(SAVANNAH, GA) After one year of virtual staging and a COVID pause year the Lowcountry Down Syndrome’s Night of Champions returns April 14, 2022 as an in-person event at The Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. The multifaceted event includes recognition of some of the area’s outstanding differently abled employees and their employers.
The LDSS reminds people that the event is more than an awards ceremony. It is actually a showcase for what can happen when employers are open to the idea of including differently abled people in their workforce. Besides hearing the success stories from the honored businesses, attendees will learn first-hand about the rewards resulting from inclusive hiring. They can also leave the event with contacts of potential employees.
“The Night of Champions is the recognition for employers but it is also a chance for them to show other potential employers the difference people with special needs can make in the workplace,” said Joe Marchese, president of LDSS. “You can love what you don’t know he stated and this night is a chance to first get to know people with different abilities and then come to love them.”
He recalled a Night of Champions a few years ago where Chris Smith, owner of several Five Guys Burgers & Fries, attended and eventually ended up hiring five differently abled people, and another where dermatologist Dr. Sydney Smith saw the benefits of a diverse staff and also eventually hired several people.
The evening will include a recognition ceremony, a silent auction benefiting LDSS and a cash bar, with Carson Fortner of Pooler Karate/Special Kicks sharing the stage with WJCL’s the Big Guy Frank Sulkowski serving as the night’s emcees.
“The success of Night of Champions is directly tied to local businesses that create opportunities for people to demonstrate their desire to work and make valued contributions to their community,” Marchese said. “The achievements of these champions in the workforce inspire more local organizations to take up the mission to light the way.”
LDSS is also seeking sponsors to support Night of Champions as it raises money to sustain the programs it offers throughout the year, including Camp Buddy for children with Down syndrome, its annual Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park and its monthly support group meetings for the families and friends of individuals with Down syndrome.
To become a Night of Champions sponsor, to donate an item for the silent auction or to reserve tickets, visit nightofchampions.org. Individual tickets are $75.00 and tables of ten can be reserved for $750.00 or you can buy a table and sponsor two past Champions for $900.00. For additional information, email info@ldssga.org.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact. LDSS encourages the whole family to attend; children of all ages are welcome. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit ldssga.org.
CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
Jmarchese@ldssga.org
912-213-9999
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com