Legends, Leaders and Life Well Lived Award .

Honoring Lives of Purpose, Service, and Lasting Impact

Senior Citizens Inc. is proud to announce the honorees for the 2026 Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Awards Luncheon, taking place May 14, 2026 | 11:30am - 1:30pm at the Palmetto Club at The Landings.

This annual celebration honors individuals whose lives reflect leadership, service, and a deep commitment to community. Their lives remind us that impact is measured not only in achievements, but in the example we set for others and the difference we make alone the way.

This year’s honorees exemplify what it means to have a life well lived.


Meet the 2026 Honorees

🌟 Pat Hackney - A beloved community leader whose lifelong service has helped shape Savannah’s civic, cultural, and philanthropic landscape. Through her leadership with the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, she has been instrumental in building educational programs, growing membership, and creating signature events that engage and inspire the community. Known for her ability to bring people together in service of a greater good, Pat’s impact extends across countless charitable efforts—from community fundraisers to extraordinary acts of volunteerism that mobilized Savannah in support of others. Her generosity, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to service truly exemplify a life well lived.

🌟 Shirley Barber James - A respected civic leader whose lifelong commitment to education, media, and public service has profoundly shaped Savannah’s civic and cultural life. A graduate of Spelman College and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education , she served for many years in senior leadership roles at Savannah State University before becoming publisher of The Savannah Tribune, a trusted voice for the African American community. Through her leadership in journalism, civic organizations, women’s groups, and public commissions, Shirley has championed education, civic engagement, and community connection, leaving a lasting legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership..

🌟 Dr. Paul Pressly - A lifelong educator and scholar whose leadership has shaped generations of students and enriched the cultural and educational life of Savannah. As longtime Headmaster of Savannah Country Day School, he was known for his integrity, mentorship, and personal connection to students. His impact extends well beyond the classroom through national leadership in independent education, scholarship in Southern and Gullah/Geechee history, and his work with the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance—preserving history, fostering curiosity, and inspiring lifelong learning.


Celebrating Impact, Supporting Purpose

The Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Awards Luncheon is one of Senior Citizens Inc.’s signature events, celebrating individuals whose lives inspire us while supporting a mission that impacts thousands of older adults each year.

Proceeds from the luncheon help Senior Citizens Inc. continue its work helping older adults age successfully through programs that provide nutrition, care, companionship, and lifelong learning - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to have a life well lived.


Sponsorship & Table Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor: $10,000

  • Reserved Seating : One reserved table for 10 and table signage recognition

  • Recognition as “Presenting Sponsor” of the luncheon

  • Prominent logo recognition in event signage, luncheon program, sponsor slideshow, event webpage

  • Recognition from the stage

  • Recognition in event-related social media and press materials

  • Solo “thank you social media post”

Your Impact: Helps subsidize a full year of safe, engaging daytime care for a vulnerable older adult, while giving their caregiver time to work, rest, or recharge.

Legends Sponsor: $7,500

  • Reserved Seating : One reserved table for 10 and table signage recognition

  • Prominent logo recognition in event signage, luncheon program, sponsor slideshow, event webpage

  • Recognition in event-related social media and press materials

    Your Impact: Helps provide care navigation and guidance for dozens of older adults and families as they navigate complex aging-related decisions

Leaders Sponsor: $5,000

  • Reserved Seating : Six reserved seats

  • Logo recognition in event signage, luncheon program, sponsor slideshow, event webpage

  • Logo recognition in event-related social media

Your Impact: Helps subsidize a full year of safe, engaging daytime care for a vulnerable older adult, while giving their caregiver time to work, rest, or recharge.

Life Well Lived Sponsor: $2,500

  • Reserved Seating : Four reserved seats

  • Name recognition in luncheon program, sponsor slideshow, and event webpage

  • Name recognition in event-related social medias

  • Your Impact: Helps provide care navigation and guidance for dozens of older adults and families as they navigate complex aging-related decisions

SEATING OPTIONS

Host a Table (individuals only): $1,250

  • Reserve a table for up to 10 guests

  • Name recognition in luncheon program

  • Name recognition on reserved table

SCI Honorees Circle: $200

  • Reserved Seating at a designated SCI Honorees Circle Table

  • Special recognition in luncheon program

  • SCI Honorees Circle button at the event

General Seating: $100

  • Unassigned first come seating among unreserved seats

Past Honorees

  • Irene Johnson

    2018

  • Col. Ed Wexler

    2018

  • Linnie Darden

    2019

  • Richard (Dick) Eckberg

    2019

  • Dr. Leslie Wilkes

    2019

  • Eric Meyerhoff

    2020

  • Arnold Tenebaum

    2020

  • Dolores Washington

    2020

  • Dale and Lila Critz

    2021

  • Deborah Goldwire

    2021

  • Robert E. James

    2021

  • Dr. Joe Buck

    2022

  • G.H. Griffin

    2022

  • Don Kole

    2022

  • Bettye West Berksteiner

    2023

  • Wanda S. Lloyd

    2023

  • Robert (Bob) Faircloth

    2023

  • Sister Margaret Beatty, R.S.M

    2024

  • Kathy Levitt

    2024

  • Cliff McCurry

    2024

  • Dr. Otis S. Johnson

    2025

  • Camille O'Neill

    2025

  • Ret. Lt. John A. White, Sr.

    2025