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Dave Pelzer

Counselor, Comedian & Expert on Foster Care, Resilience, and Personal Growth; Bestselling Author of "A Child Called 'It'"

Dave Pelzer
Travels From Travels From:
San Francisco, CA, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000
Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Authors, Change Management, College, Education, Empowerment, Family & Parenting, Health, Inspirational, Literacy, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Poetry, Social Activism, Storytelling
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Dave Pelzer Biography

In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience, enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. For well over 25 years, Pelzer’s inspirational work has encouraged countless organizations and millions of individuals to recommit their efforts and remain steadfast to their convictions and personal growth.

Pelzer has experienced a truly adventurous extraordinary life. At age 12, Pelzer was rescued and placed in a series of foster homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a member of the armed forces, Pelzer was hand-picked to midair refuel the then highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While serving on active duty and maintaining a rigorous flight schedule, Pelzer made time to give of himself. In 1990, Pelzer was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.

Some of Pelzer’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through several prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from four U.S. Presidents. In 1993, Pelzer was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group including: John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, and Elvis Presley. In 1994, Pelzer was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World. In 1996, he carried the coveted centennial flame for the Olympic Games. In 2005, Pelzer was the recipient of the National Jefferson Award, which is considered the Pulitzer Prize of public service. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor, Robert De Niro, and Oprah Winfrey.

Unbeknown to the general public, from 2006 – 2010, while at extreme risk plus using his own time and expense, Pelzer spent weeks at a time visiting the troops in the Middle East and South West Asia, providing counseling and comedic presentations to embedded troops.

For nearly a decade, when not on the road speaking, performing radio presentations, or offering counseling services, Pelzer serves his community as a volunteer Fire Captain. He has served in many explosive fires and floods. For his efforts, Pelzer was twice selected as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Pelzer is the author of eight inspirational books. Dave’s first book, "A Child Called 'It'," was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record setting 6 years. His books were on the same Best Sellers List well over 12 years. Pelzer was the first author to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Pelzer is a living testament of a self-made man. Pelzer’s unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his “Robin Williams” like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage all of us to deeply commit to overcome any challenge. Pelzer has literally dedicated his life to helping others . . . to help themselves.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/01/2024.

Dave Pelzer Speaking Topics

  • Your Resolve

Dave Pelzer Videos

  • Speaking on Care Lodge 25th Annual Conference
    Speaking on Care Lodge 25th Annual Conference
    In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles....
  • On Child Abuse - Dave Pelzer
    On Child Abuse - Dave Pelzer
    Dave’s inspirational work has encouraged countless organizations and millions of individuals to recommit their efforts and remain steadfast to...
  • Stories of Child Abuse with Dave Pelzer | Kids' Rights | Clip | CLS
    Stories of Child Abuse with Dave Pelzer | Kids' Rights | Clip | CLS
    Dave Pelzer, author of "A Child Called It," talks about the generational cycle of child abuse he experienced that results in so many children ending...
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Dave Pelzer Books

  • Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic
    Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic
  • Too Close to Me: The Middle-Aged Consequences of Revealing a Child Called
    Too Close to Me: The Middle-Aged Consequences of Revealing a Child Called "It"
  • Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life
    Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life
  • Help Yourself for Teens: Real-Life Advice for Real-Life Challenges
    Help Yourself for Teens: Real-Life Advice for Real-Life Challenges
  • The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story
    The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story
  • A Man Named Dave
    A Man Named Dave

Speaker Lists Featuring Dave Pelzer

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FAQs on booking Dave Pelzer

  • How do I book Dave Pelzer to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dave Pelzer for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dave Pelzer, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dave Pelzer or any other speaker of your choice.

  • What are the speaker fees for Dave Pelzer

    Speaking fees for Dave Pelzer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dave Pelzer are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dave Pelzer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Dave Pelzer speak about?

    Dave Pelzer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Authors, Change Management, College, Education, Empowerment, Family & Parenting, Health, Inspirational, Literacy, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Poetry, Social Activism, Storytelling.

  • Where does Dave Pelzer travel from?

    Dave Pelzer generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

  • Who is Dave Pelzer’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Dave Pelzer for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dave Pelzer for your next private or corporate function.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Dave Pelzer or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

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Dave Pelzer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Your Resolve. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dave Pelzer for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Dave Pelzer generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Victoria Rowell, Erin Merryn, Michael Oher, James Garbarino and Dr. Brenda Combs, Ed.D.. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dave Pelzer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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