The Children’s Home of Lubbock will host “More Than Magic – An Inspirational Evening with Jon Dorenbos” on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the MCM Eleganté Hotel ballroom. Dorenbos is a professional NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles and was a finalist on the 2016 season of America’s Got Talent. All-State Fence & Supply, of Lubbock, is the title sponsor.

Dorenbos shares his inspiring story from losing his parents at the age of 12, working through the foster care system, to making it to the NFL Pro Bowl. It’s an amazing story of heart, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. “Prepare and work hard, so when times get tough… all you have to do is be caught in the act of being yourself,” states Dorenbos. Being a current player in the NFL and a renowned Comedy Magician makes the dynamic of Jon’s presentation truly one-of-a kind. He takes what he has learned on the gridiron and shares it on the stage. The audience will experience Jon’s inspiration, high energy, comedy, and remarkable story firsthand — a life story that has been featured on HBO, ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and E! as a “True Hollywood Story: American Story.” Peter King, journalist for Sports Illustrated and HBO, said “The tragedy that Jon has overcome in his life is unimaginable. He has made the most of every opportunity… While performing, he has the gift of pulling his audience in and giving them an amazing experience.”

Brent Stewart is the owner of All-State Fence & Supply, the title sponsor for the event. “All-State Fence & Supply is honored to partner with The Children’s Home of Lubbock in this year’s Spring Event with Jon Dorenbos,” Stewart said. “We encourage our community to participate in a ministry that demonstrates Christ’s love to the children who need our help the most.”

According to Jimmy Moore, President of The Children’s Home of Lubbock, “Jon Dorenbos did not let circumstances determine his fate. After his dad murdered his mom, Jon embraced the hand that he was dealt and moved on to replace the bad with good,” said Moore. “Through counseling and love from his extended family, Jon graduated from college, plays in the NFL, launched a career as a magician, and has become a motivational speaker. I’m looking forward to hearing Jon’s story of his rise from trauma to triumph!”

Tickets and information may be found by contacting The Children’s Home of Lubbock at (806) 762-0481 ext 213, or on the web at www.childshome.org.

About Jon Dorenbos

Jon Dorenbos’ past has made him the man he is today. In August, of 1992, at the age of 12, his father murdered his mother. His father was convicted of 2nd degree murder and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. After the completion of his father’s trial, he and his sister, Kristina, moved in with a foster family and later went to live with their aunt, Susan, who took them in and raised them as her own.

Dorenbos, a native Texan, grew up in Woodinville, Washington. He graduated from UTEP with a degree in Business. He was picked up by the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2003. He has since played for the Tennessee Titans and he is currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and entering his 14th season in the NFL. He hosts a television show with the Eagles and has won two Emmy Awards.

He was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 2008. The Ed Block Courage Award honors those National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. This award is unique in that the recipients are selected solely by a vote of their teammates. He was selected to the 2013 All-Fundamentals team and was voted Special Teams Captain. Jon was selected to the 2010 and 2015 Pro Bowls. This year the Philadelphia Eagles nominated Jon for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his philanthropic and charitable contributions off the field.

Dorenbos is also a professional magician. He got into magic just before his 13th birthday. He instantly fell in love with it. Magic became an escape during a time of mourning and transition in his life. He was obsessed with the sleights and skills involved. He spent all day, every day, practicing and rehearsing in front of the mirror. Jon’s aunt introduced him to a magician who became a mentor, a friend, and a father figure for years to come, teaching Jon not only the fundamentals of a trick, but also how to find himself as a performer.

“I’ve been doing magic since I was 13 years old,” explains Jon. “I dig it. I love magic. For me, it’s not just about the magic. Magic is just a tool to develop a relationship with the audience. It’s about having fun and rockin’ a crowd. After I’m done performing I hope my audience doesn’t think I’m a supernatural human. I hope they leave blown away and say to themselves, ‘that was just cool.’ Because for me, that’s what magic is all about, it’s just cool.”

(News release from the Children’s Home of Lubbock)