Volunteers Honored at Annual Mayor's Ball

Local residents danced to the beat of the band Synergy and helped raise funds for the Johns Creek Foundation at the Mayor’s Ball held Oct. 19 at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker began his speech by sharing a secret about serving as mayor with the audience.

“A lot of time you get your speeches two minutes before you make them,” he said. “I’ve had this one for five.”

He recognized fellow members of the Johns Creek City Council, State Rep. Lynne Riley, State Sen. David Shafer, Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, city employees and members of the Johns Creek Foundation. He said everyone at the event was there because they believed in what Johns Creek had to offer. The Johns Creek Foundation, which benefited from the monies raised at the event, works to improve the quality of life in the city by supporting groups area non-profit groups, like Relay for Life and Performing Arts North.

Bodker then recognized Ron Jones as Johns Creek’s Volunteer of the Year for his role in Leadership Johns Creek, which has beautified Technology Park and set up signs marking the crossing of Johns Creek. More recently, LJC has established Student Leadership Johns Creek, to encourage young people to make a difference in their communities.

Next, Bodker recognized Friends of the NE/Spruill Oaks Library President Vicki Johnson as Johns Creek’s Outstanding Volunteer. He listed her many achievements, including the $85,000 raised to benefit the library during her tenure and her role in organizing the library’s first International Day.

“Excuse me, Vicki, but I had to say a lot here,” he said.

This was the fifth year Emory Johns Creek Hospital was a presenting sponsor for the Mayor’s Ball. Hospital CEO Craig McCoy came forward to speak after Bodker. He described the honors the hospital has received, including the emergency department’s designation as being in the top 1 percent in patient satisfaction.

McCoy said the hospital’s goal is to serve as an economic engine for the Johns Creek community. Emory Johns Creek has added 49 new jobs, including seven new physicians, and invested $6.5 million in capital improvements.

Johns Creek Foundation Board Member Wayne Carrel was among those who stayed after the speeches to enjoy the evening. He and Wendi Bock were the co-chairs of the event.

“It’s months of preparation — all the meetings, all the time together,” he said.

He, Boch and JCF Executive Director Diane Lasorda put together the hundreds of facets making up the Mayor’s Ball, including the balloons and the displays.