5th Annual MLK Day of Service was a Huge Success! 300 Volunteers Supported 23 Project Sites
By Fauatenia L. Morrow
Over the past five years, Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC (MIP) has grown its Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from just 20 volunteers to an inspiring 300 participants. This growth reflects the dedication of a team that is 100% volunteer-based, working tirelessly to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
The 2025 MLK Day of Service began at 8 a.m. with a Kick-off Rally at Bethel AME Church, located across from the Freedom Wall. Pastor Paul Thomas opened the event with a prayer, followed by an inspiring welcome from 11-year-old Meki Franklin.
Rev. Mark Blue served as the event's MC, and Mayor Chris Scanlon greeted attendees on behalf of the City of Buffalo. County Executive Mark Poloncarz and County Legislator Lawrence Dupre delivered remarks, while Mo Sumbundu presented a proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. Eric Glenn, representing U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, also shared words of encouragement. Antonio Regulier energized the crowd with engaging ice-breaker activities, and 13-year-old Steven M. Werts III, MIP Co-Manager and Youth Leader, expressed gratitude to the volunteers. Rev. Michael Bell concluded the rally with a heartfelt closing prayer.
Volunteers from across Western New York came together, representing organizations such as Hadji Court No. 62, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Rich Products, Evergreen Health, New Direction Christian Fellowship, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The Service Collaborative, City Year, Aerotek, and M&T Bank.
The spirit of service was palpable as these groups joined forces to embody the theme that "Love is an Action Word." Volunteers spread out to 23 project sites, reflecting a powerful sense of community and purpose.
Fauatenia L. Morrow, Principal of Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC and Lead Organizer for the MLK Day of Service in WNY, shared her gratitude: "I am so honored and humbled by the way my beloved WNY community came together to champion the embodiment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy."
This year’s initiative was supported by an outstanding committee, including Alysia Welch-Chester, Tendaji Ubunifu Ya'Ukuu, Amy Alduino, Sarah Dance, Nicolette McCalister, Emily Dyett, Ellen Harris-Harvey, James Heffron, Danielle Conie, and Antonio Regulier, who served as the ultimate hype man and motivator.
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart, the Buffalo Urban League, the NAACP Buffalo Branch, the City of Buffalo, Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Blue Image Photos, Eastside Stewards, and AmeriCorps.
For more information about Monarch of Infinite Possibilities and its mission, visit www.monarchofip.com.