Victor Rivas Rivers‘ success in sports and films (e.g., “Magic Mike,” “The Distinguished Gentleman,” “The Mask Of Zorro”) was a journey that overcame a daunting challenge of domestic violence. After arriving in the U.S. from his native land of Cuba at the age of 2, he “endured horrific child abuse and witnessed domestic violence on the level of torture at the hands of his father.”
So great was the situation, Victor at the age of 15 sought and achieved “then unprecedented legal action against his father.” The result was his living with a series of foster families.
It was due to his community’s intervention that he went from “hard-core gang member to senior class president and lettering in four sports.”
After attending Florida State University on a full four-year football scholarship and being mentored by Coach Bobby Bowden, Victor was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as an offensive lineman for the 1978-1979 season.
It was 20 years later, after a successful career and having his own family, that he opted to go public about his childhood ordeal.
As a result, Victor has voiced his support as the national spokesperson for the National Network To End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) — “a social change organization representing statewide coalitions, developing public policy and spearheading efforts to provide more direct support to programs through information, research, funding and training.”
Rainbow Days’ 28th Annual Pot Of Gold Luncheon Co-Chairs Tiffany and Matt Macleod have arranged to have Victor at the keynote speaker for the fundraiser on Wednesday, May 14, at the Westin Dallas Galleria.
This year’s goal is provide more than $302,000 through silent auction bidding, donations, sponsorships and individual ticket sales.
With sponsorships ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, tickets are going for $250.
* Graphic/photo provided by Rainbow Days