Bobby Dodd Institute Holds Fourth Annual Breakfast With Champions to Honor Supporters Dedicated to Finding Life-Enhancing Work for People With Disabilities
February 08, 2005
ATLANTA, GA -- In an effort to combat the high unemployment rate among the 24 million disabled individuals in America, the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) will hold its largest fundraiser, the fourth annual Breakfast With Champions, Thursday, Feb. 24. Proceeds will fund much-needed career services, such as job training and placement assistance. The event recognizes the vital work performed by the nonprofit's donors, customers, volunteers and supporters to improve the lives of people with disabilities and disadvantages in the Atlanta region, as well as to educate attendees about the life-changing programs available at BDI.
Founded in honor of former Georgia Tech football coach Bobby Dodd, a tireless advocate of disabled Atlantans, BDI each year helps more than 800 disabled and disadvantaged individuals become economically self sufficient, independent and integrated into society through its career services and employment programs. The 45-year-old agency provides vocational training, employment opportunities and placement services grounded in strength-based development to ensure a better quality of life for the 1.5 million Georgians living with disabilities today.
"Individuals with disabilities face a number of limitations and roadblocks," said Wayne McMillan, President and Chief Executive Officer of BDI. "BDI's mission is to defy these expectations, providing creative programs of work and life-enhancing activities that bring value to life and build solid business relationships. Breakfast with Champions gives us a chance to thank our supporters for their continuous time, dedication and support."
Breakfast with Champions: Speakers and Honorees
During the breakfast, BDI will recognize the contributions of local community leaders and employers that have significantly improved the lives of disabled individuals.
-- The Circle of Excellence Award honors the individual who has had the
greatest positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities in the
Atlanta community through leadership, advocacy and innovation. Bob Freeman,
co-founder of Café 458 and long-time board member of BDI and Atlanta
Alliance on Development Disabilities, will receive the award.
-- The 2004 Employer of the Year Award recognizes companies dedicated to
expanding workplace opportunities for individuals with disadvantages and
disabilities. Over the past few years, Atlanta-based Spectrum Industries
has hired 14 individuals with disabilities or disadvantages, which
constitutes approximately 40 percent of their non-management workforce.
Upwardly mobile positions within Spectrum have given former BDI clients the
independence, self-sufficiency and dignity that valued workers deserve.
-- Keynote Speaker Jim Blanchard is CEO of Synovus and Georgia Trend
magazine's 2003 Georgian of the Year. Blanchard is recognized statewide
for his civic-minded leadership and business acumen. His dedication to
strength-based development mirrors BDI's commitment to placing clients in
quality positions that will tap into specific talents, interests and unique
skill sets.
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