The Not Alone Foundation Hosts Star-Studded Diamond in Atlanta, GA!

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The Not Alone Foundation, a non­profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and educational and medical resources for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end­stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and their families, hosted the second annual Diamond Awards, on Saturday, March 17th.
The studded event, which was hosted by Lynn Whitfield and Terri J. Vaughn, took place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and featured performances by Avery Sunshine and Demetria McKinney.

The Diamond Awards were established to honor individuals in the entertainment and business worlds who, through their perseverance and success, have made a significant impact on their industries. From donating their time, money and ininfluence 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.

This year’s honorees will 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; 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  feature film Red Tails, Andre Royo and David Oyelowo. The Diamond Awards also featured appearances by Brad James, Cynthia Bailey, Mel Jackson, Q. Parker, Robert Anthony Jackson, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton and Zackery York.

“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 suffer 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-profit 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 suffering from ESRD. The Not Alone Foundation was established by Mark Dodd, Morehouse College Alumnus following his own challenges to get on the official 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.

Photos: Wire Image