Judson's prayer breakfast to honor local leaders, volunteers

Community members are invited to attend Judson University's annual Prayer Breakfast to hear Alvin Bibbs Sr., executive director of multicultural relations for the Willow Creek Association. The breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, in Judson's Robert D. Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.

This annual event attracts hundreds of people as Judson recognizes the services of community leaders and organizations, safety personnel and national service organizations for their contributions and services.

The theme of this year: serving needy groups locally and globally, a theme which Bibbs will touch on during his keynote address. Bibbs is the author of a new book released in 2009, titled "Crazy Enough to Care: Changing Your World Through Compassion, Justice and Racial Reconciliation." He has launched several strategic networks which have the vision of strengthening the impact of local churches in their support of under-resourced communities and families. He also has served as the Chicago Cubs chaplain for seven seasons.

Many of the prayer breakfast's program participants also have ties to serving community members. Other program participants will include Paula Amenta of Elgin Community College, Calvin Culpepper of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Jay Curtis of Riverwoods Christian Center, LaTrisha Jones, Solange Sior of Elgin OPERA, Bruce Strom of Administer Justice, Joe Thorn of Redeemer Fellowship and Laura Zimmerman of Harvest Bible Chapel.

"Judson's faculty, staff and students are very committed to community service locally and abroad. We have several mission trips that take place at Spring Break and one leaving for Haiti very soon," says Mary Dulabaum, director of marketing and communications for Judson. "Another of our outreach efforts will be showcased at the Prayer Breakfast as we offer jewelry for sale that has been created by women in Haiti as a way to support their families living in poverty."

Also during the breakfast, Judson University will recognize a local volunteer with the D. Ray Wilson Service Award. Last year's winners were Jack and Marlene Shales of Elgin.

Tickets are $16. Table sponsorships are available for $350 and include a table for eight and recognition in the program. Reserve your seat by Sunday, April 25, by visiting JudsonU.edu/prayerbreakfast or calling (847) 628-1119.