Dave Pelzer is recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected communicators addressing corporate groups and human service professionals. Dave's presentations provide an emotional and encouraging message that touches the hearts of the audience. His keynotes and seminars target internal motivation, overcoming obstacles and personal responsibility.

Dave has experienced a truly extraordinary life. As a child, he nearly died several times by the hands of his mentally disturbed, alcoholic mother. At age 12, Dave was rescued and placed in foster care until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a young adult, he was determined to better himself - no matter what the odds.

As a member of the armed forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in the Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Some of Dave's distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. In 1990, he was the recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group of alumni which includes: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Anne Bancroft, Orson Welles, Walt Disney and Nelson Rockefeller In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as one of The Outstanding Young Persons of the World. He also carried the coveted Centennial flame for the 1996 Olympics. Dave was paid tribute as the recipient of the 2005 National Jefferson Award. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O'Conner and Bob Hope.

Dave is the author of six inspirational books, two of which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His latest book, Help Yourself for Teens, August 2005, deals with assisting young adults through real life situations.

Dave Pelzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Child Called "It", (nominated for the Pulitzer Prize), The Lost Boy, A Man Named Dave, Help Yourself, (nominated for the Pultizer Prize) and The Priviledge of Youth. A Child Called "It" has been on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 6 years and Dave's books have been on the same Best Sellers LIst approaching 13 years combined. As an author, Dave is the first to have four #1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Dave travels throughout the nation speaking to large groups of youth and adults on the topics of resilience and overcoming obstacles. His unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his "Robin Williams" like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage men and women to overcome any obstacle while living life to its fullest. He has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", "Larry King Live" and "The Montel Williams Show", among other national shows.

Dave is a living testament of resilience, faith in humanity, and personal responsibility. This is what makes him one of the most exceptional and unequaled personalities of today. As an author, educator, and consultant, Dave has dedicated his life helping others...to help themselves. Experience the ultimate victory of the human spirit. Experience Dave Pelzer!

Help Yourself Objectives:

• Getting Rid of the Garbage in Your Life
• Knowing What You Want From Life
• How to Pursue a Truly Happy Life