YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG

YMCA Community Prayer Breakfast | Gathering in Unity for Prayer and Inspiration

This event was held November 13, 2024

at the Historic St. Petersburg Coliseum

with Keynote Speaker Glenda Hatchett

and Opening Remarks from City of St. Petersburg Mayor, Ken Welch

Keynote Speaker Glenda Hatchett

 

Keynote Speaker

Glenda Hatchett

Keynote Speaker Glenda Hatchett

With over 30 years of experience as a judge, corporate lawyer, and board member of corporate and nonprofit organizations, Hatchett has established a legacy of excellence.

A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College and Emory University School of Law, where she was an Earl Warren Scholar, Hatchett completed a prestigious federal clerkship in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia. She then spent nearly 10 years at Delta Air Lines, where she was the airline’s highest-ranking woman of color worldwide. As Senior Attorney, she represented Delta Air Lines in labor/personnel, and antitrust litigation and commercial acquisitions. As Public Relations Manager, she supervised global crisis management and handled media relations for 50 U.S. cities as well as all of Europe and Asia.

Hatchett presides over the two-time Emmy nominated nationally syndicated show, Judge Hatchett, now in its 20th season (Sony Pictures Television). Judge Hatchett won a Prism Award for Best Unscripted Non-Fiction Series. She is also the author of the National Best Sellers, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say and Dare to Take Charge. Most recently, Hatchett has returned to TV in her new television court series, The Verdict. She presides over the series as a follow-up to Sony TV’s long-running Judge Hatchett. Hatchett has provided legal commentary on CNN, HLN, MSNBC, FOX News, The Today Show and Court TV, in addition, was a guest host for The View.

Hatchett is the recipient of numerous awards including the Roscoe Pound Award for outstanding work in Criminal Justice, NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall Award and she has been recognized as one of the “100 Best and Brightest Women in Corporate America” by Ebony magazine. The State Bar of Georgia honored her with the Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award; she was only the fourth person to ever receive this award. She was named Distinguished Alumna at Mt. Holyoke College, which later granted her an honorary degree. Her other alma mater, Emory University Law School, named her Outstanding Alumni of the Year. Emory University also presented her with the highest award given to university alumni, the Emory Medal.

 

Prayer Leaders

Tim Whipple
Executive Director, The Speer Dream Foundation

Rev. David B.L. Gould
Chaplain, Canterbury School of Florida

Rev. Rob Blackwood
Chaplain, St. Anthony’s Hospital

Rev. Margaret Rountree
Pastor, St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church

Rev. Kevin Dean
Pastor, Faith Covenant Church

Rev. Dr. G. Gregg Murray
Pastor, Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church

 

 

Chester James Award Winner

Susan Mittermayr

Chester James Award Winner

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is thrilled to announce that Susan Mittermayr has been selected as the recipient of this year's Chester James Award for her outstanding dedication and leadership in making a positive impact on youth and the community of Greater St. Petersburg.

Susan’s commitment to civic engagement spans over three decades, with her influence touching countless lives through local business, educational, and charitable organizations. 

Susan retired from her position as a Managing Principal at Sabal Trust in 2023 where her deep expertise in trust and investment management is matched by her passion for fostering community well-being.

Susan joined the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Board of Directors in 2003, and became the first female Board Chair in 2013. During her time on the Board, Susan helped spearhead significant community programs, particularly in early childhood education. Her vision for addressing educational and social challenges faced by youth has had a lasting effect in creating opportunities for children at critical stages of their development. Alongside her husband, Markus, she has been a dedicated supporter of the YMCA’s mission, with their contributions recognized at the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy.

Susan has held leadership roles in numerous local organizations, including president of the Suncoast Estate Planning Council, and president of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg. Her commitment to service extends to St. Jude Cathedral as a member of the Parish Finance Council, and St. Petersburg Catholic High School as a member of the Consultative School Board.

As a devoted advocate for collaboration, Susan has exemplified how nonprofits can partner to achieve greater impact. She continues to inspire through her generosity, vision, and hands-on leadership, making her a true pillar of the community, reflecting the attributes of Reverend Chester James.

Every year, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg presents the Chester James Award at its annual Community Prayer Breakfast. Reverend James was an outstanding community activist who dedicated himself to improving the lives of our citizens and working hard to bridge the gap that once divided this community. As a human rights leader and friend to the YMCA, he will always be remembered and recognized as a shining example of morality and a strong person of character.

 

Event History

Since 2001, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has hosted an annual prayer breakfast with the goal of creating an opportunity for all community members to gather and reflect on important issues, challenges and commonalities. This unique event provides a venue for the community to share a meal and develop stronger, more unified relationships.

Past Keynote Speakers

2002 Lee Roy Selmon
2003 Chuck Colson
2004 Jim Towey
2005 Truett Cathy
2006 Alistair Begg
2007 Chip Ingram
2008 Mark Merrill
2009 Dr. Michael Youssef
2010 Edward Flom
2011 Lorraine Yaslowitz
2012 Bob & Pam Tebow
2013 Gigi Graham
2014 Rick Kriseman
2015 Nicole C. Mullen
2016 Lucille O'Neal
2017 Edie Lutnick
2018 Dr. Rick Rigsby
2019 Sonia Manzano
2020 Dr. Rick Rigsby
2022 Rowdy Gaines
2023 Allison Massari

Chester James Award Winners

2000 John Cannon
2001 Paula Lamb
2002 Rex Almquist
2003 Elder Clarence Welch
2004 Andrew H. Hines, Jr.
2005 William R. Hough
2006 Stan Brandimore
2007 Virginia B. Irving
2008 Emmanuel Stewart
2009 Rick Baker
2010 David & Theresa McEachern
2011 J. Howard Hinesly
2012 David J. Fischer
2013 William G. Tapp
2014 Robert L. Ulrich
2015 Deacon Lionel Roberts
2016 Robert P. Byelick
2017 Mary Brandes
2018 Joseph H. Lang
2019 Dr. James P. Gills & Mrs. Heather Gills
2020 Reverend Alfonso Woods
2022 Mary Gardiner Evertz
2023 Dick Crippen
 

Interested in sponsoring this event? 
Contact Michelle Curtis, Vice President of Philanthropy/Chief Development Officer,
at 727.895.9622 x2154 or [email protected].

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

 

Please note that a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state (1-800-435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Please refer to registration #CH2079. A professional solicitor has not been retained and the organization receives 100% of your contribution.

The Y is proud to offer