Jefferson City's Samaritan Center is getting a $4,354 donation, thanks to donations from any of the nearly 800 people who attended the Jan. 9 Governor's Prayer Breakfast.
Gov. Jay Nixon said in a news release Friday that the freewill offerings - which began in 2010, the first year Nixon hosted the annual breakfast - have raised $15,739 total for the interfaith social service agency that has worked to meet the emergency and crisis needs of mid-Missourians since 1987.
"Organizations like The Samaritan Center are demonstrating faith in action every day by helping Missouri families in need," Nixon said. "The generosity of those attending the Prayer Breakfast will help the center in providing for even more Missourians, and is an inspiration for all of us to give generously."
The governor also noted that Monday is designated as the National Day of Service, set aside to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through volunteer service to the community.
Nixon encouraged Missourians to participate, giving time to help their neighbors and their communities.
"The National Day of Service provides an excellent focus on serving others, and the ways we can help our neighbors and our communities are almost endless," the governor said. "Please take a few hours on Monday to donate your time and your talent for this effort, because you will be the one reaping the greatest reward."
Ticket purchases for the annual breakfast, after covering the costs of the meal, benefit the Governor's Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.
Nixon noted the entire Prayer Breakfast program, including the keynote speech by Convoy of Hope founder Hal Donaldson, can be viewed online at www.missourigpb.com.