Calvin Carter (Bottle Rocket), Susan O’Brien (Hail Merry), Emmitt Smith, Evelyn Torres (Solaris Technologies), Scott Sams (KRLD), Sarah Palisi Chapin (Hail Merry) Steve Lieberman (The Retail Connection)
Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities hosted its first annual business luncheon on Thursday, November 6, at the InterContinental Dallas Hotel, raising more than $100,000 for youth programming and education. The luncheon, “Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” highlighted a panel of successful business entrepreneurs from the North Texas area and provided inspiration to guests to “stay the course” and always give back. Quotes from each of the featured panelists lined the entryway to the event. My favorite one came from Calvin Carter who said, "The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing." Say that to yourself 4 or 5 times and let it sink in. I love little nuggets of wisdom like that.
Pat and Emmitt Smith
Featured panelists included:Albert Black, CEO, On Target Supplies & Logistics
Calvin Carter, CEO, Bottle Rocket Apps
Steve Lieberman, CEO, The Retail Connection
Susan O’Brien, Founder, Hail Merry
Sarah Palisi Chapin, CEO, Hail
Merry Evelyn Torres, CEO, Solaris Technologies
Scott Sams, well-known radio host at KRLD, moderated the event in Addison. Attendees also heard from Noble Obriki, a student in Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities’ Team 22 program, which provides mentoring and enrichment opportunities for high potential, yet underserved youth.
Noble expressed his gratitude for the investment the charity has made in him. “Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities has opened my voice and given me the motivation to aspire beyond the set boundaries of today,” said Obriki. Proceeds from the luncheon will support the programming of Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities.
Noble Obriki is a student in the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities’ Team 22 program
photos: Gittings