August 3, 2012

Christopher Patrick White

Denver, CO

To Whom it may concern,

My name is Christopher White and I want CNN to fly me to Charlotte! In 2008 I was hired by the Union Square Hospitality Group to work in the kitchen at the CNN Grill, in both Denver, CO and St. Paul, MN. We worked about 18 hours a day for 10 days straight. Those two events changed my life forever! Since working at the CNN Grill, I aggressively pursued my dream, working my way to the top of my employment field and obtained my first Food and Beverage Director/Executive Chef position for an assisted living community in Littleton, Colorado. I've had a 29 year culinary career and I've done it all while having Epilepsy. Formerly a Culinary Instructor for a non-profit organization, Work Options for Women, and now a Banquet Chef at the Denver Country Club, I am also currently volunteering with the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado. We are hoping to begin a culinary program for young adults who want a culinary career that have Epilepsy. My goal is to teach young adults with Epilepsy how to manage their disability and still achieve their career and life goals. I want CNN to fly me to Charlotte so I may represent a class of Americans with disabilities that honor, respect and rely on the political process to elect an individual that will continue to fight for the disabled through legislation and commit to funding current programs and new opportunities for the needs of all disabled Americans. In 2008, I was truly inspired by the CNN crew and news team to be the best at what I do, and that has what has led to the last four years of my success. I feel that by going to the 2012 Democratic Convention, I will continue to inspire young adults with Epilepsy to reach for the stars! Attending both conventions in 2008 was hard work and I am truly grateful for the experience. I learned my true potential and what I am capable of doing with this disability. I look forward to becoming part of that wonderful team once again and Let's go to Charlotte!

Sincerely,

Christopher P. White