Next came a motivating keynote presentation by Chad Hennings, an honored Air Force Veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys. Hennings said living a meaningful live is “not a destination, but a process.” He spoke of the pursuit of excellence, which leads to commitment, then character and then one's legacy. “Your legacy is not defined by material acquisitions, but by the people whom you were able to impact.”

After reading a book by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, Hennings said he learned that those who have lived through horrific events had one thing in common: they had a purpose, whether that is faith, love or something else. That purpose is what enabled them to survive. “He who has a 'why' to live for can withstand almost any 'how.'” He said, “Everyone wants to live a life of significance,” and it's important not to keep putting off your happiness until some arbritary event takes place or you'll never be satisfied.

Hennings also spoke of resiliency, being able to bounce back when things don't go as planned, and being able to move on after they do. “Work does not define who you are—what are your core values?” He also said for a person to be successful, he must have a vision that leads to a plan, and then that plan must be executed. “Your vision is not based upon material gain. Character is the only thing that endures.”

Ultimately, Hennings said, true happiness comes from caring for one's health, one's family and one's community.

|

IRVINE, CA—Two inspirational speakers gave presentations to attendees who packed a ballroom at the Hotel Irvine Thursday for the 2^nd Annual Orange County Real Estate Luncheon to benefit veteran causes. GlobeSt.com was on the scene for the event, which was both patriotic and emotional.

As we recently reported, the luncheon is the result of a partnership between REIT firm Donahue Schriber Realty Group Inc. and the Orange County Community Foundation to benefit OCCF's Veterans Initiative, whose mission is to provide assistance to veterans as they transition from military service to the civilian community. This year's total attendee count was 575 and the gross proceeds from the event totaled $680,000, Donahue Schriber tells GlobeSt.com. Last year's event netted $560,000 from 460 attendees, so the event is growing in size and power.

“The 2^nd Annual Orange County Real Estate Luncheon surpassed our expectations,” Patrick Donahue, chairman and CEO of Donahue Schriber, tells GlobeSt.com. “We outgrew the ballroom from last year and had more than 575 people in attendance who clearly enjoyed the program. I was pleased that the sponsors and attendees got to see and learn about the veteran organizations that received grants as a result of their generosity. Our veterans deserve so much, and we are beginning to see some very positive changes in services offered to them here in Orange County.”

After the Vanguard Choir gave a beautiful rendition of “Proud to Be an American,” followed by the national anthem, attendees were treated to an invocation by Chaplain, Major David Sarmiento, CA ANG, and the March On of the Colors by Headquarter Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, Camp Pendleton, CA. Donahue gave a warm introduction, after which Sergeant Rachel Bartlett, USMC Reserves, shared her sensitive and inspiring story of perseverance after a failed suicide attempt, in which she praised the staff of Irvine Valley College and the Veteran's Resource Center.

Next came a motivating keynote presentation by Chad Hennings, an honored Air Force Veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys. Hennings said living a meaningful live is “not a destination, but a process.” He spoke of the pursuit of excellence, which leads to commitment, then character and then one's legacy. “Your legacy is not defined by material acquisitions, but by the people whom you were able to impact.”

After reading a book by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, Hennings said he learned that those who have lived through horrific events had one thing in common: they had a purpose, whether that is faith, love or something else. That purpose is what enabled them to survive. “He who has a 'why' to live for can withstand almost any 'how.'” He said, “Everyone wants to live a life of significance,” and it's important not to keep putting off your happiness until some arbritary event takes place or you'll never be satisfied.

Hennings also spoke of resiliency, being able to bounce back when things don't go as planned, and being able to move on after they do. “Work does not define who you are—what are your core values?” He also said for a person to be successful, he must have a vision that leads to a plan, and then that plan must be executed. “Your vision is not based upon material gain. Character is the only thing that endures.”

Ultimately, Hennings said, true happiness comes from caring for one's health, one's family and one's community.