Rekindling the Spirit of Service: City Year DC’s Breakfast of Champions Returns Recap

Last Thursday, May 9th, City Year DC reignited the flame of community and service by bringing back Breakfast of Champions. Gathering both new and seasoned supporters—current ACMs, board members, alumni, long-time partners, and potential sponsors—this occasion served as a spotlight of service and the impactful work being done in schools across the district and that will continue to for years to come.

The morning began as attendees mingled over a delightful breakfast spread, setting the stage for meaningful conversations and shared insights to learn firsthand about City Year DC’s initiatives from the very heart of its mission—the serving corps members. Throughout the morning, we heard from multiple speakers, like Dr. Michael Stevens, City Year DC’s Executive Director, & John Tupponce, City Year’s Chief Operating Officer, sharing their story and commitment to City Year’s mission and purpose.

During the Breakfast of Champions, attendees had the invaluable opportunity to delve into City Year DC’s profound impact on local communities. Through engaging presentations and firsthand accounts from serving corps members, guests gained a deeper understanding of the organization’s transformative work within schools. Moreover, discussions about future events and milestones, such as the eagerly anticipated 25th-anniversary Gala, sparked excitement and anticipation among attendees. Additionally, guests were informed about various avenues for continued involvement, including joining boards or participating in the Leadership Circle. These opportunities for deeper engagement underscored City Year’s commitment to fostering lasting partnerships and empowering individuals to play an active role in driving positive change within their communities.

As the Breakfast of Champions drew to a close, it was the heartfelt message of a current AmeriCorps Member, John Blue, that truly encapsulated the essence of City Year’s mission and the purpose of this event. “To the little person looking up at me that’s a future CYDC alum… take all the opportunities you can take… because you can miss out on something amazing.” John Blue’s words served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and mentorship City Year offers to our students and the DC Community. Armed with fresh insights, newfound connections, and a shared commitment to educational equity, guests departed with a renewed sense of determination to support City Year’s ongoing efforts. This gathering served as a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of service that lies at the heart of City Year DC that wouldn’t be possible without our champions.