Join Surprises’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Service

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The City of Surprise invites the community to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 9th annual MLK Day of Celebration and Service on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. – noon, at Willow Canyon High School.

This year’s theme, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve,” encourages community members of all ages to embrace service as a path to greatness.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with volunteer check-in and a free breakfast for the first 500 volunteers. The celebration program will start at 9 a.m. with an invocation from Pastor Jason L. Flowers of Transformation Community Church, followed by a welcome address from the Mayor of Surprise.

This year’s program will feature returning emcee Susan Casper, from Arizona’s Family News on CBS 5 and 3TV. With a decades-long career in journalism and community advocacy, Susan brings her passion for service and storytelling to this special occasion.

Attendees will enjoy inspiring performances by the Willow Canyon High School Choir, Surprise Sings Community Choir, Voices of Gideon from Gideon Missionary Baptist Church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Choir and a featured performance by The Be Kind People Project.

The celebration will also highlight local nonprofit organizations and community submissions to the #SurpriseCelebratesMLK challenge, where individuals and groups reflect on the question, “How do YOU serve?”

After the program, from 10 a.m. to noon, attendees can participate in hands-on service projects that directly benefit the local community. Projects include packing food for a local food bank, assembling hygiene kits, writing letters of encouragement and more! Preregistration is required, groups and individuals can sign up at surpriseaz.gov/DOSVolunteer.

In partnership with Vitalant, a mobile blood drive will also take place during the event from 8 a.m. – noon. Those interested in donating are encouraged to book a time on the Vitalant website.

Event Details:

• Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W. Lundberg St.
• 8 a.m. – noon
• 8 a.m. Breakfast & Volunteer Check-In
• 9 a.m. Celebration Program
• 10 a.m. Day of Service Projects

Find more information and event details at surpriseaz.gov/MLK.

This event is presented by the City of Surprise Human Services & Community Vitality Department. For sponsorship opportunities or general event information, please contact Kara Poling at kara.poling@surpriseaz.gov or call 623.222.1647.

Read more stories from the Phoenix Area on Signals A Z.com.

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