At HOPE Atlanta’s annual Heroes for HOPE gala on Nov. 17, two outstanding corporate citizens will receive “Heroes for HOPE” awards. The award is given annually to local leaders who have been instrumental in combating homelessness or hunger in our communities. The theme for this year’s event and fundraising campaign is “Voices of HOPE,” which highlights many other inspirational people and success stories from HOPE Atlanta’s network — from clients and staff to donors and volunteers. The event co-chairs are Ashley Northcutt, Tax Partner at Tidwell Group and Chris Sizemore, CEO of Incisize.

Bentina Terry, Georgia Power’s Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy & Solutions, will receive the Individual Hero Award. An influential leader in Metro Atlanta and across the state, Terry plays a critical role in Georgia Power’s work supporting underserved communities.

“It’s hard to be in our city and not see the blight of those who are unhoused or who have food insecurity,” said Terry. “It negatively affects schooling and education for kids, complicates and creates health issues, and impacts employability — among other things. If we can help people with basic needs like food and housing, we can begin to help them with other needs.”

CEO Andrew T. Cathy will accept the Corporate Hero award on behalf of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Since 2012, Chick-fil-A has awarded more than $17 million in True Inspiration Awards grants to nonprofits, including those focused on homelessness or hunger, and has donated more than 15 million meals through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which helps fight hunger in local communities.

“At Chick-fil-A, our franchise operators, team members and staff are committed to serving our neighbors and strengthening our local communities,” said Carol Waddy, Director of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A. “We’re honored to support HOPE Atlanta’s invaluable efforts to alleviate hunger and homelessness in our home state. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of people in very tough circumstances!”

In its 9th year partnering with HOPE Atlanta, Northside Hospital will return as Title Sponsor. Other top event sponsors include CARROLL, Chick-fil-A, Georgia Power, Berckmans Spirits, LLC, EY, Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition, J.P. Morgan, Perennial Properties, The Home Depot Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, PPD Holdings, Creative Realities and Tidwell Group.

“With economic inequality worsening throughout Georgia, collaboration is crucial to staving off homelessness and hunger,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of HOPE Atlanta. “We are grateful for our partners’ passion, dedication, and generosity. I’m confident we will be able to improve lives at scale and build a more HOPEful future together.”

Heroes for HOPE will be held in person at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Those looking to learn more about programs, donate, or become a sponsor are invited to visit HOPE Atlanta’s website.