Tommy Nobis Center, a Marietta-based nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, hosted its 21st annual Galaxy of Stars Luncheon on Friday, April 26, 2019 and raised over $200,000 – more than any other previously held Galaxy of Stars event.

Held at the Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom, the event brought together approximately 400 corporate leaders and community supporters to honor the impact of Tommy Nobis Center’s programs, celebrate its participants and raise much needed funds to support ongoing operations.

This year's Galaxy of Stars theme was "Together We Rise." Master of Ceremonies, WSB-TV’s Action News Anchor Justin Farmer, kicked off the event followed by the Invocation given by 2010 Galaxy of Stars Tommy Nobis Rising Star Steve Kelley. President & CEO Dave Ward gave the President’s Address and Harry Abrams spoke on behalf of Presenting Sponsor Cobb EMC Community Foundation.  A highlight of the program was the recognition of the Stars Among Us—Tommy Nobis Center program participants who have achieved career success.

Former Falcons Head Coach Dan Reeves and former Falcon Greg Brezina presented awards and expressed their admiration of Tommy Nobis and the work of Tommy Nobis Center. A team of Atlanta Falcons Legends were also on hand to lend their support of the legacy of Tommy Nobis and employment for people with disabilities.

“This year’s event was incredibly impactful,” said CEO Dave Ward. “It is always inspiring to celebrate the amazing success of our program participants and community champions.” 

Tommy Nobis Center presented four awards to recognize the hard work and dedication of outstanding individuals who have contributed greatly to building inclusive communities where employment success is possible.

The award winners included:

Tommy Nobis Rising Star – Awarded to Kevin Burke, a program participant who with the support of Tommy Nobis Center pursued his dream of a career in cybersecurity. With his B.S. in Computer Science, Kevin was able to secure a position as Data Specialist at CyberGate IT and has since demonstrated outstanding personal and career achievements. To showcase his success, Tommy Nobis Center presented a video about Kevin’s journey during the luncheon.

Community Champion – Awarded to former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal in recognition of his commitment to inclusion and expansion of employment opportunities for citizens with disabilities. Governor Deal signed into law the Georgia Employment First Act that established employment as the first and preferred option for all people who want to work, regardless of their disability. During 2018 alone, an astounding 28,642 people with disabilities living in Georgia were able to enter the workforce.

Family Member Advocate of the Year – Awarded to Alana Shepherd who co-founded world-renowned rehabilitation hospital Shepherd Center in 1975. Alana has spent many years championing Shepherd Center’s mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability caused by injury or disease, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life while promoting safety and injury prevention. Tommy Nobis Center presented a video to honor the Shepherd family’s work.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to Billi and Bernie Marcus who have made a wide and lasting impact in their community and beyond as philanthropists and public servants of the highest caliber. Many of their numerous lifelong contributions relate to services for people with disabilities including the Marcus Autism Center, The Marcus Institute, The Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center and The Marcus Trauma Center at Grady Hospital. Bernie and Billi channel much of their generosity through The Marcus Foundation, which focuses on children, medical research, free enterprise, Israel and Jewish causes, and the community.