MARCH MADNESS

Speaker:

Sponsor: Wendell Foster Center

One of the first things you’ll notice about Stephen Wampler visually is that he utilizes a wheelchair, because Steve has Cerebral Palsy (CP). Over the years he has learned not to only live with his disability, but to thrive in life with his condition. He wants to ensure that others with physical disabilities have the same opportunity as he has had so they can live a fulfilling life.

In 2002, Steve and Elizabeth founded The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation, and “Camp Wamp” was opened in 2004. With the wilderness as the backdrop, kids enjoy the fun and camaraderie of camp life. With Steve as their inspiration, their experiences push each one to discover how capable they really are.

In 2010, Steve became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a vertical slab of rock twice the height of the Empire State Building. Wampler’s climb, which took 6 days and 20,000 pull-ups to complete, was featured in the award-winning documentary Wampler’s Ascent. Steve and Elizabeth have been featured in the New York Times, the Hollywood Reporter, the LA Times, the Village Voice, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, Saturday Night Live, and ABC News. Their viral TikTok account (@the.wampler.way) has over 700,000 followers, 24.4 million likes, and

Wendell Foster is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Owensboro whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. For decades, Wendell Foster has supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing services such as: on-site and community-based residential housing and supportive programs; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; assistive technology; a transportation program; day training; community programs; and more.

Over the years, Wendell Foster has grown from a single residential home at 815 Triplett Street to an extensive campus occupying six city blocks. In 2022, the organization provided more than 75,000 services to over 2,000 individuals across Kentucky and Indiana.

Upcoming fundraisers include the Annual Golf Scramble at Ben Hawes on June 16th, the Forever a Difference Maker Gala on September 30th, and the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, returning to its inaugural month of March on March 23rd, 2024. Wendell Foster looks forward to hosting the race in a month that means so much to its mission: Disability Awareness Month.

ROOSTER BOOSTER # 2

An acclaimed speaker, Dee Robinson is an oftrecognized award-winning entrepreneur who works with individuals and organizations to overcome the fear that holds them back and instead amplify their communications, have the confidence to discuss difficult topics, and pursue their dreams, discovering their true purpose along the way. Her goal is to help clients live a bold life of service and significance. She leads and speaks with passion, guiding her audience to effectively strengthen and elevate their vision to new heights. What shines through in both her work and her public speaking is her uncanny ability to instill courage and build courage circles to maximize ROP3—return on people, profit, and purpose—and leave audiences intrigued and wanting to hear more.

Dee ideated, founded, and successfully scaled Robinson Hill, Inc., building a powerful reputation as an outstanding operator in driving sales, efficiency, innovation, and employee performance along the way. Leveraging comprehensive and integrated marketing strategies customized for key audiences to drive expansion, she spearheaded multiple capital development efforts and forged successful joint ventures and partnerships that further spurred growth. Robinson Hill subsequently grew to encompass over 60 airport and tourist-site restaurants and retail stores. Brands and partnerships in the company portfolio include notable names like Hudson Group, Frontera Grill, Ben & Jerry’s, Farmer’s Fridge, Potbelly, and Lettuce Entertain You.

Her subject matter expertise in successfully scaling companies led her to counsel other businesses to do the same.

Green River has brought a rich Kentucky Bourbon tradition back to Owensboro.

Originally founded in 1885, Green River (DSPKY-10) is the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky. Prior to prohibition, Owensboro was one of the richest contributors to the bourbon industry with more than 20 distilleries. Green River, known as “the Whiskey Without Regrets,” was the official medicinal whiskey of the U.S. Marine Hospital and has been referenced as the most expensive whiskey ever sold - 20 barrels were once traded for an interest in a Colorado gold mine. Fire and prohibition relegated the brand to history before being reestablished in 2022.

Today, the “Whiskey Without Regrets” is bringing Owensboro’s rich bourbon heritage to life as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. A gateway to east-bound visitors, it’s a short drive from St. Louis, Nashville and Evansville, Ind. The distillery welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors last year.

But beyond the distillery experience, Green River is about sharing high-quality, delicious Kentucky Bourbon. Following a highly successful four-state launch in 2022, Green River Distilling Co is expanding in 2023 with the release of Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, in complement to their flagship high rye bourbon, in 25 markets across the United States.