"Survivor" Contestant Rupert Boneham Guest Speaker at SELF's Annual Award Dinner

Posted on 25. Feb, 2009 by admin Tag: SELF, Events
03/27/2009 6:30 pm

Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) is excited to announce a special guest at its “Reach for the Stars” 13th Annual Awards Dinner on March 27 at Vora Technology Park (101 Knightsbridge, Hamilton, OH). Indiana-native Rupert Boneham, a fan-favorite that appeared on Survivor: Pearl Islands and Survivor: All-Stars, will speak at the event that is fittingly themed “Surviving Everyday Life to the Fullest.”

Rupert currently resides in Indianapolis, where he works as a vocational and clinical mentor for troubled teens at a non-profit organization he founded named Rupert’s Kids. Rupert created this organization to serve youth, typically aged 18-24, who have received intensive services in nearly every social service system in the region. Because these young men and women are unable to achieve and sustain stable housing and employment, most return to situations that originally led to the challenges they currently face. Through work programs such as landscaping and home renovation, Rupert’s Kids participants learn skills and values that will lead them towards stability in their lives. His organization also teaches these youths the importance of assisting the underprivileged, preserving the city they live in and becoming mentors themselves.

Rupert uses his name recognition to spread word of his values throughout the country. In a surprise twist to the Survivor: All-Stars finale, CBS announced a second $1 million giveaway determined by the show’s fans, who voted on 18 Survivor contestants. More than 38 million viewers voted and, thanks to his legion of fans, the lovably scruffy reality TV contestant is now $1 million richer, further helping him to fund Rupert’s Kids and other business ventures.

Rupert is in good company. Deb Silverman of WCPO Channel 9 News will emcee the event, which will include music as well as a live and silent auction with fine jewelry, entertainment and dining packages, and other locally donated items.

Honorary Co-Chairs of this year’s gala are State Representative Courtney Combs, West Chester Township Trustee George Lang and Liberty Township Trustee Christine Matacic.

Tickets are on sale to the public now and seating is limited. The “Reach for the Stars” 13th Annual Awards Dinner is from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. on March 27. Regular-admission tickets are $40 per person. Patron tickets cost $60 per person. Patron ticket holders are invited to attend a cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m. to preview the auction items and meet-and-greet with Rupert. Tables of eight seats may also be purchased for a discounted price of $260. To purchase tickets, please email rsvp@selfhelps.org or contact Kim Weigel at (513) 868-9300 x207 or Vanessa Jackson at (513) 868-9300 x214.

All proceeds will benefit SELF in its mission to empower low-income individuals to achieve, sustain and advocate self-sufficiency.