Marietta, Georgia Non-Profit for People with Disabilities
l-r: Jim Budzinski of Presenting Sponsor WellStar and co-founder Tommy Nobis present the prestigious Governor’s Award to Annette Bowling, CEO of Albany, Ga. ARC

MARIETTA – Tommy Nobis Center raised more than $98,000 at its 15th Annual  Galaxy of Stars Luncheon & Tommy Awards Ceremony May 8, 2013 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel at  Cobb Galleria Centre.  Jim Budzinski, WellStar Health System Executive VP & CFO and Tommy Nobis Center co-founders, former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis and Bobbie Knopf, presented the prestigious Governor’s Award to Annette Bowling, CEO of Albany, Ga. ARC.  Debbyn Milligan served as honorary chairwoman and Ashlie Pendley served as event chairwoman.

The event highlights workplace successes of youth and adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment.  “This year’s event honored 17 extraordinary nominees in eight categories,” said Tommy Nobis Center president & CEO Connie Kirk.  “Fostering public awareness and educating our community about these amazing individuals and the programs and organizations that champion their workplace success is the aim of this special day.  We are delighted that almost 300 guests joined the celebration.”

Winners include:

  • Governor’s Award and Barrier Breaker for Innovation Award
    • Annette Bowling, CEO of Albany, Ga. ARC
  • Luminary Award for Volunteer Advocacy
    • Dr. Cathy Neher, Kennesaw
  • Luminary Award for Professional Advocacy
    • Beth Ray, MUST Ministries, Marietta
  • All Star Award for Outstanding Employee
    • Lewis Tankersley, Cumming
  • All Star Award for Outstanding Veteran
    • Jerry J. Rowland, Jr., Fairburn
  • Visionary Award for Outstanding Employer
    • Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, Marietta
  • Rising Star Award for Outstanding Tommy Nobis Center Graduate
    • Jade Lewis, Austell
  • Galaxy Award for Outstanding Program
    • The Extension, Marietta

Sponsors Included:
Presenting Sponsor:
WellStar

Constellation Sponsors:
Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.
Southern Company

Media Sponsor:
WSB-TV

Comet Sponsors:
Sam P. Alterman Family Foundation
Lance Cornell
Larry Gerdes
The Home Depot Foundation
Debbyn and Tim Milligan

Star Sponsors:
Cobb EMC
Gas South
The Kroger Company
Marietta Power and Water
Ogletree Deakins
TDCR Group, LLC