Residents, staff, volunteers, friends and family members gather for a 70th Anniversary celebration photo at the facility on Thursday, March 23. Felder’s Photography Studio
The Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center celebrated its 70th Anniversary on Thursday, March 23, with live music, special guests, a toast and an epic group photo. The event honored some of the longest serving staff and volunteers, as well as its longest-staying resident. The honorees included: Board member – Sen. Leroy Johnson (47 years), Staffers – Gretchen Holloway and Lola Thomas (49 years), Volunteers – Atlanta Consistory #24A Prince Hall Masons (37 years); and Resident, Laurie Ridley (20 years).
Board Chair Samuel Bacote III said, “We all should remember and remain forever hopeful, grateful and determined for the next 70 years for Sadie G. Mays.” Speaker, Rev. Gerald Durley noted that there weren’t many institutions in Atlanta’s black community that lasted this long and said to “keep climbing.” He was referencing the song, “Climb Every Mountain” that was sung by noted soprano, Zelda Kennedy during the program. The 75+ attendees were treated to cake, ice cream and a large, group photo commemorating the historic milestone.
The nonprofit organization was founded by Sadie Gray Mays, a social worker and wife of famed educator, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays in 1947 as the Happy Haven Nursing Home. Today it is a 206-bed, skilled nursing facility which is accredited by The Joint Commission and has been listed in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Nursing Homes” list three times. It is located at 1821 Anderson Ave., NW, Atlanta, GA 30314, www.sgmays.org.
The 70Th Anniversary honorees included (l-r, seated): Resident, Laurie Ridley (20 years). Staffers – Gretchen Holloway and Lola Thomas (49 years), Board member – Sen. Leroy Johnson (47 years). Standing are President/CEO, Charles Robinson, Jr. and Board Chair, Samuel Bacote, III.
Soprano, Zelda Kennedy, sang “Climb Every Mountain” during the program.
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