PRSA Austin is honored to present special guest, Kevin Tuerff, author of Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11

Kevin Tuerff

When Kevin Tuerff and his partner began their flight from France to New York City on September 11th in 2001, they had no idea that the world—and their lives—was about to change forever. As U.S. airspace closed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, Kevin, who was experiencing doubts about organized religion, found himself in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland in Canada with thousands of other refugees or “come from aways” that were stranded on 38 airplanes. Yet, when all seemed dark, the people of Gander rallied and the “plane people” experienced boundless acts of kindness and generosity over the next several days. In Channel of Peace, Kevin tells the story of how Gander’s compassion, then and now, has ignited a spirit of kindness that renewed Kevin’s spirituality and has inspired a new tradition of an annual “giving back” day at Kevin’s company that has since spread.

Join us Thursday, February 20 as we hear Kevin share his story and the work he is doing with The Ripple Effect of Compassion,” which focuses on kindness to strangers, immigrants and refugees. He explains how compassionate actions stimulate the brain, producing a "helper's high.” With regular practice of kindness and compassion, science says a person can more likely be healthy and happy.

As CEO of Brokering Goodness, Tuerff brings his 25-years of experience in behavior change communications specializing in public health and the environment to serve as social entrepreneur and leader of the global consulting firm initiating common human decency. As an entrepreneur, he launched several legacy endeavors, including a University of Texas Student-Run Radio, America Recycles Day, EnviroMedia, Green Canary Sustainability Consulting, The Greenwashing Index, and Pay it Forward 9/11.

Register Today as you won't want to miss this special treat! Kevin will also be selling his book. 

Event Details

What: PRSA Austin February Luncheon

Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020

Time: 11:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

  • Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and attendees should plan to arrive by 11:45 a.m. for lunch or earlier if interested in book signing
  • The program will begin promptly at noon and includes interactive dialogue with speaker, book signing and purchase

Location: South Congress Hotel, 1603 South Congress Avenue

  • Lunch included with registration fee
  • Parking available 
*Online registration will close on Monday, February 18 at 5:00 p.m. Event is open to the first 30 people only - limited seating. 

Cost to attend:

**Registrants must be designated as students in our database to receive the student price. Please contact [email protected] for assistance registering as a student. PRSA Austin Chapter has a no refund policy. Substitutions are allowed at no charge.

Come From Away (currently performing in US, Canada, UK and Australia), will be performed at Bass Concert Hall Feb. 18-23, 2020.