01/22/2010 - 19TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST

by Amy Manso

e-mail: amanso@catharinecenter.org

Thank you to all our sponsors, speakers, honorees, and participants for making this year's breakfast a success.

Thanks to our diverse group of sponsors and lots of hard work and cooperation, the 19th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast was an enormous success, with more than 650 guests in attendance. The Breakfast was held on Friday, January 22 at 7:15am at the Mid- Hudson Civic Center. The Grand Co-Sponsors of the Breakfast were IBM and the Poughkeepsie Journal, with support from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The Chair of this year's celebration was Marty Rutberg of Rutberg Personal Injury Law and the honorary co-chairs were Sheila Appel of IBM and Barry Rothfeld, publisher of the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Jacqueline Proctor, Deputy Commissioner & Communications Manager of the West Virginia Department of Culture & History was the dynamic guest speaker. She is the host and producer of West Virginia Legacy, a monthly television program highlighting the culture, history, and heritage of West Virginia. She gave a thoughtful speech that blended historical references with personal anecdotes, reminding us of the importance of believing in oneself and in providing opportunities and support to our young people.

Three local students and a community member were honored at the Breakfast. The annual youth awards went to high school seniors Brittany Lo of Spackenkill H.S., Theresa McCarthy of John Jay H.S. and Sheri Reid from Poughkeepsie H.S. Joseph Davis was recognized for his years of community service. For the third time at the MLK Breakfast, The Poughkeepsie Journal presented the Richard K. Wager Workplace Inclusiveness Awards. Red Cap Cleaners and the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union were the recipients.

All of us at the Catharine Street Community Center -- Board of Directors, staff, children and families -- wish to express our sincere appreciation for the continued support of so many in the community. This support allows us to serve over 2000 families, children, individuals, and community groups every year.

Watch the website for information regarding the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.

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