Dave Pelzer is keynote at The Center for Women and Families annual Speaking of Women luncheon

Dave Pelzer
is a living testament of a self-made man. As a child he feared for his life,
but had the resilience to overcome extreme obstacles to become the man he is
today, inspiring others to lead fulfilling lives.

Thursday, Sept. 26, beginning at
11:30 a.m., at the Waterview in Monroe, we all have the chance to hear his
story of survival and hope at the 16th annual Speaking of Women luncheon, The
Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County’s biggest fundraiser
of the year. Proceeds from the event will help The Center continue its work of
advocacy, education and crisis services for those shattered by domestic abuse,
sexual assault and bullying.

Pelzer has dedicated his life to
helping others become the best that they can be. “Your experiences – the good,
the bad and the ugly – are what make you you,” Pelzer says. “No person is
without conflict. But it is how you deal with those conflicts that determine
who you are.”

In addition to his motivational
speeches, Pelzer is the author of seven books, five of which are New York Times
bestsellers. His first, “A Child Called It,” recounts his life as a child, when
he was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic
mother, a mother who played tortuous games that left him nearly dead. It is the
first of a trilogy that includes “The Lost Boy” and “A Man Named Dave.” His
latest book, “Moving Forward,” suggests ways for readers to let go of their
pasts and use negative experiences to make them stronger.

“We couldn’t
be more excited to have Dave Pelzer speak at our luncheon,” says Debra
Greenwood, CEO/President of The Center. “His message is everlasting and one
that is important for us all to hear. With the needed resources, such as the
ones The Center provides, survival after trauma is possible. 

“Speaking of Women is our most
important event of the year, the one on which we rely to provide us with the
needed funds to help those shattered by domestic violence and sexual assault,”
she adds. “We encourage everyone to attend. Even if you have never heard of
Dave Pelzer, once you listen to him speak, he will stay in your memory for
years to come.”

In addition to Pelzer’s speech,
The Center will unveil important news at the luncheon, which will improve our
core services: turning victims of domestic violence and sexual assault into
survivors in the six towns The Center serves, Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield,
Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull and educating children about ways to build
healthy relationships without bullying and teen dating violence.

All proceeds from the luncheon
support The Center’s services, including 24-hour hotlines in English and
Spanish, an emergency shelter, support groups, community education, counseling,
and advocacy to navigate medical, legal, and government processes related to
domestic and sexual violence.

Title Sponsors for this
year’s event include People’s United Bank, People’s United Wealth Management
and Elizabeth M. Pfriem. If you are interested in attending or becoming a
corporate sponsor, please contact Sarah Lubarsky at 203-334-6154, ext. 31, or
slubarsky@cwfefc.org. Cost is $175 per ticket, which includes lunch.

ABOUT THE
CENTER FOR WOMEN AND FAMILIES

The Center for Women and Families
of Eastern Fairfield County Inc., has been helping those in crisis for 116
years, providing free, confidential, bilingual services to victims of domestic
violence, child abuse and sexual assault who live in Bridgeport, Easton,
Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Additionally, each year, The Center
teaches more than 7,000 children and teens about how to build healthy
relationships, the dangers of bullying and how to prevent dating violence;
answers more than 2,000 calls on its 24-hour crisis hotline; assists with the
civil and criminal court processes for more than 3,000 survivors of domestic
violence; responds to more than 300 survivors of sexual assault and their
families; provides a safe home for more than 100 women and children freeing
domestic abuse; and coordinates the investigations of more than 100 cases of
child sexual and severe physical abuse, developing service plans for the young
survivors and their families. For more information, visit www.cwfefc.org.