Dave Pelzer

1 review

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

San Francisco, CA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info
Author, Change Management, College, Education, Empowerment, Family & Parenting, Health & Wellness, Inspirational, Literacy, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Poetry, Social Activism, Storytelling, Youth
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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 11/17/2025.

Dave Pelzer Speaking Topics

  • The Real Heroes

    Presentation Length: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes

    This rare heart-felt program is given by a man whose life was saved by a system that many ridicule as being useless and incompetent. This highly emotional presentation pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the life of a child, while at the same time educating the general public about the challenges faced by those in their chosen field. Dave carefully weaves the story of how his life was saved by teachers, a school nurse, the police department, social services, and the foster care system. This is the perfect keynote for those within the system who are in need of a positive shot in the arm from a man who, too, has dedicated his life to helping others.

    Objectives:

    • Pay homage to the countless individuals who are on the front lines in their battle to save the children.
    • Encourage others to get involved in their community by revealing the importance of their assistance.

  • Help Yourself for Teens

    Zoom Only

    Program Length: 45-90 minutes

    Dave Pelzer has given thousands of presentations to various middle schools, high schools, and juvenile detention facilities throughout the nation. He has emphasized a message of accountability and resilience to young adults no matter what their past or hardships.

    Having endured one of the worst cases of child abuse in California’s history and placed in foster care before becoming a counselor at juvenile hall years later, Dave knows all too well the troubles and temptations facing teens today.

    Help Yourself for Teens is a Zoom presentation based on the self-titled book which places a strong focus on a pyramid strategy of developing the habit of addressing one’s problems, identifying the critical importance of decisions made in the moment, affecting where these decisions can lead to in the future, and for young adults to aspire to self-improvement.

    Throughout the presentation Dave incorporates a comedic wit and a fast-paced sense of humor. While Dave’s program at times is entertaining, his premise is to educate and inspire young adults to become more productive, proactive, and responsible for their own lives.

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Dave Pelzer Videos

Dave Pelzer - Lament of Hope podcast

Dave Pelzer - Lament of Hope podcast

Child abuse survivor Dave Pelzer shares his story of growing up and the hope he sees in the world.

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...

See All Videos »

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

  • 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 $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 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 Author, Change Management, College, Education, Empowerment, Family & Parenting, Health & Wellness, Inspirational, Literacy, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Poetry, Social Activism, Storytelling, Youth

  • 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 The Real Heroes, Help Yourself for Teens and 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 Carlotta Taylor, Erika Gilchrist, Michael Oher, Keith L. Brown and Mandy Lemond. 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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