Simone Biles, the American artistic gymnast who holds 19 Olympic and World Championship Medals, will headline as the first female honoree at the Annual Champion Honors Luncheon benefitting the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center as the 2018 Champion Honoree. Biles, who starred in Rio de Janeiro at the 2016 Olympic Games with four gold medals, will share with the luncheon audience a rare and unforgettable, intimate conversation with a special celebrity at the Champion Honors Luncheon on March 9, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Indian Wells.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected as the Champion Honoree at the Barbara Sinatra Center’s Annual Champion Honors Luncheon,” said Biles. “The Barbara Sinatra Center has impacted the lives of so many children and I am thrilled to be a part of this event to support the continued growth and efforts of this incredible organization.”

Athletes that have been a part of this great event in the past include Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Michael Phelps among others.

In a prepared statement, Event Chair and Center Trustee, Hal Gershowitz added, “We are delighted Simone is coming to share her incredible story of determination and accomplishment with us. Simone’s achievements as a gymnast are astonishing, including four gold medals and three straight World titles, but it’s inspiring that she has accomplished these accolades having begun her journey as a foster child. Now, with the love and support of her adopted parents, she is committed to giving back through her work with foster kids and her family’s Academy, the World Champions Center in Spring, Texas.”

Biles in October announced her plans to return to full-time training this fall after using the past year to recover. Her goal is to compete at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

John Thoresen, Executive Officer of the Children’s Center said luncheon tickets to see and hear the 20 year-old Olympic phenomenon will go quickly.  “While we have a history of attracting world class athletes and sports executives to our luncheon, this will be our first female honoree and we are excited to have Simone as our headliner especially in the middle of training for the 2020 Games in Tokyo,” Thoresen added.

People wishing tables of 10 or individual tickets are encouraged to contact the Children’s Center at 760-773-1636 for more information.

Founded in 1986 by Barbara and Frank Sinatra, the mission of the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children is to counsel children suffering the effects of abuse, and to focus on prevention, community education and breaking the cycle of generational abuse. No child is ever turned away due to a family’s ability to pay.  Since 1986 over 22,000 children have been served.  The Children’s Center is located on the campus of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. www.barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org.