New Beginnings will bring Elizabeth Smart to Owensboro for their Vision of Change fundraiser on August 31, 2019, at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Smart made headlines when she was abducted on June 5, 2002. Police found Smart on March 12, 2003, after being held a prisoner for nine months.
New Beginnings executive director Karla Ward said the group thought it would be nice to bring in a big name speaker to talk about resiliency and how a person can endure trauma, but still come back from it. Ward said board member Sandy Hayden was a big help in getting Smart to Owensboro.
“When thinking of who to bring to Owensboro for this event, she was the first person to come to mind,” Ward said. “We are very fortunate to have her come here.”
Tickets go on sale Monday at the Owensboro Convention Center and are $69.95 through July 31. Ticket price increases during the month of August. The event and dinner is capped at 650 attendees.
Smart will also have a book signing immediately following the event.
“A lot of individuals who have trauma in their background who have never dealt with it,” Ward said. “She (Smart) has dealt with her trauma head-on and is very resilient. I think she gives a message of hope — no matter what your background is there is always the ability come back stronger than ever.”
