Jon Dorenbos Amazes RUTHERFORD SOCIETY GALA!

Jan 20, 2018 at 10:14 pm by bryan


There was something magical in the air for the 11th Annual Rutherford Society Gala, Saturday (1/20/2018) night at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.

Gloria and Ted LaRoche were presented the Dr. Liz Rhea Philanthropist Award. Emergency Room Physician Mary Jane Brown, MD, was honored with the Physician Champion Award.

ADVERTISEMENT

During the evening, the Christy-Houston Foundation pledged $6-million to St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital for planned expansions. Hospital President and CEO Gordon Ferguson announced that the most prominent structure being built will be named for the late Matt Murfree, honoring all that he did for the local hospital.

As the keynote speaker approached the stage, the room was suddenly filled with energy. Former Philadelphia Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos amazed the packed ballroom with card tricks tied to inspirational stories.

His life has had many challenges, but he used cards to show how to move past them. At age 12, the picture perfect family in which he lived, tragically ended when his father murdered his mother. He learned card tricks at that young age to take his mind off the fate that befell him.

After graduating from the University of Texas El Paso, Dorenbos signed with the Buffalo Bills, then to the Titans in 2005-2006, and on to the Philadelphia Eagles. 2017 marked his 15th year in the NFL, but another hurdle crossed his path, and again "card tricks" brought him through. A life threatening heart condition ended his football career.

At the end, Jon received a standing ovation.

The night was still young, and many stayed to enjoy a night filled with music, dancing and fun.

Sections: News