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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.

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“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.








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