‘Champions for the Homeless’ Veterans Day Tribute Retired athletes honor veterans and unveil dedicated mural
PHOENIX (Nov. 8, 2016) – ‘Champions for the Homeless,’ in partnership with muralist Laura Thurbon, will be honoring homeless individuals (including veterans) by unveiling a painting in SVdP’s downtown Phoenix dining room on November 11 at 8:30 a.m. The dining room is located at 1075 W. Jackson Street and the gate code to enter the parking lot is 6388#.
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame football player and Founder of Champions for the Homeless, Nick Lowery, was the mural’s Art Director, working with gifted artist Laura Thurbon, and says, “Our mural is a way to beautifully express that WE ARE ALL ONE IN GOD’S LOVE. Champions for the Homeless celebrates 10 years of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter in all their forms — NFL players, reigning and former Miss Arizona’s, hundreds of devoted volunteers, often the children of the professional athletes, inspired music, serving food, flowers, a little fun and lots of unconditional love. It is the greatest joy and gift we receive to affirm to our homeless friends that no matter what path we have travelled, they are just as important as any of us, and they are loved no matter what…to melt away divisions and boundaries that separate us, and come together in love, and even more love. On Veteran’s Day, we celebrate homeless veterans who have sacrificed more than we can ever know, that we love and honor them more than we have ever known.”
The design of the mural will pay tribute to the 15th Anniversary of 9/11, as well as the men and women who have served this country. It will also honor all the people that are or have been involved with St. Vincent de Paul and the homeless individuals who come to the shelter.
“Everyone has a talent; everyone can serve… Everyone can be great in this world by giving a little of ourselves. We can change the world we live in, by making a small act of kindness at a time. Everyone can change the world we live in by serving, we just need a heart full or grace and a love for others,” says muralist Laura Thurbon.
During the event, guest speaker Rob Gordon, Former Deputy Secretary of Defense and current President of Be the Change, will share a special message with dining room guests. Retired NFL stars, families and friends and many military vets will share in the event donating hundreds of gift certificates and raffle drawings and live music from the Champions for the Homeless Band.
WHAT: Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame football player Nick Lowery, President of Be The Change and former deputy Secretary of Defense Rob Gordon, muralist Laura Thurbon, and former NFL stars to unveil the St. Vincent de Paul dining room mural and provide entertainment to dining room guests on Veteran’s Day.
WHEN: November 11
8:30 a.m. to 10:15 am (serving lunch to our homeless guests to follow)
WHERE: St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix Dining Room
1075 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (Gate code 6388#)
For more information about St. Vincent de Paul, visit www.stvincentdepaul.net.
About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Phoenix
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and providing others with the opportunity to serve. The Phoenix Diocesan Council has been assisting central and northern Arizona families since 1946. Programs include services for the homeless, medical and dental care for the working poor, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, a transitional housing shelter and general assistance for individuals in need. For more information about St. Vincent de Paul, please visit www.stvincentdepaul.net.
