The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Heroes, Saints & Legends gala salutes local leaders
The 2018 Heroes, Saints & Legends gala presented by the Foundation of Wesley Woods will salute a group of prominent local leaders. Philanthropist Merritt
Steed Bond, attorney and
activist Edward J. “Jack”
Hardin and Civil Rights icons the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery and the late Evelyn Lowery will be honored this year.
Evelyn Lowery, founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference/ WOMEN (Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now), died in 2013 at 88.
“My beloved Evelyn was a special woman, whose life was committed to service, especially around the issues of empowering women,” Joseph Lowery said at the time. “She was a wonderful mother and wife, and I thank God that she didn’t suffer any pain and that I was blessed having her as my partner, my confidant and my best friend for close to 70 years. I will miss her each and every day, but as a man of faith, I know that she is with her God.”
Heroes, Saints & Legends is planned for 6 p.m. April 19 at Flourish, 3143 Maple Drive in Buckhead. Attire is business/cocktail. Those who have attended the fundraiser in years past should note the new location. If using a traffic app on your smartphone, program the street address, not the venue’s name, as Waze and such may deliver you to Flourish’s Piedmont Road entrance, which isn’t open to traffic. Look attentively when traveling down Maple Drive, as the venue isn’t easily visible from the road. There will be valet parking (a splendidly renovated former car dealership, Flourish’s valet operation is exemplary).
“Heroes, Saints & Legends gives us all the opportunity to recognize the commitment of our honorees to improving the lives of others,” Tracy Crump, president & CEO of the Foundation of Wesley Woods, said in a statement. “Each one of these admirable yet humble leaders has made a tremendous impact in our Metro area. We look forward to having the community join us in honoring them for their tireless work… especially [for] the underserved and marginalized, and in making possible the lifechanging work of Wesley Woods.” Mary Patton is honorary chair of this year’s gala. “One of the wonderful things about Georgia is the willingness of everyone to join together to help seniors age with dignity,” she said. “Heroes, Saints & Legends promises to be a marvelous event that will leave you inspired by the people it serves, thanks to the giving of others.”
Atlanta-based Wesley Woods offers housing and services to more than 1,800 older adults in North Georgia, 75 percent of whom need financial assistance and more than 40 percent of whom live below the poverty line. Proceeds from the Heroes, Saints & Legends gala will benefit Wesley Woods Senior Living’s independent living communities and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research and education programs at Emory University.
For sponsorship and registration information call 404-728-6857, email kelli. naughton@wesleywoods.org or see foundationofwesleywoods.org/events/heroessaints-legends.