FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, GEORGIA—APRIL 3, 2025— Over 250 friends and supporters of Bobby Dodd Institute’s (BDI) mission gathered at Breakfast with Champions to celebrate our shared achievements. The event was the result of year-long planning and a tremendous team effort. Together, we raised nearly $160,000—funds that will help us further expand our vital programs to ensure that people with disabilities can live with dignity and pride.

“I’ve always said that Breakfast with Champions is the highlight of my year, and 2025 is no exception! The event exceeded my highest expectations, and I couldn’t be prouder or more humbled to be part of this amazing organization,” said Larry Gluth, BDI’s President and CEO.

We honored two incredible businesses and two individuals who are making remarkable strides in the disability community.

Meet the 2025 Luminary Award Recipients

Pomona Organic

Founded in 2017 by a group of friends who met after immigrating from the country of Georgia, Pomona Organic is a juice manufacturing and distribution company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Pomona engages Bobby Dodd Institute as part of its global supply chain to store, kit and fulfill distributor orders for its bottle juice line out of BDI’s Jonesboro facility. The partnership between the company and BDI has helped expand Pomona’s business and created new employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

In his remarks after receiving the 2025 Luminary of the Year Award, Gio Khvitia, one of the Pomona founders, said: “We are so grateful for the support that the BDI team has given us over the past few years. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership. This is just the beginning for us, and we are really excited to achieve more success in the future along with BDI.”

Bill Allen

Bill Allen started his journey with BDI in 2003 working on its Georgia Tourism Contract. Since joining the IRS team, Bill has been recognized for his work ethic and positive attitude. His co-workers describe him as exceptionally dependable, dedicated to his work and always professional.

“This award makes me realize that people with disabilities can do anything, but they have to have the faith and the support from families, friends and companies like BDI. I encourage you, all, to just do it,” Bill said in his remarks after accepting the 2025 Luminary Award.

Martha Haythorn

Martha Haythorn is a powerhouse advocate in the Georgia disability community. Her passion for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities is evident to everyone she meets. In 2024, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Martha to serve on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Martha’s positive attitude and the infectious energy she brings to her work makes her truly unique.

Martha co-hosted the event’s traditional Fund the Mission segment, emphasizing why organizations like BDI are essential: “People with disabilities and their families need services to provide them an incredible life. They need transportation to get around. They need to learn how to use that system. They need job placement and to be hired and to have the right to work. Everybody deserves that, and so do I.”

Special Kneads and Treats, Inc.

What began as a search for meaningful work for their son, Bradley turned into something even bigger. As Bradley approached the end of his school years, Tempa and  Michael faced the same tough question many families of children with disabilities do: What comes next? With Tempa’s passion for baking, they found their answer in Special Kneads and Treats, their family-owned bakery in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The bakery serves an average of 600 customers per week. Special Kneads and Treats employs 39 paid staff members and 17 volunteers, of whom 31 staff and 6 volunteers have disabilities. An additional 150+ people with disabilities seeking employment are on the bakery’s waiting list.

“If you are a company, give the special needs people the opportunity to work, and you are never going to regret it…Just give them a chance. They are wonderful, they are amazing, they do great things,” urged Tempa in her remarks. Michael added: “When you do have an interview with a special needs adult, don’t look at the disability. Close your eyes. Look at the ability!”

We thank all our generous sponsors and donors and are already excited for 2026. We’ve set the date, so mark your calendars for March 19, 2026!

About Bobby Dodd Institute

Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities to maximize their potential through supportive services. BDI offers a continuum of support for all ages, stages, and levels of need for people with disabilities and their families. BDI also operates several social enterprises to fund its programs and to place people with differing abilities in inclusive-minded workplaces. These business services include Contact Center and Switchboard Operations, Mailroom Management, Facility Management Supply Chain and Logistics Solutions.

BDI began as a program at All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) in 1960. After decades apart, the two organizations merged in 2018 to reconnect their shared mission and better serve those with disabilities. BDI is proud to carry on the legacy of the former Georgia Tech football coach, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate of individuals with disabilities—Bobby Dodd. BDI serves people with disabilities throughout Georgia and has worksites in four states.