Celebrating our Volunteers @ the 17th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event

When we hosted our 17th annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, we honored the heart and soul of our mission—the volunteers. Whether picking up a hammer or painting a wall, they have played a critical role in making the dreams of homeownership come true for more than 2,700 families in the City of Atlanta and South Fulton County for the past 42 years.

Atlanta Habitat Board member Stuart Bruening, Senior Vice President of Atlanta Operations at J.E. Dunn Construction, served as the event host. 

The inaugural Legacy Award, the organization’s highest volunteer accolade, was presented to Steve Lackland, a veteran volunteer who has served with pride for decades. Carolyn Stephens received an honorable mention, a heartfelt acknowledgement of her 12 years of service including the 300+ hours she logged in 2024.

Other highlights included the announcement of 72 new Century Club members—volunteers who gave 100+ hours in a calendar year—and recognition of previous volunteer award winners. 

Robert Hughes and David Novotny were named Volunteers of the Year, and three nominees earned honorable mention: David Coole, Ginny Hodges McLendon and Shelley Nweke. 

The evening wasn’t just a celebration—it was a tribute to the transformative power of community. Because when doers and dreamers come together, anything is possible.