National Jewish Health announced that it will join local Atlanta leaders to host the second annual “Legends of Atlanta” fundraising gala on May 12.
Taking place at the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria, this year’s event — titled “Forever Young – A Tribute to Andrew Young” — will honor the civil rights icon.
Young played a key role in the civil rights movement, helping pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Following his time as a civil rights strategist, he would later serve as the first African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the mayor of Atlanta, and the co-chair for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
“We are appreciative of the support and involvement of our friends from around the country, including so many in Atlanta who are making this event possible,” said Michael Salem, president and chief executive officer of National Jewish Health. “This year we have the honor of celebrating Ambassador Young and his long years of service and impact on the lives of so many through recognition at this unique event.”
Paying tribute to Young are the gala’s co-chairs Billye Aaron (nonprofit executive and wife/widow of baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron), Paul Hagedorn (art director of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company) and Billy Payne (chairman of Centennial Holding Company, LLC and former president of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games).
“No one, other than my father, has impacted my life more than Andy Young. Our improbable 10-year journey together in bidding for, planning and hosting the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games would not have happened without Andy Young. He taught me so many life lessons and impacted my life in such a positive and profound way, just as he has done for so many others,” said Payne.
”Above all, I am proud and honored to call him my friend. And, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve as one of the co-chairs for Forever Young – A Tribute to Andrew Young to recognize Andy’s immeasurable contributions to Atlanta and the world.”
In addition to paying homage to Young’s accomplishments, the gala event will also feature live performances, a red carpet for guests, along with an informative exhibition called The Many Lives of Andrew Young — which chronicles Young’s storied life, beginning from his birth in New Orleans in 1932 onwards.
Proceeds from the gala will go towards National Jewish Health and its goal of developing new health treatments and solutions through research.