MLK Association plans annual prayer breakfast

STEUBENVILLE -- The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association is finalizing plans for its annual prayer breakfast, set for Saturday in Founders Hall, Eastern Gateway Community College, beginning at 9 a.m.

The prayer breakfast is held to raise funds for scholarships for college students aspiring to achieve future goals, using education as their vehicle, according to James Baber, association president.

Last year, the association distributed four $1,000 scholarships. The goal for 2019-20 is a total of $12,000. The organization is nonprofit, and donations to it are tax-deductible.

"Anyone contributing will find it rewarding, knowing they've helped someone fulfill their dream," notes Carol Ann Simmons, association secretary and publicity person.

There is a $10 donation for the breakfast with tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting Sharon Kirtdoll, treasurer, at (740) 632-0980. Those unable to pay are encouraged to attend regardless.

Other association officers and event committee members, aside from Baber, Simmons and Kirtdoll, are Paul Rue, vice president, and Patricia Fletcher and the Rev. Benjamin Calvert II.

The event's featured speaker will be the Rev. John C. Jones of Toledo. He is an ordained pastor and serves as an associate minister at the Christian Temple Baptist Church under the leadership and pastorate of his father, the Rev. Charles E. Jones.

He is a community liaison working within the Social Determinants of Health Office for ProMedica.

He serves both the enterprise and the community through the development of mentoring programs, as well as training and placement of youth, young adults and other diverse individuals in employment opportunities.

He previously served as the president and CEO of the Greater Toledo Urban League from 2008-12.