FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 18, 2023 –Get ready for an inspiring morning on March 20, 2025, at Bobby Dodd Institute’s (BDI) 23rd annual flagship fundraising event, Breakfast with Champions. This exciting event gathers friends and passionate supporters to fuel BDI’s mission of empowering people with disabilities to maximize their potential—creating more employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
“Breakfast with Champions is my favorite breakfast of the year – It is a time to come together and celebrate the incredible businesses and individuals in our community who champion inclusivity and empower people with disabilities. As a past board member, current community engagement committee member, and forever advocate, I am inspired by the unwavering commitment of BDI to create opportunities for all. BDI is a connector and convener for those who aspire to create a world where everyone can thrive.”
– Michele Blondheim
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility
Aprio
BDI partners, sponsors, friends, and staff will honor four “Luminary of the Year” recipients – individuals and companies who have made an extraordinary contribution to empowering and employing people with disabilities.
Martha Haythorn is a rising star in the Georgia disability community. She is a Georgia Tech EXCEL Program graduate, and a Fellow of the Georgia LEND Program. Martha works as a programmer at the Decatur Family YMCA of the USA and was recently appointed to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Special Kneads and Treats believes that every child deserves to have a cake on their birthday. They are a Christian family-owned bakery in Lawrenceville, GA, that provides job opportunities for adults with disabilities and birthday cakes to families facing financial challenges.
Bill Allen began his journey with BDI in 2003. A member of the BDI team providing mailroom services at Atlanta’s IRS office, Bill has earned accolades for his positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Pomona Organic is an Atlanta-based producer of organic juices and supplements. Pomona has strongly committed to advancing its partnership with BDI to expand its business and create more employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The proceeds from Breakfast with Champions support BDI’s core programs, which include Behavioral Health and Counseling, Benefits Navigation, Family Support, Georgia Community Trust, Job and Career Services. All programs work toward disseminating resources, creating opportunities, and building community for people with disabilities and their families.
“Breakfast with Champions is a celebration of a community that often goes unnoticed,” shared Luke Christie, Development Manager at BDI. “People with disabilities bring a wide variety of unique talents to the workplace, and their lived experiences enrich every space they enter. We amplify that at Breakfast with Champions. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of!”
When?
Thursday, March 20 at 8:00 AM EST
Where?
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30339
A virtual livestream is available for those who cannot attend the event in person.
Register for Breakfast with Champions 2025.
About Bobby Dodd Institute
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people of differing abilities 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 of differing abilities throughout Georgia and has worksites in five states.
For further information, please contact:
Todd Hermon
VP, Development and Community Relations
todd.hermon@bobbydodd.org
Luke Christie
Development Manager
luke.christie@bobbydodd.org
