In an era marked by the unpredictable twists of fate, the significance of cherishing the institutions that anchor our community has never been more pronounced. This year, the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center stands as a beacon of hope and resilience as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Under the theme “Serving Our Beloved Community: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow,” the center is not just commemorating a milestone but is renewing its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and non-violent community that mirrors the ideals of its namesake, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The highlight of this Diamond Jubilee is the Annual Awards Benefit Gala, scheduled for Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at the prestigious Paramount Country Club in New City, New York. From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the event promises to be an evening of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking aspirations, encapsulating the essence of community service and dedication that has defined the center since its inception.
In a heartfelt appeal to the broader community, the center encourages individuals and businesses to extend their support by purchasing an ad in the gala’s journal. With both virtual and physical editions being prepared, this journal offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to convey congratulations to the honorees, share messages with the center’s family, or promote their businesses, all while contributing to a noble cause. The call for tax-deductible contributions via the journal ad form signals a collective effort towards sustaining the center’s impactful programs.
This year’s gala shines a spotlight on distinguished organizations and individuals who have exemplified service and leadership. Among the honorees are Andre Early, Social Action Chair of Kappa Alpha Psi and Deputy Commissioner of Westchester Parks and Recreation; BRIDGES, a nonprofit advocacy group for people with disabilities; Sherry McGill, an educator and ERCSD School Board member; the historic New Hempstead Presbyterian Church; and the New York Civil Liberties Union, led by Executive Director Donna Lieberman. These awardees represent the diverse ways in which commitment to community and civil liberties manifests, embodying the spirit of the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.
Since its humble beginnings as a Reading Room in 1964, the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center has evolved into a cornerstone of Spring Valley and its neighboring hamlets. Offering licensed after-school and summer programs for youth, the largest food pantry program in Rockland County, and a plethora of health, educational, and community initiatives, the center has played a pivotal role in nurturing the fabric of the community.
As the center marks this historic occasion, it invites the community to join in celebrating the achievements of its honorees and to contribute to the ongoing mission of building a stronger, more inclusive society. The Diamond Jubilee of the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center is not just a celebration of what has been accomplished but a rallying cry for what can be achieved together in the days to come.