November 10, 2017
CHAPMAN’S GRIPPING STORY OF DRUG ABUSE SHOWN ON LAZER VIDEO
Karen’s Place Maternity Center & Karen’s Place held a benefit banquet yesterday, Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. at the Louisa Community Center. Representatives from many businesses around our community gathered to learn about Karen’s Place, to hear testimonies from a few of their success stories and be informed about the services provided at their many centers.
The entire crowd was brought to tears several times throughout the evening.
Hearing Kayla Parsons share her personal testimony, I realized how similar all of our stories are. The only thing missing from the evening, was tissues.
The keynote speaker for the night was one of Kentucky’s very own, Rex Chapman. Chapman has stepped out of the spotlight and is now known as more than one of the finest UK players, or a first round pick by the Charlotte Hornets.
Rex Chapman is a recovering addict, and with 3 years of sobriety he is now using his platform to help others who suffer from addiction.
After his speech and during the Q & A, I asked him this question:
After being a famous basketball player, looked up to by so many, why did you decide to use his platform for this? After all, no person wants to wear this name tag?
He loved the question, and stated that, “after getting clean, I realized that I had a story that could possibly help people. Of course no one wants to wear that name tag, but after I realized that idle time was my worst enemy, I knew I could kill two birds with one stone, help people by telling my story…and it helps me just as much!”
The evening was spiritual, full of laughter and tears and I am hopeful that it raised as much money as possible to help these ladies down their road to recovery.
Rex Everett Chapman (born October 5, 1967) is a retired American professional basketball player. Chapman was a college standout at the University of Kentucky and went on to play for four National Basketball Association (NBA) teams through his 12-year career in the league. He later served as the vice president of player personnel with the Denver Nuggets.
