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A Night of Generosity and Impact

The Community Champion Awards is presented by Christian City to honor three deserving recipients who have made an impact and demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment toward the betterment of our Atlanta community. Congratulations to Michael Russell, YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Google, our 2026 Community Champions.

See the videos from the 2026 event! Click the button below.

2026 Community Champion Awards

The 2026 Community Champion Awards brought together leaders, supporters and changemakers from across metro Atlanta for an unforgettable evening celebrating generosity, service and impact. Hosted at the Georgia Aquarium on April 29, the event honored Google, YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Michael J. Russell for their extraordinary contributions to the community and raised more than $604,000 in support of Christian City’s Children and Family programs. Guests experienced inspiring musical performances from local artists and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School marching band, participated in an exciting live auction and heard a powerful story of transformation from Thrive Program Graduate Curlanda, who shared her journey from homelessness to employment and stability.

Save the date for April 29, 2027 for our 8th annual Community Champion Awards!

 

Our 2026 Champions

INDIVIDUAL — Michael Russell

MICHAEL RUSSELL has served as chief executive officer of H. J. Russell & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2003. H. J. Russell & Company, founded over 60 years ago, is a vertically integrated service provider specializing in construction and program management services. The company has extensive experience in building and renovating projects in diverse market segments including mission critical data center, public assembly, multi-family residential, sports facilities, student housing and healthcare.Mr. Russell is the vice chairman of Concessions International, an innovator in the airport food and beverage concessions industry. The Russell Companies, which consists of H. J. Russell & Company and Concessions International, employs more than 2,000 individuals with operations in 10 major cities including Atlanta, location of its headquarters; Dallas; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Denver; and the US Virgin Islands.Russell’s civic involvement includes serving as Chairman of the board of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, and as a board member of the Georgia Research Alliance and National Association of Corporate Directors. He is on the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, AEC Unites, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.Mr. Russell received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia and his MBA from Georgia State University.

NONPROFIT — YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta serves the region through inclusive, community-centered programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Guided by its mission to strengthen spirit, mind, and body, and its vision of building communities where everyone belongs,the Y offers a comprehensive range of services—from early childhood education through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs, to teen leadership development, youth sports and aquatics, wellness initiatives for adults and seniors and hunger-relief outreach.A hallmark of the YMCA’s commitment to youth development and community engagement is its partnership with the Atlanta Hawks. This collaboration expands access to youth sports, particularly basketball—and provides vital support for the YMCA’s programs across Metro Atlanta. As part of this partnership, the YMCA proudly serves as the Official Jersey Patch Partner of the Atlanta Hawks, with the organization’s iconic Y wordmark featured on all Hawks uniforms.Since its founding in 1858, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its communities, now creating millions of meaningful experiences each year and engaging hundreds of thousands of individuals. Its dedication to accessibility is reflected in robust financial assistance programs, ensuring that children and families of all backgrounds can participate and thrive.

CORPORATE — GOOGLE

Google has made a strong commitment to giving back to the Atlanta community through investments in technology, education and economic development. With a major office in Midtown and a data center in Douglas County, the company contributes to the region’s growth while supporting local organizations and residents. Through Google.org, the company has pledged millions of dollars to empower local nonprofits and expand access to digital skills, including a $1 million grant to the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta for Artificial Intelligence training and another $1 million to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to help residents gain high-growth job skills.Google also partners with diverse community groups such as 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the Southern Center for Human Rights and the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Economically, Google helped generate an estimated $17.7 billion in activity across Georgia in 2024 and collaborated with the City of Atlanta on the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace to uplift Black, Latino and women-owned businesses. Its expansion of Google Fiber continues to address digital equity across metro Atlanta.In education, Google works closely with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Technical College System of Georgia to provide no-cost Career Certificates and advance tech education. Partnerships with organizations like Learn4Life, the Atlanta University Center and Clayton State University further demonstrate Google’s dedication to equipping students and educators with AI and STEM skills, ensuring a more inclusive and tech-driven future for Atlanta. Google’s generosity to Christian City’s programs has focused on creating economic opportunity for disadvantaged youth.

Our 2026 Community Champion Awards Sponsors

We are grateful for our 2026 sponsors. Their support is integral to the life changing work that happens at Christian City!

2026 Community Champion Awards Photos

View the photos from the Community Champion Awards Ceremony on April 29, 2026.

Past Honorees

2025 HONOREES

Individual
Mayor Andre Dickens

Nonprofit
Goodwill of North Georgia

Corporate
Georgia Power

2024 HONOREES

Individual
First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp

Nonprofit
The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc.

Corporate
Jackson Healthcare

2023 HONOREES

Individual
William H. “Bill” Rogers, Jr.

Nonprofit
Peach Bowl, Inc.

Corporate
Atlanta Braves

2022 HONOREES

Individual
Egbert Perry

Nonprofit
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Corporate
Norfolk Southern Corporation

2021 HONOREES

Individual
Dan Cathy

Nonprofit
100 Black Men of Atlanta

Corporate
The Home Depot

2019 HONOREES

Individual
Stephanie Blank

Nonprofit
Westside Future Fund

Corporate
Delta Air Lines