9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon
This uplifting event will honor our 2026 Drum Major Award recipients and celebrate student scholars from our service communities who aspire to careers in healthcare. Guests will also enjoy live musical entertainment and an inspiring fireside chat featuring Christian Hospital President Rick Stevens and a special guest to be announced soon.
“If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness… We all have the drum major instinct.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Event details
Embracing the Dream
Date: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
Location: Detrick Building Atrium-Christian Hospital
2026 Drum Major Award recipients
George Gipson III: Retired Entrepreneur / Community Leader
Andrea Jackson-Jennings, Ed.D.: Managing Director, Regional Response Team (St. Louis Community Foundation)
Michael Kennedy RA.: Chairman, KAI Design and Design Enterprises
Sherry Maxwell: Program Assistant, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension – Charleston Campus
David Price: Retired Executive
Drum Major Scholarships will be awarded to student scholars who reside in our service communities and aspire to pursue careers in healthcare. Past recipients have attended schools in the Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Normandy, Pattonville, Ritenour, and Riverview Gardens School Districts; as well as Incarnate Word Academy, Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory, Lutheran North High School, and St. Louis Community College.
Your support during this celebration will empower our efforts to continue providing these scholarships, as well as support the Building Healthy Communities Fund that provides vital resources such as health screenings, vaccines, transportation to medical appointments, and other essential resources for uninsured and underinsured patients.
We can’t wait to come together in community with you to celebrate leadership, service, and the enduring legacy of Dr. King.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities, tables, and individual tickets are available.