Case Study: The Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast Celebration

The Story
Concerned about unrealistic ideas many young people have about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the decrease in holiday celebrations, a group of community members came together to address both issues.

The Challenge
One of the biggest challenges facing the concerned persons was the lack of tax-exempt status after formally becoming a committee. Without tax-exemption, raising major dollars was going to be nearly impossible. Other challenges included the lack of identity, no historic track record, and finding a niche among already well established MLK celebratory events, even as their numbers dwindled.

The Solution
I encouraged the MLK Committee seek its own tax-exempt status after terminating a 2-year relationship with another non-profit organization. In less than nine months, tax-exempt status was received, and the fund raising strategy and format were changed. Partnerships were created with local corporations, the media and the education community. Persistence and dogged determination resulted in the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast Celebration®, sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Scholarship Committee.

The Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast Celebration
The MLK Committee triumphed over many obstacles and weathered many storms to become one of the major community events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Breakfast averages 350 guests. More than 7,000 students have participated in Committee-sponsored contests and more than $57,000 has been given in scholarship and donations in five years.