Ways to Help
BECOME A GALA SPONSOR
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
BECOME A GALA SPONSOR
Partner with us as a sponsor for our upcoming gala and demonstrate your dedication to strengthening our community. Your support will help preserve the historic legacy of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Together, we can celebrate the past, uplift the present, and invest in a lasting future for Citrus County.
PURCHASE GALA TICKETS
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
BECOME A GALA SPONSOR
Help Support the Preservation of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Come together with our community for a meaningful night dedicated to honoring the past and preserving the legacy of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Your presence and support will help maintain this cherished historic site for generations to come.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering at the 3rd Annual Citrus County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Gala is a meaningful way to support one of our community’s most impactful events. Each role contributes to creating a memorable, elegant, and inspiring evening that honors Dr. King’s legacy of service, leadership, and unity.
MAKE A DONATION
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Every Contribution Matters
Whether large or small, your support helps restore and maintain this sacred historical site, ensuring that Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery remains a place of remembrance, dignity, and community heritage.
HONOR A LOVED ONE
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
Honor a Legacy
Make a contribution in memory of someone interred at Crystal Memorial Gardens, or in tribute to someone who made a lasting impact on your life. Your gift is a meaningful way to celebrate their legacy while helping preserve this sacred historical site for future generations.
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
DONATE AUCTION ITEM
Contribute to Our Silent Auction & Wine Pull
Help make the MLK Gala a success by donating a gift basket for our Silent Auction and/or a bottle of wine for our Wine Pull. Your generous donation will support community programs, cultural events, and the preservation of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
2026 MLK Leadership Gala Guests
MISTRESS OF THE GALA Christina Watkins
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Antoinette Jackson, Ph. D.
MISTRESS OF THE GALA Christina Watkins
Christina Watkins is an award-winning journalist, children’s author, public speaker, and communications expert with over 12 years of experience. She leads with kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm, sharing impactful stories across multiple states. A dedicated mentor skilled in media, deadlines, and engagement, Christina proudly honors her grandparents, Winzalo Sr. and Mary Watkins, beloved Citrus County leaders interred at Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
GUEST SPEAKER Gregory R. Sawyer
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Antoinette Jackson, Ph. D.
MISTRESS OF THE GALA Christina Watkins
Mr. Sawyer, fourth of 11 children, was Crystal River High’s first Black Senior Class President and 1973 Salutatorian. A 1977 U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Computer Science, he served 20 years as a decorated Naval Flight Officer.
After retiring as Commander, he became a successful federal contractor, business owner, and STEM mentor, co-founding CSJ Partners and supporting youth and community programs.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Antoinette Jackson, Ph. D.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Antoinette Jackson, Ph. D.
MUSICAL GUESTS Bethune Cookman University Insp Gospel Choir
Dr. Antoinette Jackson, Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida and Director of the USF Living Heritage Institute. She is also the Founder of the Black Cemetery Network, a national platform dedicated to research, preservation, and awareness of historic African American burial grounds. Dr. Jackson’s work bridges scholarship, community, and cultural heritage, ensuring that history is documented, honored, and protected for future generations.
MUSICAL GUESTS Bethune Cookman University Insp Gospel Choir
MUSICAL GUESTS Bethune Cookman University Insp Gospel Choir
MUSICAL GUESTS Bethune Cookman University Insp Gospel Choir
The Inspirational Gospel Choir is a dedicated group of young university students who minister in song. We serve as ambassadors for the University spreading the legacy of our founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who stated that: “Our Whole School Is For Christian Service.” The choir will also participate in community service activities and events, which will help to strengthen relationships with the University.
SPOKEN WORD Walter B. Jennings
MUSICAL GUESTS Bethune Cookman University Insp Gospel Choir
SPOKEN WORD Walter B. Jennings
A 20+ year leader in creative arts, operational management and public event coordination. He has excelled in merging the “corporate + creative” to provide unique business solutions. He is a proven innovative instructional coach for business leaders, youth and community stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics.
GALA GUEST INFORMATION
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
Every unforgettable evening begins with an extraordinary atmosphere — and CL22 Productions delivers nothing short of breathtaking. From elegant design elements to stunning visual details, their décor transformed our gala into a true celebration of beauty, legacy, and sophistication.
We are deeply grateful for their partnership and impeccable artistry.
DRESS CODE
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
Dress Code is Black Tie Optional.
We kindly invite guests to dress in formal evening attire. A tuxedo or dark suit with a tie is appropriate for gentlemen, while ladies may choose a long evening gown, cocktail dress, or other elegant attire. Formal wear is encouraged, but not required — your presence is what matters most.
PHOTOS
EXQUISITE DECOR BY CL22 PRODUCTIONS
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
Please come red carpet ready. Photography services will be provided by MPate Photo, known for his exemplary skill and outstanding work throughout our community. Get ready to shine—your moment will be captured beautifully.
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
A Premium à la carte bar service will be available for guests throughout the evening.
Sponsors and their guests will receive a VIP Wristband, granting exclusive access to the Bar for the entire evening.
Additionally, VIP Wristbands may be purchased for $50..00 each at the event.
Single Drink Tokens are $10 each.
RED CARPET READY
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
RED CARPET READY
Guests will be welcomed with a formal Red Carpet Entrance beginning at the start of the evening’s festivities.
Guests are encouraged to arrive red carpet ready, as photo opportunities will be available throughout the arrival experience. Our team will ensure each guest enjoys a smooth, stylish, and memorable entrance befitting the prestig
Guests will be welcomed with a formal Red Carpet Entrance beginning at the start of the evening’s festivities.
Guests are encouraged to arrive red carpet ready, as photo opportunities will be available throughout the arrival experience. Our team will ensure each guest enjoys a smooth, stylish, and memorable entrance befitting the prestige of the 3rd Annual Citrus County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Gala.
ACCOMODATIONS
PREMIUM BAR SERVICE
RED CARPET READY
Gala guests wishing to stay overnight may choose from our esteemed partner accommodations. Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in Crystal River is offering rooms at an exclusive rate for our MLK Leadership Gala guests. For those seeking a warm and relaxed country retreat, BraLonni’s Bed and Breakfast features 11 beautifully appointed suites ready
Gala guests wishing to stay overnight may choose from our esteemed partner accommodations. Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in Crystal River is offering rooms at an exclusive rate for our MLK Leadership Gala guests. For those seeking a warm and relaxed country retreat, BraLonni’s Bed and Breakfast features 11 beautifully appointed suites ready to welcome you. Please visit their websites for additional details and to explore their accommodations.
PARKING
PARKING
PARKING
Complimentary on-site parking will be available for all guests, ensuring a seamless and welcoming arrival experience.
Revisit the powerful words spoken for the civil rights
Read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech
"I Have a Dream" speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs an Freedom on August 28, 1963. King called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.