Georgia’s Own, Georgia United Credit union and Piedmont Augusta are set to host this year’s annual Junior Achievement of Georgia gala to showcase various programs’ impact on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Junior Achievement of Georgia, a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that focuses on developing middle and high school students’ key mindsets and skills to prepare them for success, aims to improve financial literacy, career readiness and foster children’s entrepreneurial spirit through multiple programs.
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The JA gala, a yearly fundraiser, will be held on Oct. 17 at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center and will bring together several influential business figures, community leaders and supporters of JA.
“Proceeds from the event will benefit JA of Georgia and its efforts to empower the next generation to build a better future for themselves and their community,” a press release from JA of Georgia stated.
By awarding two distinguished laureates, JA will celebrate the lifetime achievements of Dave Brendza – the division vice president and general manager for offices located in Augusta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky – and Stephanie Stuckey, the chair of Stuckey’s.
As this year’s awardees, Brendza and Stuckey will also be inducted into the JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame, which strives to highlight the careers and public service of some of the area’s most outstanding citizens.
According to the JA of Georgia website, honorees are selected based on their “outstanding business accomplishments as well as their extensive support of our community.”
Alongside Brendza and Stuckey, Hannah and Rafy Bassali, owners of The Swank Company, Escape Outdoors and Post Tots, will be recognized as this year’s “Rising Stars” during the gala.
John Hancock, president and CEO of JA of Georgia, shared his excitement for the future and the exceptional business leaders being added to the business Hall of Fame.
“We are thrilled to recognize the incredible business endeavors of Dave and Stephanie during this year’s eagerly awaited return of the JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame,” he said. “I am excited for the years ahead and the exceptional business leaders we will have the privilege to honor.”
Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Brendza has reportedly driven a 50% workforce growth and a $22 million worth of expansions in Augusta, which has led him to also earn other accolades, such as the Georgia Trend Magazine’s Best Places to Work.
In Louisville, Brendza achieved a 15% workforce increase and a $10 million expansion, earning the Boom Award for economic growth.
With 40 years at ADP, he has held many senior roles and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University, while Stuckey is a proud alumna of the University of Georgia.
Currently overseeing a renowned pecan snack and candy company, Stuckey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law degree, and has had a diverse career as a trial lawyer, a state representative and the Director of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta.
Stuckey is also the author of “Unstuck: Reviving an American Icon.”
The Bassali family is known in the CSRA for operating eight storefronts and three e-commerce sites.
Rafy also leads RB Capital Investments and serves on multiple local boards, while his wife Hannah is active on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Augusta Training Shop Board.
“As parents of three, they are committed to supporting their community through various charitable activities,” a press release from JA of Georgia stated.
To fundraise throughout the night, the gala will also feature a cocktail reception, a silent auction, a seated dinner and showcasing JA programs.
To learn more about the event, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.georgia.ja.org/greater-augusta-hall-of-fame
