Sandy Springs Mayor Named Father Of The Year

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The American Diabetes Association Georgia Chapter has recognized Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul as the organization's Father of the Year. Paul was awarded the honor during the group's ceremony held Friday, Oct. 12 at the Fox Theatre in Midtown.

Jared Dorrell, manager of the Father of the Year initiative, said Paul stood out as an honoree "based upon his commitment and affection for his family, as well as his leadership, and being an excellent role model for the Sandy Springs community."

Paul, who said his sister, nephew and grandparents are all diabetic, said it was a "great surprise and honor" to have been selected for the award.

"I was delighted to be part of a fundraising effort to help cure a disease affecting so many people in so many nefarious ways," he said, adding he was "gratified by my family’s response because they all were very involved in the process."

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The awards, which are presented by the Association with the National Father's Day Council, recognizes men who make their families a priority "while balancing demanding careers and being outstanding community leaders," the association said.

There were eight nominees put forth for consideration for this year's award, said Dorrell. The American Diabetes Association’s Community Leadership Board, in partnership with the Council, make up the governing body to choose each year's honoree. The fathers who are selected represent and epitomize "family, citizenship, charity, civility, and responsibility in their everyday lives," Dorrell added.

"Each honoree has made a commitment to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association, to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes," he said.

The Father's Day Council has been an exclusive partner with the association's awards since 1999. The awards are used to support efforts to fund advocacy, education and research initiatives related to diabetes. Since its inception, the awards have raised more than $50 million for the American Diabetes Association.

Photo 1: Mayor Paul’s acceptance of the Father of the Year Award.

Photo 2: (from left to right) Mayor Paul with other two 2018 Father of the Year Honorees, Bob Hope – president, Hope-Beckham, Inc. and John Webb – CEO & Managing Partner, Quantum Reach at the Father of the Year Awards on October 12, 2018.

Photo credits: American Diabetes Association