Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta will celebrate 50 years of providing local youth with mentors at its 16th annual Legacy Awards Gala Saturday at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead.

To commemorate its gold anniversary, the Midtown-based organization launched the “Atlanta’s Biggest Role Models” program to annually honor everyday individuals who motivate children to achieve a better life while serving as a positive example.

Buckhead resident Elenora Andrews-Walls will be one of two recipients of this inaugural award. She is being recognized for helping her Buckhead chapter of the Jack and Jill Society of America create The Cake Connection program to give birthday parties for homeless children.

“To say I am honored … is an understatement,” said Ms. Walls. “Do I think of myself as a role model? Absolutely not. But I do hope my enthusiasm to support our community becomes infectious and sparks others to model the behavior.”

Conyers resident Ed Conway, executive director of the Lakeview Community Action Center, also will be honored.

The traditional legacy awards will go to Margaret DeFrancisco, president and CEO of Georgia Lottery Corp., and Curley M. Dossman, president of Georgia-Pacific Foundation.

“Each year, [the organization] hosts this black-tie event in recognition of all the individuals who make Atlanta’s youth mentoring programs possible,” said CEO Janice McKenzie-Crayton. “Legacy allows us to celebrate our united commitment to inspiring youth, while raising funds to support the programs that facilitate that inspiration. This year’s event will be so much more than year’s past as we honor the unsung heroes helping the children of Atlanta. It truly is a special night.”

In its 50-year history, the organization has grown to help more than 3,200 children each year by pairing them with one-on-one relationships with specially trained mentors. The nonprofit serves 12 metro Atlanta counties.

But in terms of growth, the organization is far from done. For the past few years, demand has increased for services for young boys.

That is why the nonprofit is launching a major campaign to increase volunteers and supporters.

If you go

o What: 50th annual Legacy Awards Gala
o Benefits: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
o When: Saturday
o Where: St. Regis Hotel, 88 W. Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead
o Tickets: $1,000 
o Information: (404) 601-7000 or visit www.bbbsatl.org.