Community members, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders gathered on December 13 for the annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards Gala. The event focused on raising funds to address food insecurity in DeKalb County and celebrated individuals and groups dedicated to service and leadership.
Ryan Cameron, a radio personality, comedian, and philanthropist, hosted the gala. Entertainment included performances by electric violinist Alex Anh and Orchestra Noir.
The awards ceremony honored those working to strengthen the community. CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson stated, “We are here to Celebrate excellence across leadership, innovation, community impact, and service. The Spirit of DeKalb Awards not only honors those who serve with purpose, but also helps provide critical resources to support families who are struggling to put food on the table.”
A special presentation was made to The Same House, an organization committed to bridging social and economic divides. The group received a $25,000 donation from the county in partnership for its efforts against food insecurity.
Attendees participated in an awards presentation, dinner, fellowship opportunities, and fundraising activities. Money raised will go toward local hunger-relief programs and initiatives designed to improve access to nutritious meals for residents.
The event also recognized fallen first responders Officer David Rose and Master Firefighter Preston Fant. Officer Rose received both the Medal of Honor—the highest award from the DeKalb County Police Department—and the Meritorious Service Award. Master Firefighter Fant was awarded the DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s Medal of Honor.
Winners in various categories included Jimmie Brooks (Outstanding Innovation Award), Akindele Akinsola (Employee of the Year), Peggy Allen (Lifetime Achievement Award), Kaisa-Lisa White (Chamber Volunteer of the Year), The Smart Place (Earl A. Walker Small Business of the Year), Royal Caribbean Bakery (Business Legacy Award), La Jeffa (Lou Walker Community Impact Award), The Levett Family Foundation and Mr. Ali Katoot (Bill Gates Philanthropist of the Year), and Victor Mbaba (Public Servant of the Year).
The Spirit of DeKalb Awards relies on sponsors and partners committed to building a healthier community each year. It also serves as a platform for mobilizing resources around pressing needs such as food insecurity.
DeKalb County schools enrolled 98,287 students during the 2022-23 school year—a period that saw a 2.2% drop in enrollment compared to the previous year—according to data from state education authorities https://www.gadoe.org/. In that same school year, white students represented 14% of total enrollment https://www.gadoe.org/.
For more information about the gala or its initiatives, visit spiritofdekalbawards.com.
