For over 30 years, Erik Rees has empowered people to help others. Beginning his career in 1993 at Saddleback Church, he helped grow the congregation from 3,000 to over 30,000 in 20 years and trained church leaders globally. He authored best-selling books like SHAPE: Finding & Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life and Only You Can Be You: 21 Days to Living Your Purpose.

On March 3, 2011, Erik and his wife, Stacey, learned their 11-year-old daughter, Jessie, had terminal brain cancer. During her treatment, Jessie created JoyJars for other kids fighting cancer and adopted the motto NEGU (Never Ever Give Up). Jessie passed away on January 5, 2012.

Since 2011, the Jessie Rees Foundation, led by Erik and Stacey, has raised over $38M, involved over 60,000 volunteers, sent out over 475,000 JoyJars, and given over $3M in financial support. Visit www.negu.org for more information.

Erik and Stacey live in Orange County, California, near their two grown children, Shaya and JT, along with their dogs.