Last week, I was blessed and honored to be a part of Pat Smith’s “Second Chances for Overcomer's” at the Dallas Hyatt Regency. RSC Show Productions, LLC was part of the production team and was one of the event coordinators! We hit the ground running starting at 4:30 AM that day and stayed BUSY until the end. I was so excited that the little sleep I had energized me as if I had a full 8 hours of rest!
I arrived at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to meet with the incredible crew from PSAV. Allan Kahn and Brian Goodrow were my leads as technical director and Audio Operator #1 (A1). Then Janee Harrell Hill with mHe3 Productions met with our event coordinators: Hala Snyder with Events by Hala and Cassy Lawson of Lawson Event Rentals. The Pat Smith Team, consisting of Millicent Finney of Millicent Finney Events and Ronelle Ianace of Treasure You, was hard at work with so many logistic factors. Along with the incredible staff and volunteers from Treasure You, other significant key players were Host Committee members and sponsors such as Loud Media, Jan Richey, Galleria Dallas, Fun Factory, Treska, Albertsons, Faye C. Briggs, Hyatt Hotels, Hattie Hill Enterprises, and the DCVB. Gloria Campos from WFAA was a host committee member as well as our Mistress of Ceremonies. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible.
The day involved many tech rehearsals and placing last minute decor and lighting elements. We didn’t spare one moment, working diligently to finalize all details small and large.
Pat Smith and I have met in the past when I was on the host committee for Smith Enterprises Golf Tournament. Most importantly when I was event coordinator for Baylor’s Celebrating Women Luncheon in 2012 she generously agreed to give the invocation when our keynote speaker was Rob Lowe. This production was put on by Baylor staff along with my friends Angela Randall with Baylor and Brian Brothers from Planet Productions. Pat gave a phenomenal invocation and I was so moved by her energy and honesty.
Now let’s talk about the actual event! There were so many inspirational stories shared during this event, and my favorite part about the event was being able to feel God's presence speaking through the gifted people he placed before us that day. Pat Smith was so genuine and sincere, she was our voice of honesty. Pat Smith is the most gracious spirit and her life mission is to help others. She created this event to help women find a renewed sense of power and purpose. In putting this event together, she brought together women all over Dallas and the country who have experienced and overcome adversity so that they could share their unique and moving experiences. The speakers included:
Cindi Broaddus – Dr. Phil's sister-in-law who was transformed by tragedy when an unknown assailant threw a gallon–sized jar full of sulphuric acid off an overpass and through the windshield of her car.Wendy Davis – Texas gubernatorial candidate who began working at the age of 14 to support her family, and as a teenage mother, became the first in her family to attend college, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School.Sybrina Fulton - Mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin who has become an advocate for families of crime victims, raising awareness about racial and gender profiling and educating youth on conflict resolution techniques to reduce deadly confrontations.Sarah Jakes – Daughter of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes who has shared her own deep personal setbacks, including teenage pregnancy and divorce, to help women transform their circumstances.Antoinette Tuff – Atlanta school bookkeeper whose heroism and compassion prevented a mass school shooting
The amazing keynote speaker was Robin Roberts from Good Morning America. We all have watched Robin battle cancer on more than one occasion and she overcome it beautifully. I have to share how beautiful Robin Roberts is on the inside as well as the outside. She shared her struggles, moments of weakness, and how she fought to live. She shared how she got through it all and gave everyone in the room, including me, more strength. "It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome."
Did I mention that Robin Roberts also gave up going to the White House to be at this event?! Her mission truly is about helping others, matching that of Pat Smith. It’s a beautiful thing when you meet people so full of truth, honesty, and pure of heart.
Image: Pat Smith's Instagram
Finally, I have to share my utmost favorite moment from the event. Vaniessa Cousin battled cancer 3 times and wrote a beautiful gospel song about her experience. Pat Smith surprised her by announcing Kirk Franklin will record her song! Secrets are hard to keep, but her reaction was priceless and touching. I was so moved by the joy and love in the room!
For more information about this memorable event, please visit Pat Smith’s website: http://patsmithenterprises.com/news/robin-roberts-overcomers-event
Finally, Pat Smith specifically let me know, “How much she appreciated our team being there and our efforts to make the event successful.” I am so humbled to have been a part of such a beautiful event.
In 2005 our friend and former model, Tyler Kuleb's, son was diagnosed with cancer. She introduced me to CCF when I was asked to help produce and chair the event with her. It was such an emotional experience and the organization was so amazing to work with. Our company has been producing the event since then! It truly has been one of the most wonderful opportunities of our lives.There was one moment we will never forget about this charity!
Also, there is another event RSC Show will be producing for the children! The Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon is on Friday, April 17, 2015. If you would like to attend this event then you can purchase your tickets here. Remember, you can attend any of our other fundraisers to give back. We always need your support and funding. There are other ways to donate to CCF and you can find that on their website.
