The highlight of the event was when two remarkable gentlemen shared their amazing stories with everyone from the stage. Champion snowboarder, TBI survivor and motivational speaker Kevin Pearce shared his remarkable recovery story and spoke of how having the love and support of his beautiful family has enabled him to preserve through his darkest days.
Kevin Pearce
Kevin told the wounded warriors that he can relate to their struggles and that he is living proof that anything is possible if you continue to believe in yourself even after living with a traumatic brain injury. Kevin’s documentary “The Crash Reel” will open in theaters nationwide this December.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Wounded Warrior Dan Nevins shared his inspiring story. Dan gave a first hand account of the day that changed his life forever when on November 10, 2004, an improvised explosive device detonated beneath the vehicle in which he was a passenger. Dan very bravely shared details of both the physical and emotional pain he experienced leading up to losing both of his legs below the knee. Dan said that the Wounded Warrior Project backpack of essential supplies he received while in the hospital, was the single greatest great he’s ever received. Wounded Warrior Project has helped Dan realize that he is as capable as ever and with their support, Dan has participated in extreme sports and has even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with two other wounded warriors by his side. Dan credits Wounded Warrior Project for his successful rehabilitation, positive attitude, “can do” spirit, and more importantly his passion for helping his fellow warriors in any way he can. After Dan’s moving talk, celebrities were inspired to film a message of support for Wounded Warrior Project’s TV awareness campaign onsite at the event.
Wounded Warrior Dan Nevins
Private Viewing Party for the Wounded Warriors and their Families
To cap off a fabulous weekend of events, Wounded Warrior Project hosted a private Viewing Party of the 2013 EMMY Awards for the wounded warriors and their families at which guests enjoyed a gourmet four course meal prepared by the executive chef at Avalon. The ladies enjoyed glam makeovers by celebrity makeup artist Stefanie G. of Stefanie G. Beverly Hills and celebrity hairstylist Teryn from the Juan Juan Salon.
Each table featured a beautiful table-scape designed by Flour LA to represent a different EMMY nominated TV show. Guests danced to the sounds of celebrity DJ Kid Fish and they enjoyed GRANDO Cioccolato’s gourmet Italian organic chocolates made with lavender flowers. For dessert, guests indulged in Arctic Zero’s yummy low calorie frozen dessert pops in delicious flavors like orange crème, chocolate and vanilla all dipped in dark chocolate.
The wounded warriors and their family members picked their favorites to win EMMYS before the awards began and after the ceremony, the results were tallied. Contest winners took home fabulous prizes such as haircuts from Juan Juan Salon, glam cosmetics from Stefanie G. Beverly Hills, fabulous fashion from iiJin, a sleek black makeup case from Shany Cosmetics and handmade exquisite jewelry from artisan Patti M Designs. The grand prize was a vintage suitcase turned into a boom-box that hooks up to a smart phone for incredible sound design, created by the team at The Boom Case.
Wounded Warriors and their Families
Wounded Warrior Project: The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org Twitter: @wwpinc
