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
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Irene Johnson
2018
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Col. Ed Wexler
2018
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Linnie Darden
2019
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Richard (Dick) Eckberg
2019
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Dr. Leslie Wilkes
2019
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Eric Meyerhoff
2020
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Arnold Tenebaum
2020
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Dolores Washington
2020
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Dale and Lila Critz
2021
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Deborah Goldwire
2021
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Robert E. James
2021
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Dr. Joe Buck
2022
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G.H. Griffin
2022
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Don Kole
2022
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Bettye West Berksteiner
2023
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Wanda S. Lloyd
2023
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Robert (Bob) Faircloth
2023
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Sister Margaret Beatty, R.S.M
2024
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Kathy Levitt
2024
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Cliff McCurry
2024
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Dr. Otis S. Johnson
2025
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Camille O'Neill
2025
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Ret. Lt. John A. White, Sr.
2025