Each time best-selling author/U.S. Navy veteran/children’s rights advocate Antwone Fisher visits North Texas, he leaves behind a trail of inspiration — and an abundance of new best friends.
Born in prison and immediately placed in the foster care system, he wrote the 2001 best-seller “Finding Fish: A Memoir” about his journey overcoming abuse and neglect. It was such a hit that it was made into a 2002 movie, “Antwone Fisher,” directed by and starring Denzel Washington.
In addition to being on Variety’s “50 People To Watch” list and one of “Fade In”‘s “100 People In Hollywood To Know,” he testified before a Senate Finance Committee hearing in 2013 for “The Antwone Fisher Story As A Case Study For Child Welfare.”
Tonight, he was the man of the hour at NorthPark’s Diptyque … and he wasn’t even there!
With the crowd and the fragrances spilling out of the salon of scents hosted by Diptyque Manager Layanne Da Silva and her staff, 2024 North Star Luncheon Co-Chairs Neda Bahramnejad
and Vanessa Fuquay made the reveal for their plans. With Vanessa’s dressed-to-delight daughter Manning Fuquay on hand, they told Family Compass supporters, including longtime backer Mary Bowman Campbell, that Antwone will be in North Texas on Monday, April 29, for a chat at “a local country club” with Calvert Collins-Bratton.
According to Family Compass CEO Ona Foster, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Antwone Fisher as our guest speaker for the luncheon. Antwone will truly inspire as he shares his journey from a challenging and abusive childhood to the man he is today. His conversation with returning emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton is sure to engage and uplift our luncheon guests.”
In addition to Antwone, the 2024 North Star Award will be presented at the luncheon to registered dietician Neva Cochran, who has “served as a nutrition communications consultant for over 30 years, and believes all families deserve access to safe and nutritious food and the resources and tools to purchase, prepare and eat healthful meals.”
Serving as the luncheon honorary chair will be Family Compass’ “staunch supporter” Helen Holman.
Presented by The Rosewood Corporation, the fundraiser’s sponsorships and tickets are available now.
And, if you want to brush up on your reading before the event, you can check out “Finding Fish: A Memoir” here.
* Graphic/photo provided by Family Compass