New Friends New Life announces Joe Ehrmann, co-founder of the NFL Foundation-funded InSideOut Initiative and a former NFL Pro Bowler, named by Parade Magazine as “The Most Important Coach in America” for his work empowering youth – a critical component to ending human sex trafficking – will headline the 14th Annual Luncheon on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the OMNI Dallas Hotel, 555 S. Lamar Street. Luncheon Chairs are Lisa Cooley and Tanya Foster, and Honorary Chairs are Gail and R. Gerald Turner.  The previous speaker, Ashton Kutcher, canceled his appearance at the luncheon due to personal reasons.

“Joe Ehrmann is a passionate advocate of creating positive change among our youth, aligning perfectly with New Friends New Life’s goal of prevention as a critical way to end human sex trafficking,” said Lisa Cooley.  “He speaks across the country, motivating others to step up and be the change that we need to help prevent a crime that enslaves young American girls at an average age of 13 – a crime happening in our own backyard.”

Joe Ehrmann is co-founder of the NFL Foundation-funded InSideOut Initiative, a blueprint for systemic change, transforming the current “win-at-all-costs” sports culture – where the value is often defined by the scoreboard – into one that defines and promotes sports as a human growth experience.  An All American football player, Erhmann was named to Syracuse University’s All-Century Team. He lettered in lacrosse and received the Arents Award, SU’s Most Distinguished Alumni honor for his contributions to society.  He played professional football for 13 years and was named Baltimore Colt’s Man of the Year.  He was the NFL’s first Ed Block Courage Award recipient and named “The Most Important Coach in America” by Parade Magazine.  The Institute for International Sport chose him as one of The Most Influential Sports Educators in America, and his revolutionary concepts of transformational coaching are the subject of his book, InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives.  Joe is also the subject of The New York Times best-seller, Season of Life:  A Football Star, a Boy, A Journey to Manhood. Among many other awards, the Baltimore Business Journal selected him as the Renaissance Person of the Decade for his dedication and commitment to Baltimore City’s betterment.   He was the National Fatherhood Initiative’s Man of the Year and the Frederick Douglas National Man of the Year award recipient for empowering youth to prevent rape and other forms of male violence.  

“New Friends New Life has made great strides this past year through our Men’s Advocacy Group’s manKINDness Project® High School Program, a 60-minute interactive learning experience tailored to teen boys which aligns perfectly with Joe’s message to the youth of today,” said Kelly Cruse, executive director, New Friends New Life. “In fact, our local ProtectHer award recipient this year is Parish Episcopal School who by participating in this project, is teaching the next generation how to identify and execute healthy relationships with women and stop the cycle of sex trafficking. Joe Ehrmann’s motivational message supports our philosophy that we must be proactive to create a long-term impact on this horrific and widespread industry.”

“In Dallas alone, sex trafficking is a $99 million dollar criminal enterprise,” said Tanya Foster, luncheon co- chair.  “Enlightened by so many staggering statistics and stories from survivors, Lisa and I are committed to rallying the support needed to bring an end to this injustice. There is much work to be done. By joining us on May 10, you can help us expand outreach to connect with the highest risk children in our city before local traffickers do.”

HONORARY CHAIRS: GAIL AND R. GERALD TURNER

LUNCHEON CHAIRS: LISA COOLEY AND TANYA FOSTER

For questions, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer Yarbrough at events@newfriendsnewlife.org or 214.965.0935.

Our free education forum is only a few weeks away! RSVP now to jyarbrough@newfriendsnewlife.org to reserve your seat.