Delray Beach – A new year brings a new focus to the signature fundraiser of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. In 2010, Willie E. Gary, Esq., will be the featured guest speaker, at the Spady Museum’s “Legacy of Champions” Luncheon.

The event, which benefits the museum's children's programs, is scheduled for 11 a.m. April 17 at the Delray Beach Marriott, 10 North Ocean Boulevard. Tickets are $100.

The Spady Museum welcomes new honorary chair Dr. Talbert O. Shaw and 2010 honorees Rita Ellis, former mayor of Delray Beach; Perry Stokes, a vocalist, playwright and drama coach at Carver Middle School; Addie Greene, former Palm Beach County Commissioner; Tony Newbold; External Affairs Area Manager for FP&L; and the Keith Straghn Foundation for their outstanding community service.

WPTV News Channel 5 personality Tania Rogers will return as Mistress of Ceremonies. The gala co-chairs are Robbie Alexander, Joycelyn Patrick, and Gladys Whigham.

A personal friend of honorary chair Dr. Shaw, Mr. Gary will speak on “Dream Big Dreams; Refuse to be Denied,” focusing the next generation of community champions.

Earning his reputation as “The Giant Killer” by taking down some of America’s most well-known corporate giants on behalf of his clients, Mr. Gary has won some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history. More than 150 of his cases are valued in excess of $1 million each. Mr. Gary’s amazing success has earned him national recognition as a leading trial attorney.

Mr. Gary attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he earned an athletic scholarship. Gary went on to become the co-captain of the football team during the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Gary attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1974.

“Mr. Gary is a wonderful guest speaker for our first ‘Legacy of Champions’ luncheon because he represents the success we can achieve and the support we can give others if we apply our talents to a high goal,” said Executive Director Daisy Fulton. “We are extremely excited to have Mr. Gary as the headliner of our newly revamped signature event and invite the entire community to come out and help us celebrate our champions in every arena.”