St. Petersburg YMCA Hosts 24th Community Prayer Breakfast
The annual event honored Police Chief Anthony Holloway with the prestigious Chester James Award.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
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The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg brought local leaders and residents together at the St. Petersburg Coliseum for its 24th annual Community Prayer Breakfast. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway was recognized with the Chester James Award during the gathering.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the YMCA's new Creating Connected Communities initiative, which aims to combat the rising societal challenge of loneliness and isolation. This program aligns with the organization's broader mission to foster deeper connections within the community.
This year marked the 24th iteration of the annual Community Prayer Breakfast held at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. The national YMCA organization is currently preparing for its 175th anniversary in 2026.
The players
Anthony Holloway
He has served as the St. Petersburg Police Chief since 2014 and began his law enforcement career in 1985.
Suzanne McCormick
She became the first woman to hold the position of president and CEO of YMCA of the USA in 2021.
Erin Gruwell
She is an educator known for her work in fostering community and student empowerment.
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
This local organization provides community resources and hosts annual programming to support area residents.
The details
Keynote speakers for the morning included Erin Gruwell and YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick, who discussed the organization's strategic vision. The gathering served as a platform to roll out the Creating Connected Communities program to address local social isolation.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The Community Prayer Breakfast was held.
2021: Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as president and CEO of YMCA of the USA.
August 2014: Anthony Holloway became the St. Petersburg Police Chief.
1985: Anthony Holloway began his law enforcement career.
Culture Shift
The introduction of the Creating Connected Communities program reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing mental health and interpersonal social bonding. By addressing isolation, the organization mirrors modern efforts to rebuild civic engagement in the post-pandemic era.
Residents can expect to see the implementation of the new Creating Connected Communities initiative as it rolls out locally to support social outreach. This program provides new avenues for community members to participate in activities aimed at reducing loneliness.
The takeaway
This event highlights the growing importance of community-based organizations in addressing social isolation through structured outreach programs. Attendees and local leaders are encouraged to engage with the new initiative to build a more connected local network.
Further reading
For more information on local recognitions and civic gatherings, visit the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St Pete Catalyst.
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