South Bend, Indiana; Dec. 7, 2007

Local

CFH Holiday Miracle Luncheon: Chris Gardner, Sr., and his son are both successful entrepreneurs today but when Chris, Jr., was two they both slept in homeless shelters or a train station restroom.
Chris, Sr., told of their homeless experience in his 2006 book “The Pursuit of Happyness” which was made into a movie starring Will Smith.
After completing his internship and working for Dean Witter, Chris, Sr., founded Gardner Rich and Co. in Chicago. He sold his stake in that company in a multi-million dollar deal. He is now the owner and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. He has also given his time and money to help others who are in the same situation he was.
Chris, Jr., graduated from Whitney Young High School in Chicago and got his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. He is in the music and movie business. Chris, Jr., also has a sister, Jacintha, 20.
Chris, Jr., now 26, was the featured speaker at the CFH Holiday Miracle Luncheon yesterday. Before the luncheon he was given a tour of the center by Executive Director Steve Camilleri
Chris--who at 6-8, 230 pounts, is about a foot taller than Steve-- joked that he should produce a sequel to the Danny DeVito-Arnold Schwarzenegger move “Twins” with himself and Steve.
Chris, Jr., was a particular favorite of the CFH children.
“They must have thought I was Shrek,” said Chris.
Chris, Jr., said he was impressed by his tour.
“I’m so glad I got to visit the Center,” he said. “I wish my father and I had had a place like that.”
In answer to a commonly-asked question, Chris said that the movie was largely realistic, although it took some artistic liberties. For instance, Chris’s character—played by Will Smith’s son, Jaden--is five instead of two.
Chris said the scene where the pair slept in the bathroom was so realistic that his father had to excuse himself from the set.
Chris also said he didn’t remember being that small or that cute.
Chris stated that as a young entrepreneur he has had his share of setbacks.
“I know I wouldn’t change my experiences,” Chris said in closing. “They have made me into the man I am today.”

ABE

▪Computer Classes: There will be two Basic Word classes on Fridays starting today, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Sign up in ABE.
▪ Academic Fun Fair: Starting December 3 in ABE.
There will be puzzles, games, interesting projects and exhibits. A new exhibit will be added every day for the first week of December.
Volunteers are needed to set up and work exhibits. See Andrea in ABE.
▪ Poetry Jam: Every Tuesday, 7-8 p.m., Starting Over Room.
Read a favorite poem.
Share your own work.
Just listen, relax and enjoy.
▪Creative Writing: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., Starting Over Room.
▪Dead Poets Society: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., ABE Room. All are welcome.
We will discuss short stories and poems.
▪Science Club: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Starting Over Room.
Discuss science-related issues in the news and interesting experiments about Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and more.
Stop by ABE to sign up and give suggestions about what you would like to learn. See Stephanie or Ryan.
▪All of the above activities count toward ABE hours.

Herald Sports

Redskins 24, Bears 16: Both starting quarterbacks left the game because of injury. Brian Griese threw two interceptions.