The Winners’ Circle Breakfast Club was founded in San Diego by a dynamic minister, Terry Cole-Whittaker. Honolulu residents Roger Lane and Samantha Hampton attended in 1979, and were inspired to create a WCBC in Honolulu.
On June 17, 1980, Winners’ Circle was launched at the Ala Moana Hotel. Captain Gerald Coffee was the keynote speaker and Len Merson was the emcee. It was an instant hit, filling the need for an uplifting gathering place where like-minded people could connect and network.
Following Cole-Whittaker’s model, meetings were held every Tuesday morning from 7:00 – 8:30. Emphasis was placed on an optimistic and practical “consciousness model” which was comprised of nine precepts. (Among them: To speak only with good purpose and to value my fellow people.)
Honolulu newcomer, Pam Chambers, formed an association with Lane and Hampton and accepted the role as director of WCBC. For nearly a decade, she led the organization, recruited volunteers, booked speakers, and created special events which benefited the community.
Throughout the years, thousands of breakfasts were served and hundreds of speakers took the stage. A relatively unknown Tony Robbins spoke about his goal to become the best motivational speaker in the world. Winning people with winning attitudes came from all walks of life and industry to share their positive messages. Most weeks the attendance was close to 100. When Terry Cole-Whittaker came to speak, over 300 people packed the room.
Other speakers of note were Stewart Emery, Trinidad Hunt, Pastor Doug Olson, Chuck Spezzano, Marshall Thurber, David Neenan, Wally Amos, Paul and Layne Cutright, and Rev. Helen Street.
Attendees could rent display table space for $5.00 and the price of admission was $6.50 (by 1990 it had crept up to $13.00.)
During the 20 years since its final event at The Pacific Club, fans wistfully wished we could “do it again.”
We can, and we did! On November 9, 2010 we recreated the magic that was Winners’ Circle! Join us!