Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living
Dear Mr. Foxx:
Thank you for your presentation at our annual NO MORE STARES CONFERENCE. Persons with disabilities, their families, their support staff, and social service professionals all found something in your presentation which touched a nerve, whether it was a better understanding of disabilites or the feeling that finally they knew someone understood.
The message that "Winners Don't Quit" was exactly the messae the conference tries o convey. May you never have another crash of any shape or size and may you find all the open doors you seek.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Finney
Steering Comitte Chair
Washington State Quarter Horse Youth Association
Dear Mr. Foxx:
On behalf of the Washington State Quarter Horse Youth Association and the Northwest Region of AQHA, I want to thank you for your presentation to our youth leadership conference in Seattle, Washington on March 4, 2006.
Your words were inspiring, funny and thought-provoking. While those of us attending the conference have so many gifts and abilities, it was great to hear about someone who had a life-changing tragedy, but managed, through hard-work, to overcome so many physical and personal obstacles.
You left us much to think about, especially that "in life, confidence comes from remembering that 'Winners Don't Quit'!"
Sincerely,
Laura A. Calcagni
AQHY A Sentinel & Region 1 Director
Western MA Training Consortium
Self Advocacy Network
Dear Al Foxx,
We would like to thank you for taking the time to be a keynote speaker at our annual Self-Advocacy conference on April 2, 2005. It was a pleasure havign you.
Your presentation was relevant and very helpful to our Self-Advocates. We want to express our sincere appreciation for the time and effort you put into the presentation.
Attached is the evaluation of your presentation and the conference.
You honestly made this a memorable experience for all of us.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Mary Crimmins
President of Self-Advocacy Network
Bill Hurley
President of Leadership Through Advocacy
Al's presentation evaluation was (23) Excellent, (12) Good, (0) Fair, (0) Poor
Al had the highest amount of excellent out of all the speakers.
Village Community Services
Dear Mr. Foxx:
Thank you so much for your wonderful comedy at Village Community Services’ “Taste of Decadence” fundraiser. I knew you were a hit when I heard the spirited belly laughs of the audience, and was especially thrilled to see the joy and admiration on the faces of our participants who have developmental disabilities. You were an inspiring and entertaining addition to our event. We plan to invite you back soon.
Thank you,
Michelle Dietz-Date
Resource Development Manager
Renton River Days
City of Renton
Mayor Tanner
Dear Mr. Dover
I had the pleasure of hearing Al Foxx, founder of the Winners Don't Quit Association, provide an inspirational and motivational speech at a kick-off banquet for IKEA Renton River Days.
Mr. Foxx shared his often humorous and always touching account of relearning to walk, talk, and drive after a traumatic motorcycle accident caused a brain injury and left him partially paralyzed.
Mr. Foxx had the unique ability of connecting with the audience, and they in turn responded to his message of creating a positive environment, believing that individuals have the power to overcome anything, and not to give up because of obstacles.
The standing ovation he received at the 2002 IKEA Renton River Days Banquet is a testament to his courage, sense of humor, and positive outlook. He is a true winner!
Whether speaking in schools or the workplace, I believe that Mr. Foxx's message will bring a fresh point of view to living and working along side people with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Jesse Tanner
Mayor
IKEA Renton River Days
On behalf of IKEA Renton River Days, I would like to extend appreciation for the involvement of Al Foxx as our feature entertainment at our festival's 17th Annual Kick-Off Banquet, which was held at Maplewood Greens in Renton.
Al's performance was well received by the audience; he invited us into his realm of experiences, memories, and reflections while finding humor, warmth, antidotes and irony in his theme of Winners Don't Quit. Al also found numerous opportunities to connect with several tables of guests based on their reactions - this interaction generated another level of participation and enabled the synergy in the room to flourish. The audience's standing ovation represented appreciation, joy, and warm regards to thank Al for his candor, and to wish him well in his endeavors.
Sincerely,
Sonja K. Mejlaender
Festival Coordinator
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
Kirkland/Redmond
Dear Al,
Thank you so much for performing for our teens at the Kirkland Boys and Girls Club.
Your performance was entertaining, humorous and very inspirational.
The middle school age group can be one of the most difficult to perform for, and you managed wonderfully, keeping them interested and inspired by your routine. Not only were the kids laughing at the comedy but I could definitely feel that they were touched by the message "WINNERS DON’T QUIT."
It is not often that our youth are directly exposed to the effects of choices. One of the most important things for them to understand and see is how our day to day choices can effect the out come of the rest of our lives. You provided them with those consequences loud and clear.
I wanted you to know that one of our teens left talking about your performance and clearly motivated to move forward in his life. In closing I would like to say that as you continue on your journey of performing and speaking to youth you will be affecting them in ways you may never see, but we as a society always benefit from your work.
Thanks again and I will contact you soon about further opportunities to talk with our teens!
Sincerely,
Tina M. Nole
Program Director- Teen Services
The Kirkland Boys and Girls Club
Kirkland Teen Union
Kirkland
To Whom It May Concern,
In March, we at the Kirkland Teen Union building had the privilege of hosting Al Foxx at our facility for a night of comedy and inspiration. Al spent an hour educating our population on the attitude that it takes to rise up and be a winner, and he did it with a funny and entertaining delivery. Al's story really moved some of our kids to start taking steps to change their lives. One of our troubled teenagers told me that if "Al Foxx can make something out of his life, so can I." My staff and I laughed out loud at some of Al's comedy, and appreciated the points he had to make. It was a great night at the Kirkland Teen Union building, thanks to Al and his message.
I enthusiastically recommend Al Foxx for your facility or program, and encourage you to bring Al in for youth and adults alike, People of all ages can benefit from Al Foxx's inspiring story.
Sincerely,
Cory Shepard
Director
Kirkland Teen Union Building
Federal Way Sunrise Rotary Club
Thank you very much for your recent speaking presentation with the Federal Way Sunrise Rotary Club. Your "Winners Don't Quit" message explaining your motorcycle crash and ongoing recovery was very inspiring to our membership. I wish we had more time so we could hear your full 50-minute presentation.
One of our members has experienced a stroke and they were able to relate well to your struggle to learn how to speak again. For a person who was told they never would be understood clearly, you have certainly conquered the odds that were against you.
Whether speaking in schools or the workplace, I believe that your unique life story, positive attitude, and your right combination of humor will encourage individuals to make positive choices and to not quit when they meet obstacles.
If you ever need a recommendation for a speaking engagement, feel free to have your prospect to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Bob "Coach" Roach Past President and Program Chairman
Federal Way Sunrise Rotary Club
Rotary Clubs
Mr. Foxx has spoken at several Puget Sound Rotary Clubs. Here are a few of the testimonials he has received:
"In the 10 years that I have been with the Rotary Club, you are the first speaker to receive a standing ovation."
Alderwood Rotary
"I received more than a few calls from people telling me what a good program it was. Thank you for making me look good."
Bellevue Noon Rotary
"One of our members has heard you speak, and highly recommends your program."
Shoreline Rotary Club
"Looking forward to hearing who has invited you and see if there might be some way to get AL into more of our schools."
Federal Way Sunrise Rotary
Kirkland Kiwanis
What an inspiration Al was at our recent Kiwanis Meeting. And what a winner! He had us laughing out loud one minute and pensive the next with his incredible story. Many times, people are unsure of how to respond to a person with disabilities, but Al has a way of communicating with humor and inspiration that leaves each member of the audience in awe and comfortable with him. Add to that his incredible gift at humor and it brought a standing ovation! It was truly an honor to have him with us! Al is a great speaker for any age group!
Kellie Moeller
SAGE-An organization of retired Christian business men
Dear Al,
The SAGE Valentine Banquet held on Sunday, February 11, in the Best Western Hotel in Fife Washington, was a joy to attend. The barbershop quartet and the inspiring, humorous 35 minute presentation you gave largely contributed to the success of this event.
The standing ovation you received was well deserved. Your parents, who were in attendance, must have been greatly moved by the response of this large audience to your presentation.
My wife and I and all the SAGE officers wish for you the best Al, as you so capably relate to life as it is for you today. You are an inspiration!
Most warmly yours,
Robert B. Grady
SAGE President
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