Ashley Smith Robinson, author of "Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero", will be the keynote speaker at an empowerment brunch to benefit Breakthru House at 10 a.m. Oct. 1.

Robinson became well-known as the woman who was held hostage by Brian Nichols in 2005 and who convinced him to surrender. The event will be held at Northside United Methodist Church, 2799 Northside Dr. N.W.

The nonprofit Breakthru House is a residential treatment program for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The brunch will help raise money for scholarships. Tickets are $40 each. For information: www.breakthru.actionministries.net.