Jim Towey, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will address the Christian Service Center’s Annual Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, June 24, at 7:30 a.m. This year’s event is being hosted by CNL, and will be held at the Orlando Expo Centre, 500 W. Livingston Street

“We are extremely fortunate to have Jim Towey as our special guest,” said Robert Stuart, Executive Director of the Christian Service Center. “He is a charismatic speaker who has a mission to build partnerships between the federal government and the faith-based and non-profit organizations of our country to help those in need,” Stuart continued.

Jim Towey is no stranger to Florida. He grew up in Jacksonville, and received both his undergraduate and law degree from Florida State. He also ran Florida’s health and social service agency under Democratic Governor Lawton Chiles. Towey also previously served as a Senior Advisor to Republican U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield.

Most significant in Towey’s life, however, was his work and friendship with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Towey met Mother Teresa in 1985, visiting her home for the dying - an event he describes as the “defining moment” in his life. He went on to serve as legal counsel to Mother Teresa of Calcutta for 12 years, and in 1990 lived as a full-time volunteer in her home for people with AIDS in Washington, D.C. Towey also founded and previously ran Aging with Dignity, a national non-profit organization that helps families plan for and discuss the care they want during times of serious illness.

Tickets for the breakfast event are available for $20 each ($160 per table of 8) by calling the Christian Service Center, 407-425-2523 X 222.