CONGRESSMAN JOHN B. LARSON TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION

PORTLAND, CT--Gary H. Collins, founder and CEO of the Collins Foundation, Inc., announces that the Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1D) will deliver the keynote address at this year's Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Goodwin Hotel (Atrium) on January 21, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.

"I can't think of anyone better suited to deliver this year's theme, ' The Power of One: Commitment, Challenge and Change', Collins says. "Congressman Larson has dedicated his career to empowering and inspiring others to have the courage to step forward to become agents of change in their communities."

Dr King's life and legacy will be honored and advanced by the presentation of the Foundation's 2008 Power of One Scholarships. "This year's recipients are young people from the Hartford and Bridgeport areas that have remarkably triumphed over the horrors of gang violence and the savage inequalities that have devastated most of their classmates to get themselves in position to realize the dream of higher education."

Carl Horton, event co-chair, explains. "Those who come out to support this event will help turn their dreams into reality."

Dr. King's core teachings will also be celebrated through the presentation of the 2008 Power of One Community Service Awards. "Dr. King taught that 'we can all be great, because we can all serve.'" Corey Brinson, event co-chair notes. "This year's recipients from the Norwich and Bridgeport areas are stellar examples of the principle that one dedicated and determined citizen has the power to change the destinies of those who are often tragically forgotten by our community."