The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is pleased to announce the Chief of Staff of the National Down Syndrome Society will provide opening remarks and welcome all of the honorees during the eighth annual Night of Champions gala on Thursday, May 11.

The event celebrates differently-abled adults who are employed, contributing members of our community.

Kandi Pickard, Chief of Staff of NDSS, the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, explained how she got involved with the organization after one of her children was born with Down syndrome.

Pickard said, “I feel proud to be part of this passionate community as we fight for the rights of all individuals with Down syndrome. The Night of Champions event is a shining example of a local chapter at work to create positive change for inclusion in their community, and I’m so excited to be a part of it this year.”

“We’re so very honored to have Kandi Pickard represent the national organization this year at the gala,” said Candy Bogardus, president of the Lowcountry group. “I think it speaks volumes that she is able to come out to our signature event to support the work we are doing right here in the greater Savannah area.”

Savannah’s own Jamie Deen, TV personality and best-selling cookbook author, will return as emcee for this year’s Night of Champions. Deen, who sits on the local society’s board, is a strong advocate for hiring those with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

“It is my honor to be a champion of change by helping business leaders in our community recognize how much these wonderful, differently-abled folks are just like you and me,” Deen said. “They are upbeat, dedicated, excellent employees, and I’m pleased I can help highlight their successes as the Night of Champions emcee. I look forward to once again sharing an incredible evening with my LDSS friends and supporters.”

By recognizing the employees and their employers to a full room of 600-plus business leaders, professionals and advocates, the event encourages business owners to hire from a talent pool that is ready to contribute.

The eighth annual Night of Champions gala will get underway at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Savannah. Tickets are available at https://nightofchampions.org/.