite brand gives football fans the opportunity to take to the field with NFL stars of the past and present. Previous NFL celebrities who quarterbacked eight-man teams for this annual flag football tournament include Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Steve Young, Matt Ryan and of course Kurt Warner among others. The 10th annual event will take place in Phoenix, AZ on March 8 & 9, 2013. Click here for more information and call 602-385-0840 to reserve your spot or team today!
Thank You St. Louis!
A special thanks to the greater St. Louis bi-state area for sharing a little warmth this winter with your support of the 12th annual Warners’ Warm-up Coat Drive! Our friends at Operation Food Search are in the process of distributing the bulk of the 15,000+ coats collected to their network of social service agencies, homeless shelters, and social workers in the schools. In addition, monetary donations are being used to purchase new Columbia coats. Special thanks to our Warners’ Warm-up teammates: FedEx Office, Walgreens, LookAfter Hair Company, credit unions, police stations, A-mrazek Moving Systems, MESI, KMOV, KMOX, Y98, Fresh 102.5, and American Cleaners.
Giving Reasons to “Da Gracias!” (Give Thanks!)
As soon as she opened the front door to the new Habitat home she worked hard to buy for her three daughters, Alma began to cry. With only one step inside, she understood why this former football player and his wife were at her home and it moved her to tears of thanksgiving. In collaboration with Aaron’s Rents, U-Haul and Amway, First Things First and the Warners transformed Alma’s empty house purchased from Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona into a completely furnished home - including turkey in the freezer – just in time for Thanksgiving! “Gracias” was the word that repeatedly tumbled from Alma’s mouth as her three girls ages 16, 13 and 11 ran from room to room squealing with delight. Alma and her girls are the 27th family blessed by the First Things First Homes for the Holidays program and the 11th in Arizona. In addition to national partners Aaron’s, U-Haul and Amway, special thanks to Albertson's for filling the cupboards and fridge and the Pedal Power Foundation for providing new bikes for the three girls. Click here to view additional photos on Kurt’s Facebook page.
Enjoy 13% Off the FTF Store Now til Dec. 18
As you begin to make those lists and check them twice, don’t forget to check out the First Things First store for an array of t-shirts, hats, books and more for the Warner fan in your life. From now until Dec. 18, you will receive a 13% discount applied during checkout and your gifts are guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas. All prices include shipping and handling. But act fast! All items are only available while supplies last.
Sharing Blessings at Thanksgiving
First Things First shared God’s love with organizations in Phoenix, St. Louis and Cedar Rapids for its annual Thanksgiving adoptions. Clients served by Phoenix Rescue Mission and The Changing Lives Center in Phoenix received a warm meal and a Bible to provide both physical and spiritual nourishment. Operation Food Search in St. Louis distributed 300 turkeys and Bibles to its network of social service agencies. Green Square Meals in Cedar Rapids received new tables, chairs and slow cookers to better serve its clients not only this Thanksgiving but for all of its future meals.
Dec. 1 Deadline: Service-Based Mission Trip Scholarship for Youth Groups
Youth groups organizing a service-based mission trip for spring break 2013 to benefit a community in the United States are encouraged to apply for a Mission: Possible scholarship by clicking here. Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded to groups of junior, high school and college students traveling together. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1, 2012 and groups will be notified by Feb. 1, 2013. Deadline for summer mission trips is April 1.
Donate Winter Coats Nov. 1-14 for 12th Annual Warners' Warm-up Coat Drive!
First Things First and Kurt & Brenda are calling on support from greater St. Louis for the 12th annual Warners' Warm-up Coat Drive with the donation of winter coats of all shapes nd sizes for Bi-State residents in need. With more than 300 drop-off locations throughout the Bi-State, residents should find it convenient to donate new and gently-used winter coats from November 1st – 14th. Or a $20 cash contribution here will purchase a brand new Columbia coat for a child. 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, St. Louis Rams, A-Mrazek Moving Systems, MESI, KMOV-TV, KMOX, Y98, Fresh 102.5, and participating credit unions, police stations, and American Cleaners. Click here to find a drop-off location near you.
Join the Warners’ Warm-up Team
First Things First is grateful to the businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations across the Bi-State that join the Warners’ Warm-up team and collect winter coats for their neighbors in need. Hosting a drive is a simple way to make a difference in the community. The official drive takes place from Nov. 1 – 14 but each host can alter their dates if desired. Following the drive, Operation Food Search will get the coats to those who need them most. Click here to learn more about hosting a drive. (The official list of drop-off locations will be posted by the end of October.)
Warner’s Back Under the Arch to Raise Funds for FTF
Corporations and individuals in St. Louis once again showed their support for First Things First at the fourth annual Kurt Warner First Things First Golf Classic at Norwood Hills Country Club. Despite the rain and unseasonably cold weather, the golfers managed to get several holes in and enjoyed quality time with the Warners during an expanded Q&A time (indoors of course!) Special thanks to Edward Jones, St. Louis Rams, FedEx Office, and 101 ESPN Radio. Additional funds were also raised through an expanded Silent Auction open for bidding by anyone, anywhere in the country. Prior to the day on the links, the Warners hosted fans in two private suites at the Edward Jones Dome for the Rams/Cardinals match-up. In total, over $61,000 was raised for First Things First!!
Golf Classic Auction for ANYONE
This year the Kurt Warner First Things First Golf Classic Auction is open for bidding by ANYONE, ANYWHERE in the United States. The auction is open now and will close at the Golf Classic this Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT. It’s easy to bid on items like a Michael Irvin helmet, a Matt Holliday game-used bat, an Alice Cooper signed Fender guitar, plenty of unique Kurt Warner autographed items, and much more! Follow these easy steps:- Go to kurtwarner.auction-bid.org to sign up using your name and cell phone number
- Place bids on your favorite items via smartphone or text
- Receive text message notifications regarding your bidding status and whether or not you won the item
NOTE: Your cell phone number will NOT be shared. Text messages will only be received regarding the First Things First auction. To ensure final bids are received before the 2:30 p.m. CT cut off, we recommend texting at least a few minutes prior to close. Final bids are for the item only. Shipping will be at the winner’s expense with their preferred method of secure shipment. Monday, Oct. 8 is the first available date for items to be shipped.
Register for the 4th Annual Kurt Warner First Things First Golf Classic in St. Louis
Kurt and Brenda will host the 4th annual Kurt Warner First Things First Golf Classic on Friday, October 5 at Norwood Hills Country Club. Individual playing spots, foursomes and other sponsorships are available for this annual event that raises funds for the St. Louis outreach of First Things First. Click here for more information on the event and to sign up today.
Join Kurt for the 2nd 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 2012 NFL season for the benefit of the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation. Each week participants attempt to pick the winner of one professional football game in the hopes of outlasting the competition including Kurt Warner. The winner will score an autographed Kurt Warner 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.
Disney 2012 Trip Making Memories with new Friends
Kurt, Brenda and their seven “dwarfs” recently hosted 10 Make A Wish families from Missouri (3), Arizona (5) and Iowa (2) for the 11th annual “We’re Going to Disney World!” Trip – a week-long vacation in Orlando, FL in partnership with Disney, Give Kids the World and For Those Without a Voice. The trip began with a welcome dinner and fireworks at Epcot, followed by adventures through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Quest, a pool party at Give Kids the World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and finally the Magic Kingdom for the group of 70+! Rides, shows, meals, and prayer were the background as families and children bonded creating memories and friends to last a lifetime! Special thanks to Disney, Make A Wish, For Those Without a Voice, and Give Kids the World for teaming with us year after year to make the magic happen for these wonderful families! Prayers requested for the 2012 Wish Kids and their families: Andrew, Emmanuel, Kate, Laci, Micah, Q, Kyson, Michael, Cole, and Zachary. To view a photo album from the trip, please visit Kurt’s facebook page here.
Thoughtful Gifts That Support Two Causes at One Time
First Things First is partnering with Rosemary Grove to help empower the global poor through the fair trade industry. Rosemary Grove offers eco-friendly products made from recycled and reused materials. Products include global art, culturally inspired jewelry, unique home décor, and more. Gifts purchased will make you feel good about giving as you help create sustainable lives for those born into unfortunate circumstances, AND 10% of purchases made by clicking on this shopping link will benefit First Things First.
Record high on Mission: Possible!
First Things First received a record number of Mission: Possible! Scholarship applications in 2012 from high school and college-age groups participating in service-based mission trips in the US. The foundation is proud to announce scholarships totaling $52,450 for 76 of those groups. As the teams embark on their journeys this month and throughout the summer months, please pray for those participating as well as the individuals they are hoping to impact. Watch this website in the months to come for changes in the 2013 Mission: Possible! Scholarship program including two grant cycles.
UFE2012 Hits Ultimate Mark of $300K+
On a gorgeous Arizona day on the fields at the Arizona Cardinals, 12 teams suited up for a four-on-four flag football faceoff with NFL stars of past, present and future at the ninth annual Ultimate Football Experience presented by Nutrilite resulting in more than $300,000 for First Things First! Prior to the football fun, the teams competed at Octane Raceway in go-karts, Segways and the X-Box Kinect Dance Central to pick from a star-studded line-up of celeb QBs (see picture) at the Draft Party & Auction. As the dust settled following the football tournament, the host Kurt Warner and his team of individual players with the appropriate team name First Things First” proved victorious in the Championship game over Brad Johnson and the Prosource Team. Special thanks to presenting sponsor Nutrilite and their four teams (Nutrilite, Amway, Perfect Pack and Double X), as well as other corporate teams: AZ Cardinals, XS Energy, and Prosource. For more photos and video from the event, visit facebook.com/kurt13warner.
Kurt to Host New Reality Show “The Moment” on USA Network
The USA Network announced on Jan. 25 that it has picked up the nine-episode reality series “The Moment,” in which the two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP will give people a second chance to return to abandoned careers. Kurt knows a thing or two about second chances: famously going from stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee in Iowa to Super Bowl stage. Click here for full story.
Join the 2nd 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 a printable version of all of the details.
"Homes for the Holidays" Brings Smiles & Happy Tears
Two single mothers and first-time homeowners received the surprise of their lives at the dedication of their new homes when, with help from corporate teammates Aaron’s, U-Haul, Amway, R&S Mattresses, Albertson’s, and Pedal Power, First Things First transformed their new houses into homes for the young families, just in time for Christmas. Marianna and Alina (2) Hernandez, and Diana, Daniella (11) and Brian (9) Espinoza in Phoenix and Surprise, AZ respectively, entered their homes to find them completely furnished with furniture, towels, linens, cleaning supplies, food, even a Christmas tree with presents and a bike for each kid! Additional thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona and Neighborhood Housing Services of Southwest Maricopa County. See more photos on Kurt’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kurtwarner.
Arête and Operation Christmas Child
Kurt and Brenda joined the Arête kids for a special project to teach the mentees about the importance of budgeting and of giving back to those less fortunate. The activity started at Sunshine Acres with a discussion about the importance of budgeting from a First Things First friend from Chase Bank. Then, the kids traveled courtesy of NY 54 Limo to meet the Warners to work within a set budget to purchase school supplies, toys, hygiene items, small gifts and a personal letter to fill empty shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. OCC has hand-delivered more than 86 million shoe box gifts since 1993 to needy children in more than 130 countries around the world! Nov 14-21 is National Collection Week and with thousands of drop-off locations around the US, it’s easy to participate. To find out more go to samaritanspurse.org/occ.
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.
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.
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.
