A decade of advocacy, awareness, and unwavering community support came together in a single unforgettable evening in Atlanta. On June 20, the Every Color Matters Cancer Awareness Foundation marked its 10th anniversary with Mission Possible: Celebrating 10 Years of Impact, a black-tie gala held at the Georgia Aquarium that drew more than 400 guests.

Cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, community leaders, elected officials, corporate partners, and supporters from across the region filled the room for an evening equal parts celebration and purpose, raising a total of $67,000 in a single night to support families currently in the fight against cancer.

The evening was hosted by Sharon Lawson, anchor of CBS News Atlanta, while the red carpet was covered by Brooks Baptiste of ATL News First and Laurran Robinson of FOX 5 Atlanta. Special recognition came from U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, who sent a congratulatory letter from his office, and Atlanta City Council President Marci Overstreet presented an official proclamation on behalf of herself and the full Atlanta City Council recognizing Every Color Matters and its decade of community impact.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Celebrity Chef Shawn Osbey, former NBA player Josh Powell, actors Maurice Johnson and Philip Boyd, 11Alive’s Faith Jessie, and Georgia State Senator RaShaun Kemp. Grammy-nominated artist Montell Jordan, himself a two-time cancer survivor, delivered a special video message congratulating the foundation on its milestone and expressed his desire to partner with the organization in the future.

During the Impact Award presentation. Eric Keith, founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Quintessential Gentleman and advisory board member of Every Color Matters, took the stage to present the award to LaSaundra Hewitt, a woman whose story stopped the room. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Merkel Cell Skin Cancer in March 2024, Hewitt has faced one of the most difficult seasons imaginable with grace, strength, and an extraordinary refusal to be defined by her diagnosis.

While cancer has brought significant challenges to her life, it has also revealed her resilience and determination to keep moving forward despite every obstacle in her path. Her story is a living embodiment of what Every Color Matters was built for.

The foundation also honored ten individuals and families currently battling cancer with grants of $1,000 each, three of whom were students receiving scholarships to support their educational goals while navigating the weight of cancer in their families, and seven cancer thrivers currently undergoing treatment or recovery.

In a surprise moment, a $1,000 Caregiver Award was also presented to one of the evening’s caregiver panelists through a partnership with Katrina High and the HAWC Foundation, honoring the often-unseen sacrifice of those supporting loved ones through treatment.

Brian Kovener, CEO of VEU Magazine, was recognized as the event’s Official Media Sponsor for his role in helping amplify the organization’s mission throughout the community.

The numbers behind the evening tell their own story. In addition to the $67,000 raised at the gala, the foundation recently received a $75,000 grant, bringing the total impact generated through this milestone celebration to more than $142,000 in support of cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and future initiatives. With a fundraising goal of $75,000 still in sight, just $8,000 remains to cross the finish line.

Founder and CEO Barney E. Jackson Jr. reflected on what the evening meant. “My heart is overflowing with gratitude,” he said. “Ten years ago, Every Color Matters was founded from a deeply personal place of loss, hope, and a commitment to ensure no family feels alone during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. To stand in a room with more than 400 people who believe in that vision is truly humbling.”

He continued: “Success is not measured solely by dollars raised. Success is measured by the lives impacted, the families supported, the scholarships awarded, the caregivers recognized, and the hope restored. The true success of this evening was seeing our community come together to remind those battling cancer that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not alone.”

The mission doesn’t stop here. Those interested in supporting Every Color Matters can still contribute toward the remaining fundraising goal and help provide financial assistance, educational scholarships, awareness initiatives, and year-round support for families impacted by cancer.

For more information, visit the foundation’s social media platforms or website. Check out more images from the gala below.

Photo Credit: Made In Indya Photography