Fort Lauderdale, FL (January 9, 2012) – PNC Bank, a division of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) announced their “Women in Power” speaker series has expanded to include Broward County for the 2012 season.  All proceeds from the series will be entirely directed to the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the first luncheon, which will be held at noon on January 17 at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale’s Marks Gallery, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

PNC’s “Women in Power” speaker series was created in 2007 in Palm Beach County to raise awareness and support for programs that encourage, promote and provide development for girls and young women. Nationally acclaimed women are brought to the area to present their personal and professional journey to success. Headlining the opening luncheon on January 17^th will be Gahl Hodges Burt, former Social Secretary to the Reagan White House.

“We are intensely committed to building strong communities and helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals," said Craig Grant, Regional President, PNC Bank for Southeast Florida.  "We are pleased to have expanded our ‘Women in Power’ series to include Broward County such that local residents have the opportunity to meet and hear from prominent women in their respective fields of endeavor from across the country. It is our pleasure to have partnered with the American Red Cross, Broward County in this effort.”

In addition to the post of Social Secretary to the Reagan White House, Ms. Burt has held positions in U.S. State Department including personal assistant to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and later Assistant Chief of Protocol. Other speakers and luncheon dates include noted journalist Laura Ling on February 10^th, and Trisha Meili on March 20^th, otherwise known as the “Central Park Jogger.”

All events will take place at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale’s Marks Gallery, located at One East Last Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. Registration begins at 11:30am and the luncheons commence at noon. The American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter will handle guest registration and payment, and direct all proceeds to fund their programming needs.

Reservations for the January 17^th luncheon are $50, and can be made by calling The American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter at 954-797-3807.

About PNC

PNC Wealth Management, a division of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management.  Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.