Why This Event Matters
The Spirit of DeKalb Awards shines a light on individuals, businesses, and public servants whose work strengthens our county. This annual gala celebrates excellence in leadership, service, and innovation, while raising support for initiatives that uplift and empower DeKalb residents. 2026 gala proceeds will support DeKalb residents experiencing food insecurity.
Event introduction
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce as event partners, and identifying Frankie Atwater as the Chamber’s President and CEO.
Host for the Evening
Ryan Cameron
Guiding the evening with energy, humor, and heart.
An Emmy Award–winning radio personality, host, voiceover artist, and humanitarian, he brings more than 25 years of excellence to the entertainment industry. A Georgia native, he is a two-time Emmy winner and inductee of both the Georgia and Black Radio Halls of Fame. He leads the #1 afternoon show on MAJIC 107.5/97.5 and is nationally syndicated through Reach Media. His groundbreaking roles as the first African American P.A. announcer for the Atlanta Hawks and later the Atlanta Falcons highlight his influence. As founder of a youth-focused foundation, he has impacted thousands while remaining one of Atlanta’s most respected and powerful figures.
Entertainment
Orchestra Noir
Alex Ahn
spirit of dekalb awards
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
-
5:30 PM – VIP Reception
5:45 PM – Cocktail Hour
7 PM – Dinner & Awards Program
- Location Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30346
- Holiday Black-Tie Awards Gala Celebrating leadership, community impact, and excellence across DeKalb County.
Sponsorship Levels
VISIONARY PARTNER — $20,000
- 2 VIP Tables (20 seats)
- 20 Visionaries Reception tickets
- Champagne service (2 bottles/table)
- 3-minute stage remarks
- Top-tier logo placement (all materials)
- Premium program ad (Inside Front/Back Cover)
- Dedicated tableside service
- Recognition at both the Visionaries Reception and the gala.
- Your logo on press releases, email campaigns, and the website.
- “Presented by” billing described in the sponsor deck.
PILLAR SPONSOR — $15,000
- 1 VIP Gala Table (10 seats)
- 10 Visionaries Reception tickets
- Champagne service (2 bottles)
- Prominent logo placement
- Verbal recognition during Gala
- Full-page program ad
- Dedicated tableside service
- Dedicated tableside service
- Logo placement in email campaigns
CORNERSTONE SPONSOR — $10,000
- 1 Premium Gala Table (10 seats)
- 10 Visionaries Reception tickets
- Champagne service (2 bottles)
- Logo on materials & website
- Stage acknowledgment
- Full-page program ad
- Specify preferred table location
- Logo placement in email campaigns and on the website.
FOUNDATION PARTNER — $5,000
- 1 Preferred Gala Table (10 seats)
- 10 Visionaries Reception tickets
- Logo at Gala & select materials
- Half-page program ad
- Website logo placement
- Keep the 10 seats and 10 reception tickets shown in the deck.
GALA PATRON — $3,500
- 1 Gala Table (10 seats)
- Name listed on table
- Name in program booklet
- Quarter-page program ad
INDIVIDUAL TICKET — $200
- Admission to Gala
- Full dinner & entertainment
- Awards ceremony access
Program booklet advertising
- Outside back cover $2,500
- Two-page centerfold $3,500
- Full page $1,500
- Half page $1,000
- Quarter page $750
nominations
Partners & Sponsors
