When he was a young baseball player, winning awards and capturing the attention of scouts, Pedro LaTorre was on his way to and dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player.
A career-ending injury in high school cut the dream short.
It forced him to redefine his purpose.
“We are so excited to have him as our speaker!!” said Gingerbread Executive Director Jessica Milan Miller in an email.
LaTorre, of Nashville, Tenn., will share his story Oct. 28 at the usually sold-out Gingerbread House-Children’s Advocacy Center “Partners in Prevention 2026 Luncheon.” It will be held at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino. Time: 11:30 a.m., doors open; noon to 1:30 p.m., program. Prices range from $500 for a Hope Sponsor to $5,000 for a Guardian Sponsor. Information: gingerbreadhousecac.org; (318) 674-2900.
This year’s fundraiser theme is a fiesta-inspired celebration, said Miller.
She asks fans to: “Join us in celebrating the bright and beautiful courage that children served by Gingerbread House show every day by wearing your brightest and most beautiful fiesta-inspired outfit/attire to the luncheon.”
LaTorre’s biography points out that he grew up in a broken home and navigated childhood trauma.
Through such experiences, he learned how to adapt, pivot and evolve and shaped his ability to help others overcome life’s challenges.
At just 17, he started speaking up.
He is the author of “The Middle Seat: Stop Craving Platforms, Start Loving People,” a book that challenges readers to lead with humility and service.
LaTorre follows such other past nationally recognized luncheon speakers as Utah kidnapping victim Elizabeth Smart. Also: Missing Children advocate John Walsh and former “Miss America” Marilyn Van Derbur.
As for Gingerbread House, its mission is “To lessen the trauma experienced by child victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and child sex trafficking,” according to press information.
“Allegations are investigated and support provided for the child victim throughout the investigation, prosecution and treatment phases of the case,” emphasized the information.
A long list of programs includes: Forensic interviews; Family Advocacy and Outreach Service; and Anti-Human Trafficking Care & Coordination.
All are offered free of charge to child victims so no child is ever turned away due to a family’s inability to pay for services, according to Gingerbread House information provided by Gingerbread Executive Director Miller.
