Mr. Henry Winkler, actor, director, producer, and writer, was the guest speaker at Springer School and Center’s annual event held March 2, 2004 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel. The program began with a special presentation by Ohio’s First Lady, Hope Taft who bestowed upon Mr. Winkler a proclamation on behalf of the Governor and herself. Four hundred-fifty guests then had the privilege of hearing Mr. Winkler share reflections on his challenges with learning disabilities and his determination to be successful despite them. He delivered a message of hope and resiliency, as well as telling anecdotes from his many acting experiences. Mr. Winkler was presented with the Spirit of Springer Award, given to individuals who have excelled in their profession, made significant contributions on behalf of children, either through their work or philanthropy, and who have a learning disability.
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Earlier in the day, Mr. Winkler made a surprise visit to the school, much to the delight of all the students. He gathered the students around him in a pep rally fashion, reaching out to them in a familiar and comfortable way. "There is no nutritional value in negative thoughts," he told them, "If you will it, it is not a dream." |
Too young to remember when The Fonz from Happy Days was all the craze, the students have come to know Mr. Winkler through a series of children’s books he has written. Hank Zipzer, the book’s main character, is a 4th grader with dyslexia. Hank’s difficulties in school are based on Mr. Winkler’s own struggles.
Cammy Dierking from Local 12 News acted as emcee for the evening. Event chairs were Jennifer & Ed Arbaugh and Patty & Tim Lufkin. The "Here’s to Henry" event raised $110,000. Proceeds support Springer’s mission to empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives.
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