Los Angeles, California - Although they seem an unlikely pair, former Mexican President Vicente Fox will be a big draw for a fundraiser by the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization committed to helping the destitute which is located in California's San Fernando Valley.

Fox will be the keynote speaker at the charity's "Hope of the Valley Business Forum." His speech is expected to be focused on business opportunities in Mexico and the hispanic market in southern California.

Fox readily agreed to the appearance when approached by Rowan Vansleve, the mission's general manager who met Fox in March when he spoke to a breakfast business gathering at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles.

"When we approached him, he graciously embraced us and said he would do anything he could to help," Vansleve said. He said he is not surprised that the former Mexican leader is donating his time to the mission.

"President Fox spends most of his time as a philanthropic leader. He raises money for his presidential library and his charity in Mexico. It's kind of similar to what a lot of former American presidents are doing these days," Vansleve said.

During his March visit, Fox sat down for an interview with the LA Daily News, and discussed themes similar to those he will share on Wednesday night at the charity event.

"The Hispanic market is huge," Fox said at the time. "If we can put together a Mexican businessman and a US businessman, they will find a way to do more business. This is why I always claim that, instead of building walls, we should be building bridges."

His topic will be "Business Opportunities in Emerging Markets Here and Abroad."