Athens Tech Foundation Illuminate Gala Raises Over $175,000 for Student Success – Athens Technical College
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Athens Tech Foundation Illuminate Gala Raises Over $175,000 for Student Success – Athens Technical College
Athens Tech Foundation Illuminate Gala Raises Over $175,000 for Student Success
Summary
The Athens Tech Foundation’s fourth annual Illuminate Gala, held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Classic Center, brought the community together to “Light up the night for students” and raised more than $175,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and both in-kind and cash donations. The evening welcomed 220 attendees in support of Athens Technical College students and the programs that strengthen workforce development across the region.
ATHENS, GA –
The Athens Tech Foundation’s fourth annual Illuminate Gala, held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Classic Center, brought the community together to “Light up the night for students” and raised more than $175,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and both in-kind and cash donations. The evening welcomed 220 attendees in support of Athens Technical College students and the programs that strengthen workforce development across the region.
The Illuminate Gala featured keynote speaker Thomas Dickerson of Thomas Performance Engineering, a graduate of Athens Technical College. The program was emceed by Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation. Guests also heard a powerful message from student speaker Jessica Pinson, Athens Technical College’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year, who shared the impact Athens Tech has had on her education and future goals.
Antoine Boynton, Vice President of External Affairs and Institutional Advancement, commented, “The event was wonderful and uplifting. Hearing firsthand from students and graduates about the impact their scholarships or financial assistance provided them and their families truly brings home the ‘why’ of the Foundation’s mission. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that positively changes people, families, and generations.”
The Athens Tech Foundation supports Athens Technical College students through scholarships and emergency assistance, GED® vouchers, and funding for improvements that strengthen the college’s connection to the community. Proceeds from Illuminate Gala 2026 will help expand access to these resources and ensure more students can persist, complete their programs, and enter the workforce prepared to succeed.
About Athens Technical College
Serving citizens since 1958 by providing quality educational programs in an 11-county service area. The College offers over 190 program specializations across business, health, technical, and manufacturing. Students attend on three campuses (Athens-Clarke, Elbert, and Walton), online, and through career academies, adult learning centers, and continuing education opportunities. To learn more, visit
www.AthensTech.edu
.
About Athens Tech Foundation
Founded in 1988, the Athens Tech Foundation supports Athens Technical College by providing scholarships, emergency assistance, GED® vouchers, and strategic investments that remove barriers to education. By connecting donors, industry partners, and the community, the Foundation helps strengthen workforce development and create opportunities that drive economic growth across Northeast Georgia.
Athens Tech Foundation Illuminate Gala Raises Over $175,000 for Student Success
Summary
The Athens Tech Foundation’s fourth annual Illuminate Gala, held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Classic Center, brought the community together to “Light up the night for students” and raised more than $175,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and both in-kind and cash donations. The evening welcomed 220 attendees in support of Athens Technical College students and the programs that strengthen workforce development across the region.
ATHENS, GA –
The Athens Tech Foundation’s fourth annual Illuminate Gala, held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Classic Center, brought the community together to “Light up the night for students” and raised more than $175,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and both in-kind and cash donations. The evening welcomed 220 attendees in support of Athens Technical College students and the programs that strengthen workforce development across the region.
The Illuminate Gala featured keynote speaker Thomas Dickerson of Thomas Performance Engineering, a graduate of Athens Technical College. The program was emceed by Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation. Guests also heard a powerful message from student speaker Jessica Pinson, Athens Technical College’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year, who shared the impact Athens Tech has had on her education and future goals.
Antoine Boynton, Vice President of External Affairs and Institutional Advancement, commented, “The event was wonderful and uplifting. Hearing firsthand from students and graduates about the impact their scholarships or financial assistance provided them and their families truly brings home the ‘why’ of the Foundation’s mission. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that positively changes people, families, and generations.”
The Athens Tech Foundation supports Athens Technical College students through scholarships and emergency assistance, GED® vouchers, and funding for improvements that strengthen the college’s connection to the community. Proceeds from Illuminate Gala 2026 will help expand access to these resources and ensure more students can persist, complete their programs, and enter the workforce prepared to succeed.
About Athens Technical College
Serving citizens since 1958 by providing quality educational programs in an 11-county service area. The College offers over 190 program specializations across business, health, technical, and manufacturing. Students attend on three campuses (Athens-Clarke, Elbert, and Walton), online, and through career academies, adult learning centers, and continuing education opportunities. To learn more, visit
www.AthensTech.edu
.
About Athens Tech Foundation
Founded in 1988, the Athens Tech Foundation supports Athens Technical College by providing scholarships, emergency assistance, GED® vouchers, and strategic investments that remove barriers to education. By connecting donors, industry partners, and the community, the Foundation helps strengthen workforce development and create opportunities that drive economic growth across Northeast Georgia.