“Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard” author Liz Murray never fails to impress audiences with the story of her life journey. Each time it’s as if it is the first time that she’s sharing it with just a close friend. And over the years there have been updates on where her journey has taken her since her childhood nightmare of lovable but drug-addicted parents that had Liz and her sister begging for food from neighbors in their Bronx urban ghetto. At one point the two little girls would stand outside the door at mealtime just to sniff the aromas wafting from inside. But that was just the beginning of her years of being homeless, accompanying her mother’s coffin the day after Christmas to a New York pauper’s graveyard, overcoming all odds to earn not only a degree from Harvard but her Masters in Psychology of Education at Columbia University and the establishment of The Arthur Project.
Recognizing how Liz’s story was so meaningful to Family Compass’ mission “to build healthy families and a strong North Texas community by preventing child abuse and neglect,” North Star Luncheon Co-Chairs Judy Bennett Garner and Chey Fleming along with Honorary Chair Kathryn Woods have arranged to have Liz as the featured speaker for Family Compass virtual fundraiser presented by Jackson Walker LLP at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 26.
According to Family Compass CEO Ona Foster, “We are thrilled to welcome Liz Murray as our virtual speaker for the 2021 North Star Luncheon. Liz’ journey overcoming obstacles and finding a path to elevate herself is truly inspiring. Her story perfectly aligns with our agency’s mission and we cannot wait to share that with our audience.”
In addition to Liz’s presentation, the Moody Foundation will receive the 2021 North Star Award.
While virtual events are still feeling their way into making a bona fide impact, one suspects that this one is going to be another Liz Murray home run, even for those who have read her “Breaking Night: My Journey From Homeless to Harvard” or experienced her presentation in the past.
Individual tickets are $250 each with sponsorships ranging from $2,500 to $15,000.