28 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2019 passion, she has found hers, and they are hoping Treasure House residents find theirs as well. “We’re able to take what we’ve learned and help others, so it’s not for nothing,” Brenda said. The way their lives have evolved has shaped their approach to giving, including in their own family. Each year, they take Make-a-Wish families with a child in medical crisis for a week in Disney World. “We spend the whole week with them and get to know the families and show them we love them and understand their struggle,” Kurt said. They also host a reunion of some 200 of these families each year, either here or in St. Louis, an event their own kids look forward to. The Warners feel a duty to raise kids who recognize their privilege and see the needs of others. “Back when I was on food stamps, I couldn’t go to restaurants, couldn’t afford a Happy Meal for my kids. Once we got money, we’d go to restaurants and it would be free because somebody paid for it or the manager was thrilled we were there. The rich get richer, and that’s messed up,” Brenda said. “You can’t do everything for everyone, but you can do something for someone . We’ve had seven kids. If we can have seven more people coming behind us that look for other people’s needs, we’ve made a difference.” So whether it be through their family, Brenda’s artwork, Kurt’s coaching, their philanthropy, or the opportunities they are creating through Treasure House, the Warners are trying to do as much for as many as they possibly can. And though Brenda may not like football, they are grateful for the platform the sport has provided. “I’ve been out of the game for 10 years, and if my legacy hinges on how long I hold onto a record or how long people remember me playing a game, it’s not going to last very long,” Kurt said. “I feel like I’m young and there’s so much more out there. We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of blessings, but I feel like there’s so much more we’re going to do in the next 40 years. That’s what excites me — to bless people.” To learn more about Treasure House, go to treasurehouse.org . For information about the First Things First Foundation, visit kurtwarner.org . To see Brenda’s artwork and jewelry, go to metalartbyb.com . 28 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2019 BOTH KURT AND BRENDA SEE THE BEAUTY OF LOOKING TO THEIR PAST TO FIND THEIR FUTURE. HE HAS FOUND HIS PASSION, SHE HAS FOUND HERS, AND THEY ARE HOPING TREASURE HOUSE RESIDENTS FIND THEIRS AS WELL. “We have seen so many instances of these young people learning to do new things and really embracing their newfound independence,” said Lauri Tanner, CEO of Treasure House.

DECEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 29 NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve} It’s a fairly simple premise — create an environment where Arizonans from all walks of life can discuss some of the issues affecting our state. But what the Arizona Town Hall has found over the past few years is far from simple. The organization is helping create a pathway where Arizona residents can tackle some of our state’s most complicated issues. And sometimes, just like any conversation, things come up by accident. First, a quick bit of background: Arizona Town Hall was created in 1962 by a diverse group of Arizona leaders looking for ways to solve big problems facing the state. “That’s what we still do,” said Tara Jackson, Arizona Town Hall’s president. “We’re bringing diverse people together to have fact-based discussions to work toward solutions.” The organization holds a series of meetings across the state in a variety of different environments. Rural. Urban. With the elderly. With young people. They even hold meetings in prisons. All the while, Arizona Town Hall is encouraging discussion with four key focuses: to educate, engage, connect and empower. Tom Evans | Contributing Editor Arizona Town Hall’s conversations show how much needs to be done to create healthier families and communities CONNECTING COMPLICATED ISSUES