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Desmond Clark, Lakeland native, former NFL standout, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized speaker, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida's (BCFCF) Annual Gala on October 3, 2026, at Bonnet Springs Park. For Clark, the Gala is deeply personal. In 2015, he lost his mother after her courageous eight-year battle with breast cancer. Her journey continues to shape his perspective on faith, perseverance, and the importance of supporting families facing one of life's greatest challenges. A 1995 graduate of Kathleen High School, Clark went on to play collegiate football at Wake Forest University before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a 12-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears, where he spent eight seasons and retired as one of the franchise's most accomplished tight ends, ranking second in Bears history in career receptions by a tight end at the time of his retirement. Throughout his playing career and beyond, Clark has remained committed to serving the next generation. In 2008, he founded 88 Wayz Youth Organization, a mentoring program dedicated to helping young people build confidence, character, leadership, and the mindset needed to reach their full potential and become productive adults. Today, Clark is the Founder and CEO of Bear Down Logistics, one of the nation's fastest-growing specialized transportation and logistics companies. He is also the host of the Bear Down Level Up podcast, an author, and a sought-after keynote speaker who inspires audiences with powerful messages on leadership, resilience, purpose, and overcoming adversity. No matter where his career has taken him, Clark has never forgotten his Lakeland roots. He continues to invest his time, resources, and heart into the Polk County community, making this opportunity to support BCFCF especially meaningful. Join us by sponsoring and attending the event! Your support makes a difference. For more information, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/prg. About the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida (BCFCF) BCFCF provides fast, direct financial assistance to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment— covering non-medical essentials like rent, utilities, and transportation— so families can focus on healing, not bills. Learn more and donate at bcfcf.org.
Desmond Clark, Lakeland native, former NFL standout, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized speaker, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida's (BCFCF) Annual Gala on October 3, 2026, at Bonnet Springs Park.
For Clark, the Gala is deeply personal. In 2015, he lost his mother after her courageous eight-year battle with breast cancer. Her journey continues to shape his perspective on faith, perseverance, and the importance of supporting families facing one of life's greatest challenges. A 1995 graduate of Kathleen High School, Clark went on to play collegiate football at Wake Forest University before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a 12-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears, where he spent eight seasons and retired as one of the franchise's most accomplished tight ends, ranking second in Bears history in career receptions by a tight end at the time of his retirement.
Throughout his playing career and beyond, Clark has remained committed to serving the next generation. In 2008, he founded 88 Wayz Youth Organization, a mentoring program dedicated to helping young people build confidence, character, leadership, and the mindset needed to reach their full potential and become productive adults.
Today, Clark is the Founder and CEO of Bear Down Logistics, one of the nation's fastest-growing specialized transportation and logistics companies. He is also the host of the Bear Down Level Up podcast, an author, and a sought-after keynote speaker who inspires audiences with powerful messages on leadership, resilience, purpose, and overcoming adversity. No matter where his career has taken him, Clark has never forgotten his Lakeland roots. He continues to invest his time, resources, and heart into the Polk County community, making this opportunity to support BCFCF especially meaningful.
Join us by sponsoring and attending the event! Your support makes a difference. For more information, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/prg.
About the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida (BCFCF) BCFCF provides fast, direct financial assistance to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment— covering non-medical essentials like rent, utilities, and transportation— so families can focus on healing, not bills. Learn more and donate at bcfcf.org.