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Lesher Foundation's Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series 24/25 Season
Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series seeks to nurture a community of enthusiastic conversationalists, inspired to discuss important issues with family, friends, and neighbors.
Newsmakers: Sarah Thomas
Presented by the Lesher Foundation
- Date: 06/06/2023 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Location: Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, California 94596 - Introduction: The NFL’s First Female Official. Top Influential NFL Figure.
Individual Tickets On Sale
BUY VUKASIN TICKETS (simulcast)
The Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series is pleased to have We Care Services for Children as our nonprofit partner for this engagement featuring:
Sarah Thomas
The NFL’s First Female Official. One of the Sports Illustrated 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time
On April 8, 2015, Sarah Thomas was one of nine new game officials added to the NFL officiating roster for the 2015 season, becoming the first full-time female official in NFL history. Her history-making game happened on September 13, 2015 between Kansas City and Houston. Her hat, whistle and flag from that game are now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
She began her football officiating career in 1996 when she attended a meeting for aspiring football officials with her brother, Lea. She worked 10 years in high school, doing as many pee- wee, middle school and junior varsity games as she could possibly do. In 2007, she was hired by Conference USA. This was another history-making milestone as Sarah became the first female to officiate for the NCAA’s Major College Football Bowl Division. The hard work allowed her the opportunity to work numerous bowl games, championship games, and All-Star games, giving her exposure to NFL officials who were scouting other officials. Learn more about Sarah Thomas.
Running Time: approx. 90 minutes, with no intermission
Simulcast Available
The presentation in the Vukasin Theatre is a live televised, simulcast viewing.
BUY VUKASIN TICKETS (simulcast)
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About Lesher Foundation
Enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Contra Costa County, California, through the support of children and families, education, and arts and culture.
The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has a clear and simple mission—to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County, California. First established in 1989 by the late Dean Lesher and his wife Margaret, the Lesher Foundation has strong roots in Northern California. Dean Lesher was the founder and publisher of Lesher Communications in Walnut Creek, and subsequently built a chain of local newspapers throughout California. He wanted to give back to the local communities he loved so dearly by funding nonprofits in Contra Costa County. Today, the Foundation continues to uphold this value, giving more than $85 million in grants to date.
The Lesher Foundation is now principally managed by Dean and Margaret’s children and grandchildren. In honor of the philanthropic legacy established by the original donors, the Foundation is deeply committed to funding programs benefitting children and families, particularly those in underserved and low-income areas. Education grants are also a strong focus of giving, targeted toward children and young adults from vulnerable families. Additionally, funding for both the visual and performing arts is a key focus area, as the family believes that a vibrant community includes access to the arts for all its members.
The Foundation advances its mission by believing in the safety, security, and potential of every child, significantly investing in educational opportunities for those underserved, and offering the community the enrichments of the arts. We invite you to read more about our goals and strategies, and welcome your interest in the Foundation.
About Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series
Yesterday
One of the dreams of the late Dean Lesher was to showcase powerful ideals and public discourse on important matters of the day. In 2004, that dream became a reality when the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation donated $1 million to underwrite the very first speaker series at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Today
The Lesher Foundation continues to enthusiastically produce Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series with the support of sponsors that include Diablo Regional Arts Association, KTVU Fox 2, and Diablo Magazine. Each year, the foundation, along with our sponsors and other partners, help select speakers in politics, international affairs, journalism, sports and entertainment to present an array of diverse and engaging topics.
Tomorrow
Our goal is to inspire and inform our audience who we see as warm, engaging and intellectually curious. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to having you attend our 2024/25 series and join in on the conversation.