Compeer Sarasota touchdowns on emotional luncheon

Compeer Sarasota hosted Crossing the Goal Line: A Match for Every Friend on April 9 at The Francis.

The luncheon started with a speech from Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll, followed by Honorees Sam and Norma Savin, whose son is in the Compeer Sarasota program.

Then, keynote speaker Keith O'Neil took the stage. O'Neil is a former NFL linebacker and 2007 Super Bowl champion with the Colts as well as an author who lives with bipolar disorder. Now, he's also an advocate for mental illness awareness. At the luncheon, he gave a powerful, moving speech about growing up with dreams of playing in the NFL like his father and brother, and how living with insomnia and anxiety — later deemed symptoms of bipolar disorder — affected his journey as a professional athlete. 

The luncheon wrapped up with a volunteer and Compeer match speech to show the benefits of becoming a Compeer volunteer.