WEST PALM BEACH -- Former Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf will be the guest speaker at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s Eminent Speaker’s Luncheon on March 9, 2010 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion. The luncheon is being presented by PNC.

Serving as president of Pakistan from 2001 – 2008, TIME Magazine described President Pervez Musharraf’s position as “the most dangerous job in the world.” President Musharraf played a crucial role in the global war on terror. President Musharraf has survived two assassination attempts; rooted out militants in his own government; helped direct countless raids against Al Qaeda – both in his cities and in the mountains; and tracked Osama Bin Laden with technical and human intelligence.

“The timing for President Musharraf’s visit could not be more relevant,” stated Wally Turner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Co-chair of the Luncheon. “The global war on terror continues in intensity, evidenced by the wars still raging in Afghanistan and Iraq, tensions rising with Iran and the most recent failed Christmas attack. President Musharraf has been instrumental in pleading for understanding in his country’s fight against terrorism, and everyday life in a region that is deemed central to the outcome of that battle. This is an extraordinary opportunity for each of us to gain a better understanding of a region that remains critical to our national security.”

The Eminent Speaker’s Luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.  Ticket prices for this sell-out event start at $250.  Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available.

President Musharraf chronicles his struggles for security and the political future of his nation, with high stakes for the world at large in his book, “In the Line of Fire.” Addressing these and other timely topics, President Musharraf is sure to enlighten an understanding of world politics and security. This will be an important and timely event.

Past luncheon speakers have included Mikhail Gorbachev, former President George H. W. Bush, Queen Noor of Jordan, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, General Colin Powell, Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. These individuals have offered keen insights and enlightening views on world affairs to Palm Beach audiences.  All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to fund Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs for the county’s most disadvantaged youth. 

Tom Quick and Wally Turner, who both serve on the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Directors, are co-chairmen of the Eminent Speaker’s Luncheon.  Among the committee members are Brooks & Allison Bishop, Alan & Kathy Bleznak, Reid Boren, Bill Caler, Michael Carr, Juan Cocuy, Mark & Paula Cook, Alex Donner, David Donten, Susie Dwinell, Llwyd & Diana Ecclestone, Laura Evans, CeCe Farris, John D. Firestone, Jack Flagg, Kim Fonseca, The Honorable Rex J. Ford, Bruce & Jill Goodman, Craig Grant, Jim Harpel, Richard & Mary Harrington, Hank & Sylvia James, Howard & Michele Kessler, Tom & Carol Kirchhoff, Kevin & Karyn Lamb, Joe & Victoria Mele, Ross W. W. Meltzer,  Kelly & Danielle Moore, Brett Price, Tricia Quick, Alex & Mary Ross, Betsy Turner, David Ober, Marsha Tanner Wilson, and Jamie & Mac Zahringer.

Joining title sponsor, PNC, some lead supporters of the event are Jim Harpel, Tom Quick, Helen Harding Abell, Charles & Ann Johnson Foundation, Deutsche Bank. Alex Brown, John D. Firestone, Frank Crystal & Company, Kelly & Danielle Moore, The Willits Foundation, Wally & Betsy Turner, Vincent Ricardel Photography, Brooks & Allison Bishop, C. Kenneth & Laura Baxter Foundation, Michael Carr, Celedinas & Reese Insurance, George & Tiffany Cloutier, Mark & Paula Cook, Denton Pond & Landscape, Fite Shavell & Associates, Kim Fonseca~ Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Gunster, Attorneys at Law, Christine D. Hanley & Associates, P.A., Richard & Mary Harrington, Julie Kime ~ Allstate Insurance, Howard & Michele Kessler, Joe & Victoria Mele, Ross W. W. Meltzer, Northern Trust Value Investors, Sotheby’s International Realty and Toshiba Business Solutions.

More than 7,500 children participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs programs at one of 13 clubhouses throughout Palm Beach County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is the county’s largest not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to serving youth from 6 to 18 years of age, particularly those from disadvantaged circumstances.  The Clubs emphasize educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership, and character building skills in a positive and safe atmosphere.   Through quality programs, the Club experience provides children with the guidance they need to make a healthy transition from childhood to young adulthood.

For sponsorship or underwriting information or to reserve your seat/s, call Sara Mariani at 561-683-3287 ext. 28.