Athens Tech Foundation Celebrates its Third Annual Illuminate Gala
The Athens Tech Foundation held its third annual Illuminate benefit gala on Thursday, April 17, at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The event raised over $100,000 and showcased student stories to over 220 attendees.
This event was held to spotlight Athens Technical College’s impact on workforce development while raising funds to support students. The Athens Tech Foundation’s mission is to support the College’s students through scholarships and emergency assistance as well as funding improvements to the campus and helping the college stay connected with the community. The evening featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, wine toss, and testimonials from the 2024 GOAL winner, Nick Rucker, college GOAL Student of the Year, Rainna Tate, and college Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, Don Pruitt.
We want to extend our appreciation to all of our sponsors for shedding their light on our students. Sanofi was this year’s leading light sponsor, and our Luminary sponsors included Metal + Petal, Zoom Bait, Johnson & Johnson, and Cable East Inc. More than 30 companies sponsored the event at various levels.
President Andrea Daniel commented, “This event is so special not only to me, but also to our students and community. Raising over $100,000 to support our students in their educational goals ensures we can continue our mission of workforce development in our region. Each contribution represents a story of hope, opportunity, and faith in the potential of our students. I am so appreciative of the hard work and support of our sponsors, donors, TCSG, and Foundation Board.”
Janis Mangum served as the featured speaker at this year’s gala. In 2012, Mangum was elected to the office of Sheriff of Jackson County and became the first female Sheriff in the State of Georgia. In addition, she was only the 3rd female Sheriff elected in Georgia’s History. Mangum was employed with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for over 30 years, starting her career in law enforcement in 1985 as a Radio Operator.
Graham Joyner, Athens Tech Foundation Board Chair, stated, “This achievement is not just measured in dollars, but in the lives it will impact. Raising over $100,000 reflects our shared belief in the transformative power of education. I want to thank our sponsors and donors for making this happen, as well as the Foundation Board for all of their hard work and diligence. We haven’t merely funded scholarships; we’ve invested in futures, thereby strengthening the foundation of our college’s mission.”
Scholarships for the Fall semester will open June 1, 2025. For more information, visit AthensTech.edu/Foundation.
Photos from the event, courtesy of Wingate Downs Photography, can be viewed at: 2025 Illuminate Gala
For information on how you can become a donor or get involved in next year’s event, please contact Foundation@AthensTech.edu. To make a gift online, visit AthensTechFoundation.Kindful.com.