NFL star, ‘The Blind Side’ inspiration Michael Oher headlining Alabama adoption agency event Tuesday

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September 25, 2014

Montgomery, Ala. — Agape of Central Alabama, a non-profit adoption ministry that helps children find permanent Christian homes, has NFL star Michael Oher coming to Montgomery on Tuesday to be the keynote speaker at their “Connecting Hearts” event.” Oher is an offensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans and became a household name after his life story was the basis for the hit Hollywood movie, “The Blind Side.” He has also authored the book I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond, as well.

The Connecting Hearts event will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. A separate meet and greet reception will also precede the event.

“Michael Oher has overcome challenges from homelessness, foster care, and adoption, which are similar to what children Agape of Central Alabama serve also face,” said Agape spokesperson Emily Thames. “Due to his dynamic story, he has been an inspiration to so many.”

Oher played college football at Ole Miss and was a member of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens.

Jason Isbell, Vice President of the Alabama Bankers Association and an Agape board member, told Yellowhammer that this event is particularly important to him because of the impact Agape has had on his life. Isbell’s parents went through Agape to adopt him 34 years ago.

“Agape of Central Alabama is changing lives and connecting hearts every day all across our state so that vulnerable children can end up in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home,” Isbell said. “We’re so thankful that Michael Oher is partnering with us for this great event, and we can’t wait to showcase his story along with those of countless others – including me – whose lives have been positively impacted by Agape’s work. Michael may have earned a Super Bowl ring and had a movie made about his upbringing, but the real story of his life is about so much more than football and Hollywood. He is a perfect example of how an unhappy start can lead to a happy ending. Whether you love Ole Miss, hate football, enjoyed ‘The Blind Side,’ or simply just want to hear some of these life-changing stories, you should put next February’s event on your calendar.”

Support for this event will impact children with similar stories to Michael and Jason throughout Central Alabama.

For more information about the event, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit agapeforchildren.org, or call Agape of Central Alabama at (334) 272-9466.