Colorado Singles Resource Guide - Fall 2007 - (Page 36) Malibu with her third hubby, who has become a wonderful friend, I love him like a brother.” To Mark, fatherhood is his ultimate achievement, and he values nothing more than being a devoted dad. When he married the second time, daughter Rachel was a blessing of the union, but this marriage also failed. “I was married to Rachel’s mom for five years. I fought hard to keep that marriage together, but I was not successful. Being a father is a tremendous responsibility that I cherish. It was a poke in the eye when Rachel’s mom left, and if that poke wasn’t enough, Fox Sports Network took over the University of Colorado coaches show I was hosting on Channel 4, and I was out of a job that I loved. It was then that it became quite apparent to me, like a message from above, it was not the adversity that mattered, but the outcome.” Mark claims he’s had “a little money, some fame, but certainly not fortune,” during his life’s journey, finding that perfect soul mate, however, has evaded this charismatic persona. He pursued a spiritual path to find inner answers and solutions to the void in his life, and reveals, “I was dating a woman who attended Mile High Church in Lakewood, CO, and I liked the spirit I felt there. They offered Science of the Mind classes, taught by Cynthia James, who was a former actress and professional singer. She encouraged me to share my story of life’s unexpected twists and turns and she instilled in me that my story would help others overcome their own personal challenges. That idea “There’s fear in putting yourself out there again, and it’s easy to become insecure and think you’re incapable of sustaining a relationship.” became the inception of Victory Productions, a company I started in 2004. I wanted to honor the mentors of my life, like James, who have inspired me through athletics, academics, business, family and life, so I became an inspirational keynote speaker and writer. I want people to know that even though life pokes us in the eye, we can achieve personal and professional success if we react positively to change, realize we need one another and have the courage, despite life’s setbacks, to continually pursue our dreams and goals. We have to push fear and self-doubt aside and become courageous in the pursuit of our dreams and goals.” This twice divorced dad of two knows the deception of pride and ego, and draws strength from his spiritual faith, athletic training and professional achievements. “It’s imperative not to hold a grudge. You must forgive others, starting with yourself. You have to take risks, and not hold back. In the words of William Shakespeare, ‘Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.’” It’s difficult to fathom Mark being a shy youngster who hid behind his mother’s apron. For all that he has and still hopes to accomplish, he’s not afraid to admit that there is fear in this single dad’s life. “No one wants to think of being alone for the rest of their life,” Mark reveals. This is as much about himself as it is about other single people. “There’s fear in putting yourself out there again, and it’s easy to become insecure and think you’re incapable of sustaining a relationship, but I feel fortunate at this time to have a darling girlfriend and I feel very safe and secure in our relationship. No one wants to put pain back into their lives or live life being fearful that you’ll always be alone. I admit, I’ve been there, and I’ve sought counsel, read self-help books and it’s still a constant struggle. I know how easy it is to operate out of fear instead of courage, but we have in the community Mark’s daughter Rachel attends Good Shepherd Catholic School, and Mark has become involved in creating a nonprofit foundation that raises money to provide salary bonuses and continuing education assistance to schools’ teachers. “Many years ago, the school lost an amazing third grade teacher due to his $19K annual salary,” Mark claims. “Caring for Our Kids Mentors is the motto of our foundation, and like minded people have come together with a concerted effort to raise funds for our amazing teachers.” Assistant Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic School, Patty Cisle, praises Mark’s zeal and drive in originating the Good Shepherd’s Teacher foundation. “When Mark learned we were losing teachers because they would make more money teaching in public schools, he brought several parents together to start the foundation. The first year they raised $30,000 for our school, and last year it was $130,000. The funds go directly to the teachers as a bonus, and although it doesn’t compete with public school salaries, teachers are touched to see the commitment from the parents to keep them on our staff. Through the Good Shepherd’s foundation, i receive $7,500 to put towards continuing education programs.” The Cherry Creek Children’s Choir is another amazing avenue, Patty credits Mark’s organization. “A parent called Mark and said they had $10,000 to donate to a children’s choir. The timing was perfect, as we just hired Lynne Phillips to be our music teacher. Students from Good Shepherd comprised 95% of the choir, and students from The Waldorf School and Bromwell Elementary also participate. The first year the choir performed, in 2006, they won an award at the Colorado Springs Music festival, and in April 2007 they sang at Carnegie Hall Music festival.” Patty proclaims Mark is “solutions-oriented,” as well as “a team player, leader in the community and a positive person.” But the catalyst of her compliments hits closer to home. “Mark is a good dad,” and isn’t that the foundation of creating a truly rewarding life? FALL 2007
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