i didn't know the lead story on the news that night would be about the charnitski fund.ool and the town bank joined fors to give folks a place to help, to donate, for my family. my grade school principal was on tv talking about what a great kid i am, and what a great family i have. i didn't know strangers would track down, offering food and money and toiletries and gifts and decorated trees, and anything they thought we might need to have some kind of christmas. now, look, maybe you're nothat impressed. maybe u think this is exactly what would happen in a small town a few days before christmas when tragedy strikes. but i had just been crying in a dark church, thinking my life was never going get any better. this outpouring of love and support, to m was a big deal. it was a win. december 21 was the final day of my slump. thanks. (cheers and applause) ♪ i was born in 1928. many, many, many... (applause) things have changed... (applause) ...have changed since then. one thing never changes. god gives us all a purpose. and my daughter had a purpose. so i want to tell you abou