Last night I was honored to join an amazing group of leaders as an awardee of the Diamond Awards on the Morehouse College campus.
The Diamond Awards were established to honor individuals in the entertainment and business worlds who, through their perseverance and success, have made a signi ficant impact on their industries. From donating their time, money and in fluence to philanthropic activities, to acting as a role model or pioneer for others in their fields, these individuals have opened new doors and changed the world.
“Even in our first year, the response and support we have received for both the Foundation and Diamond Awards from local and national celebrities and business people has been incredible,” said Mark Dodd, CEO of The Not Alone Foundation. The caliber of honorees, sponsors, and attendees demonstrates the generosity and concern from both our local community and people across the country to support such a worthy cause.
Every year, more than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney failure and more than 400,000 Americans suff er from (ESKD), which occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function at a level needed for day-to-day life. The average estimated cost of a kidney transplant in the United States is more than $250,000. The Not Alone Foundation is a non-profi t organization based in Atlanta and dedicated to providing financial assistance and educational and medical resources for CKD and ESRD patients and their families. The goals of the organization are two-fold: to help adult end-stage renal disease patients become members of the official kidney transplant list and to support the families of children and teens suff ering from ESRD. The Not Alone Foundation was established by Mark Dodd, Morehouse College Alumnus following his own challenges to get on the offi cial kidney transplant list. In addition to providing financial assistance for patients, the foundation also sponsors research and public education that promotes the prevention of diseases that can lead to kidney failure.
This year’s honorees included Dr. Anne Watts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Morehouse College; Anthony Anderson; Cybil Shy Demmons, Regional District Director: US Department of Labor; Darold Sawyer, Executive United Technologies Corporation; Harry Lennix; Jackée Harris; John Hope Bryant, CEO Operation HOPE; Ovie Mughelli of the Atlanta Falcons; Johnnie Booker, retired Director Supplier Diversity The CocaCola Company; Lisa Raye, Louis Gossett, Jr.; Mary Parker, Diamond Award in Corporate Excellence, All (n) 1 Security; Ne Ne Leakes; Ray Bishop, CEO Goodwill Industries; Roger Bobb, CEO Bobb Cat Productions; Shan Cooper, General Manager & Senior Vice President Lockheed Martin; Dr. Tobe Johnson, Dean, Humanities & Social Science, Morehouse College; and Dr. Thomas Mensah, President Georgia Aerospace, as well as director Anthony Hemingway and cast of the upcoming feature film Red Tails, Andre Royo and David Oyelowo. The Diamond Awards will also feature appearances by Brad James, Cynthia Bailey, Mel Jackson, Q. Parker, Robert Anthony Jackson, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton and Zackery York.