Event
Background
In 2003, the mayors of the Cities of Kettering and Oakwood, Marilou Smith and Judy Cook respectively, agreed to co-sponsor an annual event to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Breakfast was to be modeled after a successful event sponsored by the City of Centerville for residents in that community. Within a few years after its inception, the Centerville breakfast achieved a sell out crowd and loyal following indicating demand for other local community celebration events.
Our mayors sought to replicate the same success in our community. Designed with the intent to be an ongoing event, the Kettering/Oakwood Breakfast was created to be a tool to increase community recognition of the King Holiday; encourage involvement in the Dayton sponsored march and rally; and to open dialogue regarding race relations in our region. To truly reflect the interest of the community, it was determined that the event would be planned and executed through a collaborative effort by a committee consisting of membership of both Kettering and Oakwood residents.
The event called the Kettering and Oakwood Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast, was planned, developed and executed on the King Holiday by a group of volunteers. The volunteers consisted of residents of both cities who ensured that participation and representation of both cities is reflected throughout the entire planning process as well as the actual event.
In the spring of 2005, after successful experiences in both years, the mayors led the committee to formalize and structure so that the event and its intent could be effectively carried out by the Kettering and Oakwood Martin Luther King Celebration Breakfast Committee long into the future.
Program Content
The program varies from year to year but in general includes:
- Breakfast
- Music
- Opening prayer
- Greetings by both cities’ Mayors
- Student Contest awards
- Feature presentation or speaker
- Community Pledge
The City Councils and Mangers of both cities are committed to this annual celebration. Their participation is essential to the ongoing success of our Breakfast.
Sponsors
We would like to thank our list of sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor
Limited Brands
Limited Brands, through Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow, White Barn Candle Co. and Henri Bendel, is an international company. The company operates 2,666 specialty stores in the United States and its brands are sold in more than 700 company-operated and franchised additional locations worldwide. The company’s products are also available online. The MLK Breakfast Celebration has enjoyed participation from Limited Brands and its employees since the inception of the event.
Contributing Sponsors
Dayton Power and Light
Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) is celebrating a century of service to the Miami Valley. Since their formation in 1911, they have been a partner with the communities they serve. Today, DP&L supplies electricity to more than 500,000 customers in a 6,000 square-mile are of West Central Ohio. DP&L believe that working together – we can provide a brighter future for the Miami Valley. With DP&L – tomorrow starts today.
Town & Country Shopping Center
Stroll, shop, indulge and enjoy! Located on Stroop and Far Hills Roads in Kettering, this is the place to spend time away from the mall madness. Enjoy a refreshing shopping experience, both inside and out, exploring everything Town & Country has to offer. Whether shopping at a boutique for unique gifts or just looking for a place to unwind, Town & Country has it all! For more information, please visit Dayton Town and Country.
Supporting Sponsors
Community Support
- Christ United Methodist Church
- City of Kettering
- City of Oakwood
- Kettering Firefighters
- KMO Chamber of Commerce
- Oakwood & Kettering City Council Members
- Student Volunteers from Fairmont High School and Oakwood High School
Following the celebration breakfast, we invite everyone to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Rally. Congregate at the Fairgrounds where the South Branch will depart at 11:00am. The Rally is at Third and Main Street at the Courthouse from 11:30am until 12:00pm. Free buses will operate until 3:00pm to transport marchers back to parked cars.