On the eve of our nation embarking on insurmountable history, with the inauguration of President-elect, Barak Obama, the nation’s first African American Presidential nominee, The Steward’s Staff will host its 2nd Annual Unity Breakfast, in celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  It will be held Monday, January 19, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the New Crown Plaza Hotel in the Grand Ballroom located at 830 Phillips Lane.  Admission is $25 for adults and youth are discounted.  This year’s theme for the breakfast is “One Nation”. 

In keeping with its mission, the Unity Breakfast is a new staple event in our community driving the need to foster greater cross-cultural bonds.  Metro Louisville is home to over 91 immigrant countries represented.  Over 80 languages are spoken in our school district.  Therefore, key-note speakers from various cultures will address our audience.  We are excited to have Ms. Valerie Chinn, Reporter and Weekend Anchor for WDRB, FOX 41; Mr. Kevin Connelly, Executive Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence;  and Mr. Ben Ruiz, CEO & Creative Director of Adhawks Advertising.  The breakfast will be hosted by Richard Abraham Rugnao, Senior Manager of Diversity & Inclusion at Yum! Brands.

“Last year, our organization had only been in existence for seven months prior to the Inaugural Unity Breakfast, and we hosted four hundred guests.  I’ve been told that greatly exceeds the norm for a first time events,” explains John Mark Eberhardt, the organization’s Executive Director and Founder.  “I believe we had that turnout because people really want to experience Dr. King’s dream.  There were Asians, African Americans, Caucasians, African immigrants, Hispanics, and European immigrants,” Eberhardt continued.  Last year’s theme was “My Unified Louisville.”

Last year the event raised enough money to award three scholarships to graduating seniors who completed the leadership development program, The ETHICS Society, facilitated by The Steward’s Staff.

To RSVP for the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. UNITY Breakfast please call the following number 502-742-6927 or by email at info@stewardstaff.org.   The event could not have been made possible without the support of Yum! Brands.   Last year, we welcomed over 400 people and this year we anticipate 500-600 members of the community.