ROTARY LUNCHEON: Zak Franet: Youth & Homelessness

Zak Franet, a government relations and public affairs professional, will speak about his path to recovery from his experience as a homeless youth with addiction.

Zak is a 25-year-old Bay Area native. During his youth, experiences with trauma, instability, and loss led to him turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, eventually leading him into homelessness for several years. After completing recovery, Zak has been a dedicated advocate for youth experiencing homelessness, serving as the chair of Larkin Street's Youth Advisory Board, on the Executive Committee of the Youth Policy and Advisory Committee where he helped acquire a $3 million dollar HUD grant to support young people experiencing homelessness, and was appointed by former Mayor Ed Lee to the San Francisco Youth Commission, in addition to numerous other philanthropic and community-facing roles.

His prior speaking experience includes serving as the auctioneer for the Castro Country Club's Harvest Feast, as the Master of Ceremonies for Larkin Street Youth Service's annual Paving the Way gala, and as a keynote speaker for Tipping Point's annual benefit. Zak is excited to share his personal experience, the "state of the movement" as it pertains to young people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, and his strength and hope with the Rotary Club of San Francisco.

Each luncheon ticket includes a three-course lunch. Tickets are $40 each; $35 for Club members who register online in advance (online registration closes at 5PM the day before the meeting). Payment by credit card or check is preferred. Tickets available for purchase only at the door.