YMCA of Central Florida Host 34th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Carrie-Lynn Tumlin

[email protected]

407-694-4614

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest Orlando Jaycees, Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the YMCA of Central Florida host 34th annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2025) — This morning, over 600 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida residents gatheredin person together to celebrate and honor the legacies of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 34th annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast. Kennedy holds an important place in Orlando’s history as the first African American elected to serve on its city council in 1972.

“Pappy Kennedy is known for breaking the color barrier in our community for black elected officials and being a voice for all residents he served,” said Kevin Bolding, YMCA of Central Florida president and CEO. “We gathered to honor two truly remarkable men, leaders and trailblazers.”

During the event, the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the YMCA of Central Florida continued their tradition of awarding scholarships to local high school students. These scholarships are designed to assist minority high school seniors who are planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the fall of 2025 but may lack the financial resources to cover the costs associated with tuition and/or books.

“Scholarships are a game changer in opening the doors to higher education, particularly to low-income students, who often need support the most,” said Dana Mackey, Southwest Orlando Jaycees president. “The Arthur Pappy Kennedy Scholarship continues to level the playing field by providing equitable opportunities for those students too often left out or left behind.”

This year’s breakfast featured an inspiring address from keynote speaker Carolyn Fennell, former senior vice president of public affairs and community relations with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Fennell is the first woman and longest-serving Black senior staffer at the Orlando International Airport.

Other notable attendees included Mayor Buddy Dyer andMayor Jerry Demings.

For high-res images from today’s event, click here.

About the YMCA of Central Florida

Driven by its Christian mission, the YMCA of Central Florida serves as a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening the community. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Marion Counties. To learn more, visit ymcacf.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.

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