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Tom Dowling
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Migrant to Millionaire Attorney: Willie Gary to Speak at PCC Banquet
4/7/02: He started as a migrant. Now Willie Gary is a multi-millionaire
attorney, one of the top 50 attorneys in the country and is a sought after
motivational speaker. You can hear Gary’s story when he appears at a
banquet later this
month sponsored by a Polk Community College club.
Gary has a reputation for taking cases where he represents little known people against major corporations and has won some of the biggest awards. In 1998, he won a $500 million settlement, the third largest jury verdict in U.S. history.
Gary will be the keynote speaker at PCC’s Cultural Academic Vocational Experience (CAVE) Club Awards Banquet on April 26, 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Center. The CAVE Club is a student organization dedicated to promoting excellence in today's young men and women. The club motivates students and recognizes those who excel in academics, community, and/or campus activities.
Gary’s triumphant rise to the top stems from the work ethic he learned as one of 11 children in his family. They all worked in migrant farm communities throughout Florida and the south. He knew education was the way out of the fields and Gary was committed to excelling first in high school and later in college. He earned a B.S. in business from Shaw University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University. In 1974, he opened the first black law firm in Stuart, Florida.
Since then, Gary’s law practice has grown into a thriving national partnership with 34 attorneys, a team of paralegals and a professional staff of 90.
Gary’s interests extend beyond the courtroom. He is the owner and CEO of the Major Broadcasting Cable network based in Atlanta. MBC is the first cable network devoted to wholesome programming that focuses on America’s urban viewers. In addition to his duties behind the camera, Gary hosts a weekly interview show on MBC called “Spiritual Impact”
Gary often travels on his custom designed Boeing 737 jet. He spent $12 million to decorate the jet. It is equipped with a 42” flat screen TV, 13 other TVs, VCRs, DVDs, a fax machine, six air telephones, a full kitchen and a full dining room.
Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work and is committed to enhance the lives of young people through education and drug prevention. He formed the Gary Foundation to provide scholarships and other assistance to youth. The Gary Foundation has contributed $10 million to Shaw University.
The 19th CAVE Club Awards Day Banquet will be held at the Lakeland Center, 700 W. Lemon St, Lakeland on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $25.00 from CAVE Club sponsor Jan McDougal. She can be reached at 297-1010, extension 5206, or in person in the Student Services offices on the Winter Haven campus.
Further information about Willie Gary is available on his web site: www.williegary.com
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