To ensure the health and safety of everyone, Austin Street Center’s 20th Annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon will be held virtually on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 11:30 am to 1 pm CST with Tony and Grammy Award-Winning artist, Leslie Odom, Jr. performing live and participating in a moderated conversation.
The 2020 Humble Beginnings Luncheon, hosted by co-chairs Richie Butler and Chris Kleinert, celebrates Austin Street Center’s work in providing safe shelter and basic needs that helps Dallas’ most vulnerable homeless neighbors bring an end to their homeless experience.
“The health and safety of our guests and the wider community is our most important priority and having a virtual luncheon was the right thing to do,” said Daniel Roby, Chief Executive Officer at Austin Street Center. “Despite this, we are still planning a luncheon experience with the amazing Leslie Odom, Jr. and exclusive, live performances. We know people are looking for ways to help and support those in need during this time and hope the virtual space will broaden our reach and spread Austin Street’s mission so we may inspire the audience to support Dallas’ homeless population.”
Best known for his breakout role as “Aaron Burr” in the smash hit Broadway musical, Hamilton, Odom received a 2015 Drama Desk Award nomination and won the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” for his performance. He also won a Grammy Award as a principal soloist on the original cast recording. Odom was most recently seen on the big screen starring alongside Cynthia Erivo and Joe Alwyn in Harriet. In 2018, he released a book – Failing Up: How To Take Risks, Aim Higher, And Never Stop Learning. The book illuminates valuable lessons Odom has learned in life, which includes tapping into universal themes of learning something new, following your passions, discovering your own potential, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Also, in 2018, Odom released “Mr” — his first album of original songs.
“Odom’s sentiments about combining your internal work with the risk of following your dreams is the same process that ultimately helps Austin Street Center’s clients transition from homelessness to a home,” added Roby.
Sponsorships for the 20th Annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon are still available. General Admission Passes are $45 and VIP All-Access Passes are $125. Sponsors and VIP Access Pass viewers will be a part of an exclusive VIP Experience, featuring a special performance by Odom.
To purchase tickets and for more information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.austinstreet.org/humblebeginnings.
About Austin Street Center
Since 1983, Austin Street Center is a non-profit organization based in Dallas providing safe shelter and basic needs to help individuals find a permanent place to call home. Located in downtown Dallas, Austin Street Center serves men, ages 45 and older, and women, ages 18 and older, with the individual support they need to transition out of homelessness, including shelter, food, clothing, health and mental health services, spiritual support, employment and education programs. Austin Street Center provides unconditional support for each person regardless of faith, sexuality, or circumstance, and develops innovative solutions for housing – working outside the traditional approach to homelessness. For more information, visit https://www.austinstreet.org
