Heart of the Community

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Heart of the Community Heart Walk, presented by AdventHealth Redmond in partnership with TRED of Rome/Floyd County! It was a wonderful morning for a heart-healthy walk along the AdventHealth ECO Greenway, as well as honoring our 2026 Heart of the Community Awards recipients. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, AdventHealth Redmond, we were able to present local charities - each designated by one of our recipients - to receive donations in honor of the recipients. Feel free to snag and re-share your photos! Photo credit: Andrew Rayn Photography - thank you Andrew for capturing these special memories!

02/27/2026

Donate now to help us renovate the Wanda J. Whitten Heart House. Proceeds from our 2026 gala will go towards much needed renovations at the House. These renovations include converting all the first-floor guest rooms so that the bathrooms are handicapped accessible, replacing the two-story fire escape decking on the back of the House, replacing the decking at the side entrance to the House, and more.

Nestled on the grounds of AdventHealth Redmond, the Wanda Whitten Heart House offers a vital refuge for families during life’s most challenging moments. Since its inception in 1999, this cherished establishment has provided a warm and comforting environment for those whose loved ones are undergoing critical care.

As we look toward a brighter future, we invite you to be a part of something extraordinary. Our 2026 gala aims to raise $150,000 dedicated to important renovations at the Heart House. These enhancements will ensure that we continue to serve families effectively and compassionately.

Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step towards ensuring families have a safe haven during their time of need. Together, we can make a significant impact! You can donate directly using our One Cause event site, editing the donation amount in the box to reflect your commitment: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/f4396153-057a-4a99-97fd-6fc890cc61b8/events/vevt:9b92e5c4-29f5-4067-a2b6-6e3b3c004df7/give/donation-options

02/26/2026

Our Silent Auction is LIVE! Even if you are unable to attend the awards gala on Saturday night, you can still bid on items in our Silent Auction, using our online platform. There's something for everyone - incredible trips, amazing experiences, timeless jewelry, and so much more. More items will be added as we get closer to Saturday night. The auction closes at the end of Saturday night's program. Proceeds from this year's event will fund much-needed renovations to the Wanda Whitten Heart House. Every bid helps support our cause! To view the items and register to bid, visit our One Cause event site: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/f4396153-057a-4a99-97fd-6fc890cc61b8/events/vevt:9b92e5c4-29f5-4067-a2b6-6e3b3c004df7/auctions/silent-auction

02/13/2026

TODAY is the LAST DAY to get your tickets for the 40th annual Heart of the Community Awards of Honor presented by AdventHealth Redmond. Purchasing tickets is easy through our new OneCause event platform using this direct link: https://onecau.se/_eswvt1

02/10/2026

LAST CALL to get your tickets for the 40th annual Heart of the Community Awards of Honor presented by AdventHealth Redmond. Purchasing tickets is easy through our new OneCause event platform. You can scan the QR code in the graphic, or use this direct link: https://onecau.se/_eswvt1

Absolute DEADLINE for ticket purchases is THIS FRIDAY February 13th!

02/06/2026

Join us for the Heart of the Community Heart Walk at 10:30am on Saturday, February 28th at Ridge Ferry Park (ECO Center parking lot). Presented by AdventHealth Redmond and in partnership with TRED, we are excited to host this annual event that is FREE and open to everyone in our community.

Bring your friends and enjoy complimentary coffee or hot chocolate while we recognize our 2026 Heart of the Community recipients. Then, enjoy a heart-healthy walk along the AdventHealth Redmond ECO Greenway.

This fun family event is free and opened to the public - rain or shine. We hope to see you there!

01/29/2026

We are looking for a sponsor for this year’s official Heart of the Community After Party! Help us celebrate the 2026 award recipients with Keven Allen Music Productions and get your business recognized. For a $3,500 sponsorship, you will receive two tickets to the awards gala and be recognized as our after party sponsor on our social media, on signage at the event, and listed on screen during the program. You will also have the opportunity to have a promotional item giveaway at the party. Not to mention that you will be helping us host a fantastic party!

Interested? Send us an email at [email protected]

We would love to have your support!

01/28/2026

Tickets for the 40th annual Heart of the Community Awards of Honor are easy to secure through our new OneCause event platform. You can scan the QR code in the graphic, or use this direct link: https://onecau.se/_eswvt1

DEADLINE for ticket purchased is February 9th!

12/28/2025

Save the date - Saturday, February 28th - to join us at The Forum River Center as we honor the 2026 Heart of the Community Award recipients, presented by AdventHealth Redmond. Tickets will go on sale soon!

12/13/2025

Rick and Sundai Stevenson – 2026 Board of Governors Award Recipients
Rick and Sundai Stevenson are the kind of leaders every community hopes to have. They are steady when times are uncertain, compassionate when people are hurting, and courageous when progress demands a strong voice. Their journey in Rome and Floyd County has always centered on one mission: to lift others up.

They serve with their whole hearts. Motivated by faith and grounded in a deep love for people, Rick and Sundai have spent years building relationships across neighborhoods, churches, schools, and civic organizations. They listen first, act with humility, and always look for ways to bring people together. Whether it's advocating for educational improvements, creating spaces for unity, guiding young leaders, or helping families find affordable housing, the Stevensons step in where they are needed most.

Rick's strengths as a communicator, collaborator, and bridge-builder were evident as he helped lead the 2017 Education SPLOST effort: speaking with clarity in the face of complexity, easing tensions, and offering hope. His service on multiple boards reflects a lifetime of commitment to community growth, youth mentorship, and cultural enrichment.

Sundai's story is a testament to perseverance and leadership. From serving on the Rome City Commission to becoming the city's first Black female mayor, she has led with kindness, courage, and a genuine desire to help families thrive. Her work with the MLK Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, local nonprofits, and her church highlights a life built around service.

Together, Rick and Sundai form a team whose impact reaches far beyond titles or positions. Their influence can be felt in the lives of the families they've supported, the collaborations they've built, and the unity they continue to strengthen across this community.

One nominator summarized their impact powerfully: "The Stevensons have served our community with quiet, consistent dedication. Their leadership has brought meaningful results in every area they have touched. Rick and Sundai are making a lasting, positive difference by working alongside anyone committed to building a stronger community."
Their legacy is simple and powerful: Rome is better because Rick and Sundai Stevenson are here.

Rick is currently serving on:
• Advent Health Redmond Board of Trustees
• Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia Board
• One Community United Executive Board
• Rome International Film Festival Board

Sundai is currently serving on:
• Blister for My Sister Advisory Board
• Floyd County Development Authority Board
• M.L. King Jr. Celebration Committee Chairperson
• Open Door Home Board
• Rome Symphony Board

12/13/2025

Leah Mayo – 2026 Young Heart Award Recipient
Leah Mayo serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the Floyd County District Attorney's Office. She is a graduate of Darlington School, Presbyterian College, and received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law. With an impressive career in public service, to her numerous volunteer and community leadership engagements, Leah exemplifies the type of young leader integral to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Leah's dedication to excellence permeates every aspect of her community presence. When she commits to a project, she gives every ounce of her energy and devotion to ensure a successful outcome. Leah attends every board and committee meeting, even those she is not required to participate in. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave when preparing for or cleaning up after an event.

In the words of one of her nominators: “Throughout her life, Leah has shown an exemplary dedication to public and community service. Not only has she chosen a career path dedicated to serving others, but she leans in at nearly every opportunity to give back to her community and the people within it. “

• Rome Area Council for the Arts – President (2019-2025); Past President and Social Committee Co-Chair (Current): In her role as President, she has overseen the growth of the appreciation for the arts in Rome, hosted the largest annual fundraiser for RACA, and several smaller events throughout the year.
• Chosen to deliver the 2024 Opening Convocation at Presbyterian College entitled, “To Move Forward, You Have to Give Back”
• Outstanding Young Alumna Award from Presbyterian College (2022)
• Exceptional Young Professional Award from the Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce (2021)
• College Mentor, Pepperell High School (October 2018 – Present): Mentoring students who are interested in college, but who may not have the opportunity otherwise, by teaching them about college preparation, the college application process, how to excel at college interviews, and obtain financial aid. To further this role, she filmed her self-designed multi-part series: “College 101.”
• Darlington School Alumni Council, Committee Chair (August 2022-Present)
• Leadership Rome ###IX (August 2021-May 2022)
• Leadership Darlington Class ‘22 (March 2022)
• Rome Bar Association, Member (November 2018-Present)
• Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, Member (November 2019-Present)
• Mock Trial Coach, Pepperell High School (October 2018-May 2022)
• Mercer University School of Law Young Alumni Council, Class Representative (February 2019 – June 2021)