What does a Cable pioneer, civil rights leader, and 34-year telecommunications veteran have in common? The distinguished trio will join ranks as honoree recipients at one of Atlanta’s most long-standing and beloved events.
The Foundation of Wesley Woods is delighted to announce the 2021 honorees for their annual Heroes, Saints & Legends gala, to be held on August 19, 2021. The annual event honors individuals who have transformed Atlanta’s community through a lifetime of achievement and commitment to leadership, service, and devotion to others.
The 2021 honorees are:
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Phil Jacobs, founding Partner in The Pendleton Consulting Group, pro bono Senior Consultant for Coxe Curry & Associates, and retired President of BellSouth’s Georgia Operations and President of Business Communications Services of AT&T-Southeast
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Bishop Woodie White, Bishop of The United Methodist Church and former Bishop-in-Residence at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University (retired)
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Dr. Allen Ecker, Executive Vice President of Scientific Atlanta (retired)
“These honorees reflect a breadth of contribution from trailblazing innovation, extensive community leadership, and lifelong dedication to racial justice and reconciliation, said Lillian Budd Darden, event chair of Heroes, Saints & Legends.
“My father, the founder of Wesley Woods, would be very proud of these three role models who are helping older adults be celebrated for the lives they live, the wisdom they share, and everything they have yet to teach us.”
Since the event’s inception in 1990, 106 of Atlanta’s most exemplary leaders have been recognized, and more than $6.8 million have been raised for charitable care, pastoral care, and wellness.
“While Wesley Woods provides affordable housing for older adults, we are so much more than a roof over someone’s head,” said Diane Vaughan, president of the Foundation of Wesley Woods. Funds raised through Heroes, Saints & Legends provide housing and meal assistance for older adults who have outlived their resources, on-site chaplains providing pastoral care, and innovative wellness programming to help seniors live independently for as long as possible. “Thanks to sponsorship and gifting, these vital programs are available throughout Wesley Woods’ 10 residential communities,” said Vaughan.
The Foundation of Wesley Woods plans to build upon the success of the 2020 virtual event, which raised more than $371,000 for the mission and ministry of Wesley Woods. This year’s event organizers forecast a highly anticipated event with earnest support for a population emotionally impacted by the ongoing pandemic. “We are welcoming sponsors with an array of opportunities to show both individual and corporate support for our seniors, said Vaughan. “And we encourage the community to join us as we gather to shine a light on our 2021 honorees and to support the seniors that have made Wesley Woods their home.”
The 32nd annual Heroes, Saints & Legends will be held on Thursday, August 19 at Flourish by Legendary Events, 3143 Maple Drive Atlanta, Ga. For additional bio information on the 2021 honorees, visit here. For sponsorship information, please visit www.wesleywoods.org/heroes.