Former Detroit Lion Ken Dallafior Delivers Keynote on Role That Hard Work and Dreaming Big Play in Success
Nestled on the outdoor pavilion at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC), on a warm June afternoon, 22 college-bound students – along with their family members and sponsors – enjoyed a gourmet lunch with a breathtaking backdrop of Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, at the 16th Annual Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation (MIRF) Scholarship Luncheon.
Unseasonable high humidity didn’t damper the celebration; students were all smiles as they each received a $1,500 scholarship from the MIR Foundation. The room was filled with laughter and warm conversations as everyone arrived and mingled while enjoying the street-level views of Detroit’s Stadium District.
Students were joined by family members and seated with their sponsors enabling them to network directly with business leaders. The luncheon served as an opportunity for guests to socialize and share personal stories and accomplishments and learn more about the business owners.
MIRF Chairman, Bill Wild, took to the stage to welcome everyone to the sold-out annual event. “Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients,” he said. “This period marks a key milestone in your educational career, and we couldn’t be prouder to help you along this journey”
Wild started the ceremony by recognizing all the sponsors and thanking parents for their sacrifices and continuous support of their college bound children. He briefly explained the history of the MIR Foundation, including when it was founded, and the services provided. MIRF works to support students in furthering their education through scholarships. Board member ,Mike Cavin of Republic National Distributing Company, sang the National Anthem before students were presented with their scholarships.
As each student approached the stage to receive their scholarship check from Wild, Vanesa Denha Garmo announced their name, read a short bio, and quoted each student’s favorite inspirational quote.
Kenneth R. Dallafior, executive vice president of the Blue Cross Health Plan Business Division served as the event’s keynote speaker. Dallafior, a former professional football player who spent time with the Detroit Lions from 1989-1992, shared his experience growing up in south Madison Heights and how he worked hard to never give up on his dreams.
Dallafior spoke to the importance of developing a personal brand identity and encouraged the students to begin thinking of their own. Dallafior shared that his personal brand identity was based on the thought that, “I will outwork everyone- every day.” He added “If know that if I prepare myself by by doing that, I know I will be in the top echelon.”
Dallafior spoke of his time in the NFL, and the several times he was disappointed but always believed in himself. He left the scholars with, “I will just tell you this – you just need to dream big and please do not put limitations on yourself. I understand that you have to be realistic but sometimes, for growth, it’s ok to be unrealistic and take it upon yourself to dream big.”
“His message was inspiring and will be one that students will remember for years to come. I appreciated his focus on the importance of hard work,” remarked MIRA Board of Director, Marvin Jarbo.
