The Not Alone Foundation hosted 2nd Biennial Diamond Awards

The Not Alone Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and educational and medical resources for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and their families, hosted their second annual Diamond Awards, on Saturday, March 17^th. The star-studded event, hosted by Terri J. Vaughn, took place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Diamond Awards were established in 2010 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 influence 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 included:

Dr. Anne Watts, Diamond Award for Excellence in Education (Assoc. Vice Provost, Morehouse College)
Sybil Shy-Demmons, Diamond Award for Excellence in Government Service (Atlanta District Director, US Dept of Labor)
Shan Cooper, Diamond Award for Corporate Excellence (GM and SVP, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics)
Mary Parker, Diamond Award for Entrepreneur of the Year (CEO, All (n) 1 Security)
Dr. Tobe Johnson, Diamond Award: Pioneer of Education/ Education Excellence (Interim Dean, Humanities & Social Science, Morehouse Collge)
Jackée Harry, Diamond Award for Excellence in Acting (Actress)
Ray Bishop, Diamond Award: Corporate Executive of the Year (CEO, Goodwill Industries)
Johnnie Booker, Diamond Award for Lifetime Achievement, Corporate Excellence (Former Global Director, Supplier Diversity The Coca-Cola Company)
John Hope Bryant, Diamond Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Achievements (CEO Operation Hope)
Lisa Raye, Diamond Award for Excellence in Television (Actress)
Ovie Mughelli, Diamond Award for Excellence in Sports (Atlanta Falcons)
Rushion McDonald, Diamond Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business (COO Nu-Opp Incorporated)
Anthony Hemingway, Diamond Award for Excellence in Directing (Director Red Tails)
Dr. Thomas Mensah, Diamond Award for Excellence in Science & Technology (Chairman at Green Energy Corp.)
Rodger Bobb, Diamond Award for Excellence in Producing (CEO Bobb Cat Productions)
Darold Sawyer, Diamond Award for Corporate Excellence (Manager of Diversity & EEO Programs, United Technologies Corporation)

The evening featured performances by Avery Sunshine and Demetria McKinney and appearances by: Linda Bringham, Alvin Darden, Brad James, Cynthia Bailey, Yvette Cooke, Regina & James Howard, Dr. Nicole LaBeach, Mel Jackson, Marva James, Robert Anthony Jackson, Carl Johnson, John Mayfield, Tamika Newhouse, Bobbi Powell, Travis Randle, Charity Shea, Dorie Tuggle, Dantaya Williams, and John Williams.

Presenting sponsors for The Diamond Awards included: Coca-Cola and United Technologies Corporation. Georgia Public Broadcast, Goodwill, Georgia Aerospace, Chattachoochee Tech College, and Morehouse College are premium sponsors for the event.

Every year, more than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney failure and more than 400,000 Americans suffer from ESRD), 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 U.S. 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.

ABOUT THE NOT ALONE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Not Alone Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta and dedicated to providing financial assistance and educational and medical resources for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (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 organization was established by Mark Dodd, Morehouse College Alumus, 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. For more information visit www.thenotalonefoundation.org.