Atlanta, GA, May 20, 2003 – In what was an emotional and historical moment, Rene Godefroy, a Haitian native who once lived in a dirt-poor village in Haiti, received a key to the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Mayor Jim Naugle presented the Key to Godefroy last night right before he addressed a crowd of about 200 people on the occasion celebrating Haitian Flag Day at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Among those in attendance were United States Senator Bill Nelson’s Executive Director, the Broward County Commissioner, and the Governor’s liaison.

Mayor Jim Naugle said Rene Godefroy is great example of how one can triumph in the face of overwhelming odds. The Mayor told Godefroy that the key entitles one the right to come in out of the city without any restraints.

Four years ago, the City of Smyrna, Georgia, where Godefroy now resides, declared an entire day as “Rene Godefroy Day.” “I am very proud of this honor, mostly because I am Haitian. I want the young Haitians that are growing up in America today to also be as proud as I am to be Haitian. We have so much to offer,” says Godefroy.

Godefroy’s heart-wrenching story of how as a young boy he escaped extreme poverty and illness in a tiny Haitian village to becoming a successful motivational speaker in America captures audiences worldwide.

He arrived illegally in America from Montreal, Canada, wedged between the rear tires of a tractor-trailer truck with five dollars and NO ability to speak English. Today, he is one of America’s most sought after motivational speakers and the CEO of Village Hero, Inc.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls him “a motivational hit.” Miami Times calls him, “the motivational guru.” But thousands come to hear him because he is a simple man with an extraordinary message that is quietly changing lives. Speaking from a depth of experience, Rene inspires others to kick their excuses goodbye and start designing and creating the kind of success they want.