ATLANTA (September 30, 2021) – The Community Champion Awards presented by Christian City was held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the Georgia Aquarium. Under the leadership of co-chairs Ron Canakaris and Miguel Southwell and their stellar Host Committee, Christian City honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment toward the betterment of the greater Atlanta community.
The Community Champion Awards dinner paid tribute to three special and deserving recipients in three categories: Dan Cathy in the Individual category, 100 Black Men of Atlanta in the Nonprofit category and The Home Depot in the Corporate category. Renowned broadcast journalist Monica Pearson served as emcee. The Community Champion Awards honorees were also given the opportunity to give surprise recognition to one of their guests at the event who are doing outstanding work in the community. Attendees heard from each of the awards recipients throughout the program. Ambassador Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta, was also a guest speaker at this year’s event and was introduced by his close friend, Billye Aaron. Stephanie Blank, 2019 Honoree, was on hand to introduce Dan Cathy and present his award. “After such a trying year, it was incredible to be able to gather once again and recognize the amazing impact these honorees have made in our community and to all those around them,” said Christian City CEO, Keith Horton. “We are grateful for the opportunity to shed light on these individuals and organizations whose work has not gone unnoticed. We can’t thank the 2021 honorees enough and look forward to the future where leaders such as these three continue to make a difference in the lives of many.” Proceeds from the 2021 Community Champion Awards focused on Christian City’s Children & Family Programs, including the Children’s Village family style homes, Crossroads Foster & Adoption program, SafePlace program for runaway and homeless youth, and Thrive Transitional Living Program. After expenses, the event generated $365,000 to support these programs. The 2022 Community Champion Awards will be held on May 5th at the Georgia Aquarium.
About Christian City: Christian City was established 56 years ago when the first cottage for abused and abandoned children opened on Valentine’s Day, 1965. Today, there are more than 1,000 residents, both children, and senior adults, living at Christian City in south metro Atlanta. In addition to four Children & Family Programs (Children’s Village Residential Program, Crossroads Foster Care & Adoption Program, Safe Place Runaway & Homeless Youth Program, and Thrive Graduate Transition Program), the campus includes 500 retirement homes and apartments for active seniors, a 200-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, a 150-bed assisted living center, and two memory care units. For more information or to learn how you can help, call 770-703-2636 or visit christiancity.org.
