The North Georgia Community Foundation has named Dr. Buddy Langston the 2017 Woodrow Stewart Leadership in Philanthropy Award winner and Callie Flack the recipient of the Gus Whalen Young Philanthropist Award.
“These two individuals embody the mission of the Community Foundation,” NGCF President & CEO Michelle Prater said. “Their passion for serving others and making our community a better place for all is evident through their volunteer and professional leadership, and we are honored to recognize them and celebrate their many lasting contributions.”
Both recipients will be honored at NGCF’s Celebration of Community Dinner on Oct. 12 at the Gainesville Civic Center. The evening will honor hometown heroes making significant contributions to the north Georgia region and will feature a conversation with Doug Ivester, retired Chairman & CEO, Coca-Cola Co., and hometown philanthropist.
The Woodrow Stewart Leadership in Philanthropy Award recognizes individuals who provide leadership in support of philanthropic causes and who motivate others to take leadership roles with nonprofit organizations and community projects.
Dr. Langston boasts a long history of service to the Gainesville-Hall County community. He served on The Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees for more than 18 years during which he was instrumental in creating a culture of physician philanthropy. His leadership not only encouraged physician giving but also influenced numerous physicians to volunteer on committees and in leadership roles.
In addition to his decades of contributions to The Medical Center Foundation, Langston has also pioneered efforts at numerous non-profit organizations in the region. Some of the organizations impacted by his leadership and selfless service include, Sisu (formerly Challenged Child & Friends), Elachee Nature Center, Lakeview Academy, and the Medical Association of Georgia’s “Think About It” Campaign. Last year he was awarded The Samuel O. Pool Award, which recognizes physician leadership in philanthropy, service to the medical profession and the community at large.
“As a champion of community health, a visionary leader in our medical community and a passionate advocate for a community that is better tomorrow than it is today, Buddy is the essence of a southern gentleman who gives humbly of himself without expectation of recognition or reward,” said Nancy D. Colston, President and CDO of The Medical Center Foundation, Inc.
The Gus Whalen Young Philanthropist Award recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who show commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our region through volunteer service.
This year’s recipient, Callie Flack, according to a NGCF press release, has dedicated her time and talent to several non-profit and civic groups in Gainesville-Hall County always aiming to be intentional in her leadership in an effort to make lasting impressions on the groups or organizations for which she serves. Her community involvement includes the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County, Grace Episcopal Church, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church and Northeast Georgia History Center.
“Her efforts have enhanced the spirit of community and the quality of life in our region in a lasting and immeasurable way,” said James McCoy, President & CEO, Cumming Forsyth Chamber.
The Celebration of Community Dinner will be held Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Gainesville Civic Center. The reception on the lawn will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the seated dinner and program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Call 770-535-7880 for tickets. For more information, visit www.ngcf.org/celebrationofcommunity.
