The Harker School has long supported the YWCA of Silicon Valley’s annual luncheon each year hosting a table of Harker students who have a special passion for that year’s topic.

This year some of Harker’s budding historians will hear keynote speaker Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, talk about leaders who have shaped the United States. Goodwin wrote what reportedly is one of President Obama’s favorite books, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” She won the Pulitzer Prize for “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.”

The 20th annual luncheon will be held Tues., Nov. 16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Event proceeds will support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. The networking social will begin at 11 a.m., with the luncheon following from noon to 1:30 p.m.

“Our guests have expressed a great deal of excitement around having Goodwin speak,” said Sharon Winston, 2010 event chair, “and the YWCA is delighted to have so many new and returning guests at the luncheon providing support for vital programs and services.” Winston added that this year, more than 1,500 guests are expected.

Each year, more than 40 companies and hundreds of individuals sponsor the YWCA’s luncheon. Past speakers have included Isabelle Allende, Gloria Steinem, Sally Ride, Janet Reno and Mary Lou Retton.

This is a non-ticketed fundraiser; guests attend as an individual or sponsored guest. An appeal will be made during the event, requesting a minimum donation of $150. To reserve a seat, please contact LaDonna Curteman at 408.295.4011, ext. 216 or events@ywca-sv.org. More information can be found at www.ywca-sv.org.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. They provide programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in the county for more than 100 years.