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It's Our 100th Anniversary:Join us in celebrating a century of impact at our 100th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2026. Learn More

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Celebrating a Century of Impact

Goodwill of North Georgia 100th Anniversary Gala

Presented By

100th Anniversary Gala Co-Chairs

Alicen Blair

taShi Shiimi-ya-Shiimi

Don’t Miss This Milestone Moment!

Goodwill of North Georgia is thrilled to celebrate its remarkable 100th anniversary with a dazzling gala that honors a century of transforming lives, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities. This once-in-a-lifetime event will bring together supporters, partners, and friends for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration. Join us for dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

  • When:   Saturday, April 18, 2026
  • Where:  Flourish Atlanta
  • Attire:    Cocktail Attire
  • What:     Dinner, dancing and a silent auction

Buy Tickets Become a Sponsor
A group photo at a gala, with balloons in the background.

100 Years of Impact Award Recipient: Mayor Andre Dickens

Mayor Andre Dickens will be honored as the founder of Goodwill’s Technology Careers Program and member of the Goodwill of North Georgia Board of Directors. With an average starting wage of $19.49/hour, graduates of the Technology Careers program have earned over $66M in wages over the last six years. In just a few weeks participants earn certifications in database administration, web development, SCRUM, and cybersecurity. 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

100 Years of Impact Award Recipient: Wendy Stewart

Bank of America will be honored as an important partner creating income equality in our region. Wendy Stewart, president of ​Global Commercial Banking at ​Bank of America, and leads her team to ‘being the change we want to see’ in the communities we serve.

As an employment partner, Bank of America has provided meaningful careers to the jobseekers we serve. Bank of America is also changing lives by providing financial literacy and credit building workshops at our 14 Career Centers. 

With Bank of America’s support, over 80,000 families have moved out of poverty over the last five years.

Wendy Stewart, President of ​Global Commercial Banking at ​Bank of America

100 Years of Impact Award Recipient: Josh Carter (on behalf of the Carter Family and The Carter Center)

The Carter Family will be acknowledged for their continued support of Goodwill’s mission. In 1971, Governor Jimmy Carter participated in the grand opening of Goodwill of North Georgia’s first career center.

Since 1986, the Carter Center has contracted with Goodwill to deliver high-quality facility, janitorial, and grounds maintenance services. Goodwill employees, many of whom have documented mental and physical disabilities, have built long careers earning a living wage caring for the Carter Center.​

Photo of Jason Carter

100 Years of Impact Award Recipient: Ricky Smith

Ricky Smith is the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. He leads a multi-billion-dollar modernization program while overseeing daily operations that serve more than 108 million passengers annually.

Over the past 10 years alone, Goodwill has placed over 2300 jobseekers in and around the airport with an average wage of $14/hour. Moving 2,300 individuals from unemployed and underemployed brings a total economic impact of $67,600,000 annually to our community. For every $1.00 in new wages, $0.62 is added to Georgia’s economy through increased consumer spending. Using the 0.62 multiplier, the indirect economic impact is $41,970,032 in additional local economic activity.

 

Ricky Smith headshot

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsors

Valet Sponsors

Graduate Sponsor

Advocate Sponsors

Table Sponsors

Countless lives changed

Over the last 100 years, our mission has not changed. We challenge ourselves to help jobseekers find a first job, a better job, and a career. Since 1925, Goodwill of North Georgia has impacted more than 751,000 jobseekers in our community. We didn’t do it alone. As we celebrate a century of service, we honor 100 supporters who made this possible.

Known as the “Goodwill 100“, these changemakers have helped transform lives and rewrite stories for those who need us most. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our community. Learn how the “Goodwill 100” are shaping our community and how your contribution can amplify their impact.

 

Learn More About the "Goodwill 100"
image of CEO Keith, Mayor and Veronica Lightburn at a computer in the career center

Become a Sponsor

Over the last 100 years, Goodwill of North Georgia has helped more than 751,000 jobseekers find a first job, a better job, and a career. Gala sponsors receive marketing benefits, networking opportunities, and the pride knowing you are helping the jobseekers who need us most.

We invite you to join us as a sponsor of this historic celebration. Your support will help us commemorate a century of progress while ensuring we can continue building pathways to success for the next hundred years.

Sponsorship packages are available from $5,000 to $50,000, offering meaningful recognition and visibility throughout the event.

Sponsorship Packet Become a Sponsor
A group photo at a gala event.