John O’Brien: author, businessman, and child advocate.
Join author John O’Brien, author of Semisweet: An Orphan’s Journey Through the School the Hersheys Built, on Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon at the Oxford Community Center.
John A. “Johnny” O’Brien is the President Emeritus of the Milton Hershey School, Trustee Emeritus of Princeton University and the founder of Renaissance Leadership, Inc. Semisweet is the story of his 65 year journey with the Milton Hershey School.
“It begins when I am dropped off like soiled laundry at age 3 after our father murdered our mother in an alcoholic haze,” O’Brien said. “My brother Frankie was 5. I attracted mentors and coaches and thrived at the School. Frankie would not be so lucky. As I headed off to Princeton and Johns Hopkins to kick-start a fulfilling career, my brother was being carted to the state mental asylum.”
In a riveting and haunting account, O’Brien tells a universal story about the vulnerability of needy children, describes the madness that consumed his beloved brother, explores the cruelty of bullies – both young and old, exposes the corrupting influence of money, and shows how the Milton Hershey School continues its sacred mission of saving thousands of America’s neediest children. The School now has over 11 billion in assets and provides extensive support for children, spending an average of over $100,000 per child.
Boxed lunches are available for pre-order for $10. Call the Oxford Community Center to reserve: 410-226-5904. The book talk is free.
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