Granite City Rotary to Host 32nd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on
March 24

GraniteCityGossip.com, February 18, 2026

Granite City’s long‑standing tradition of reflection and civic fellowship will continue this spring as the Rotary Club of Granite City hosts the 32nd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The event, now a fixture of the city’s civic calendar, brings together residents, business leaders, clergy, educators, and public officials for a morning centered on unity, gratitude, and community service.

The tradition of mayor‑led prayer breakfasts has roots that stretch back more than seventy years. The concept grew out of the National Prayer Breakfast, first held in 1953 during the Eisenhower administration. That national gathering was inspired by informal prayer meetings among members of Congress who sought moments of calm and connection during a turbulent era. As the idea spread across the country, local leaders began hosting their own versions, often with the support of Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, or ministerial alliances. Granite City embraced the tradition in the early 1990s, and the annual breakfast has continued ever since.

This year’s event will once again be sponsored and organized by the Rotary Club of Granite City, whose members work to ensure the breakfast remains non‑partisan, welcoming, and focused on community service.

The morning’s keynote address will be delivered by Steve McFall, one of the most accomplished coaches in Illinois high school athletics. With a career spanning more than five decades, McFall is widely respected for his leadership, mentorship, and impact on generations of student‑athletes. His remarks are expected to focus on perseverance, character, and the importance of investing in young people.

The program will also include the recognition of Granite City High School’s Students of the Month, a highlight that underscores the city’s commitment to celebrating academic achievement and personal excellence.

The breakfast is open to all residents, regardless of religious background or affiliation. While the event includes prayer and reflection, it is not tied to any single denomination. Instead, it serves as a moment for the community to gather, pause, and consider the wellbeing of the city and its people.

This year’s breakfast will be held at the Forever After Banquet and Event Center, located at 4020 Pontoon Road in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Doors will open at 7:00 a.m., with the program beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m. and concluding no later than 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of 8, which includes breakfast catered by Uncle Linny’s. Individuals or organizations wishing to attend may reserve tickets by contacting Beth Dittman at beth.dittman@royalbanksnet.com or Mark Maynard at p.markmaynard@gmail.com.

As Granite City prepares for its 32nd year of this tradition, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast continues to offer a rare opportunity for the community to gather in a spirit of unity and reflection. Whether attending to hear the keynote speaker, support local students, or simply enjoy a morning of fellowship, residents are invited to take part in an event that remains a meaningful part of the city’s civic life.