Breakfast With Champions

Begin transcript:

[Inspirational music playing]

Russ Spencer >> I can’t think of anything that is more of a testament to the great work that the Bobby Dodd Institute is doing, and how much it’s appreciated that 320 of you would get up and be here at 8:00 in the morning. So let’s give you and BDI a big round of applause to get started this morning.

Todd Hermon >> Breakfast With Champions has been taking place for over 20 years. It’s amazing, right?

Larry Gluth >> Last year marked the beginning of a new five-year strategic plan to double our impact. So how did we do in year one?

BDI surpassed its target. Preliminary served 2,550 people. Our collective economic impact to the community was close to $8 million.

Sarra Kennedy >> It’s the advocates in our community like Cheri Mitchell, who convey the perspective of the disability population and who turn that word into ability.

Cheri Mitchell >> I also want to thank all the people who have given me the privilege and the honor to serve them and to help them, because I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for those people.

Rodney Hall >> As our next luminary has scaled its business, it has benefited BDI and provided more job opportunities for those with disabilities.

Greg Sample >> I just want to tell you how honored and proud we are to have received this award. The teamwork and the passion from these team members are just unbelievable. It reinforces the belief in me every week that there’s really no obstacle that can’t be overcome—and it’s so much fun doing this with such a great local partner as the Bobby Dodd Institute.

Lori Chase >> This incredible young man’s story is so inspiring. Rondarius has a plan, but his focus doesn’t prevent him from sharing his gifts with others. He’s been a role model to his fellow classmates at the Bridge Academy, and he always leads by example.

Rondarius >> I would like to thank Harper, Jerry, Todd, Bobbie, and others for honoring me with this award and for believing in me and what I have accomplished in addition to being a successful team leader. Thank you.

Russ Spencer >> The community is demanding that we do more to reach those who desperately need the lifeline and programs that BDI provides. So let’s help BDI be that bridge to many more people.

Andy Tuck >> It’s my honor and privilege to present the final Luminary of the Year award to Shamika Demry. Shmika is a veteran, and she serves in BDI’s call center.

Shamicka Demery >> To the organization I have been privileged to be a part of, thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to make a difference. Lastly, I want to dedicate this honor to those who have inspired me to shine brightly in their own endeavors. May you always believe in the power of your dreams and never lose sight of the impact you make in the world. Thank you!

Andy Tuck >> All the sponsors, the Board, my fellow board members, and all of the volunteers and people who do so, so much, your continuous support is what really drives this organization to achieve its mission. And now you see those valuable contributions are furthering BDI’s mission beyond what AADD, Bobby Dodd and our founders could have ever envisioned.

And I just want to thank everyone at BDI for putting this together. Wonderful event, as always, and we hope we see you next year.