SIMON ESTES HEADLINES IOWA PRAYER BREAKFAST

Internationally renowned opera singer Simon Estes is slated to speak and sing at the 53rd annual Iowa Prayer Breakfast to be held on April 17 in Des Moines. The event will be held from 7:15-8:45 a.m. in the ballroom at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (formerly Veterans Memorial Auditorium) at 883 5th Avenue in Des Moines. According to the organizers, the purpose of the Iowa Prayer Breakfast is to bring together Iowa's governor, state legislators, and community and religious leaders to join with the public to ask God's direction and blessing upon the state. Starting in 1961, Iowans have continued the tradition of gathering every Maundy Thursday to celebrate the beginning of the Easter weekend. Estes will be this year's featured keynote speaker. The cost to attend the Iowa Prayer Breakfast is $20 for adults and $10 for students. To register, go towww.IowaPrayerBreakfast.com.