The annual All-Star Breakfast, put on by Friends of Warren Village to raise money for the Denver-based “community of hope” for low-income, single-parent families working to achieve lasting personal and economic self-sufficiency, featured former Philadelphia Eagles star Vince
Papale, who beat the odds to become the oldest rookie in National Football League history.
His story — Papale had been a 30-year-old, down-on-his-luck bartender when the Eagles’ new coach Dick Vermeil called an unprecedented open tryout — inspired Disney’s recent hit motion picture, “Invincible.”
Papale made the team, despite never having played college ball, and put his gritty, never-say-die attitude to work to help the team rediscover its winning spirit.
Papale talked to the crowd of nearly 650 about the
dedication, commitment and passion that he needed to overcome life’s challenges and realize success both on and off the gridiron. He also described his visit to Warren Village the evening before, and compared the courage and strength its residents possess to
overcome adversity in their lives and achieve their goals to his own.
Elizabeth Anderson, a Warren Village resident and recipient of the Volunteer Award, shared her story of going from adversity to success as both a single mother of two and soon-to-be graduate of Colorado State
University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
The All-Star Breakfast raised $90,000.
“Each year we are grateful to those who generously contribute to the event through sponsorships, donations and other gifts. Without them we would be less able to help these families transition to
independent, self-sufficient lives,� said Sue Mohrman, the president and chief executive officer of Warren Village.
The All-Star Breakfast was chaired by Jeannie Bennington and Joyce Brady. Lisa Corley and Denise McClard are the co-presidents of Friends of Warren Village while Mark McIntosh, co-host of KUSA-TV’s “Colorado and Company,” was master of ceremonies.
Touchdown Sponsors of the breakfast included IMA of Colorado, Inc., Cydney and Tom Marisco, Qwest Communications and Sportsradio 950 AM The Fan.
Other sponsors were Bennington, Johnson, Biermann and Craigmile; Colorado Housing and Finance Authority; Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner and Hottman; Dr. Ray L. Gottesfeld; Time Warner Cable; and Wells Fargo Bank.
Pictures taken during Vince Papale’s visit to Warren Village can be seen at denverpost.com/SeenGallery.
Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson’s column appears every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday in the Scene section. She can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com.