Our 2010 speaker was Mr. John Croyle. John is a former University of Alabama National Championship defensive end for the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. At age 19, John felt he had been given a gift to work with young people. His dream was to have the best children’s home in America. On the advice of Coach Bryant, John pursued that dream instead of a pro-football career. Over 1,800 children have called Big Oak Ranch their home since 1974. John’s philosophy is: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of house we lived in, the kind of car we drove or how much money we had in the bank, but the world may be different because you and I were important in the life of a child.”

It has been said of John, “here is a guy who found out early in life what he was put on earth to do.” Begin planning now to attend and inviting others to come with you to hear this gifted speaker.

Did you hear the radio interview with Birmingham Chapter President Renita Hill, APD Luncheon Chairman Robin Prentice and Alabama Division Vice President Brenda Fischer CPS/CAP that aired on Sunday, 4/12/09, on the program called “Outlook?” The interview was broadcast at 6am on WBPT, 106.9FM “The Eagle;” at 6:30am on WNCB, “New Country” 97.3FM; and at 10:30pm on WZZK, 104.7FM.  Listen to the 17-minute interview here in MP3 format!!

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