Detroit, Mich. - International bestselling author Dave Pelzer will present "The Real Heroes" at 6 p.m. March 31 in the Wayne State University Community Arts Building.

Pelzer's talk pays homage to the past, present and future educators, social services, foster care, law enforcement and volunteers who make a difference in a child's life and the professions that save him or her from abusers.

Sponsored by the WSU School of Social Work's Student Organization and Alumni Association, the event is free and open to the public, including WSU students and employees. Tickets will become available on March 8 from the Dean of Students Office, 351 Student Center, and in the School of Social Work Office of Admissions and Student Services, Room 105, Thompson Home. A survivor of child abuse, Pelzer is the #1 New York Times and #1 International bestselling author of A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy, A Man Called Dave and Help Yourself. His fifth book, The Privilege of Youth, was released in January.

Pelzer has received personal commendations by former presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton as well as President George W. Bush and if recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, making him California Volunteer of the Year. In 1993, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Americans. In 1994, he was the only American to be honored as one of The Outstanding Young Persons of the World.

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