2025 Legendary Party Celebrates 50 Years of Shepherd Center

This year’s Legendary Party was legendary in its own right, boasting the event’s largest turnout to date. The evening’s theme, “The Enchantment of Fifty,” commemorated Shepherd Center’s five decades of changing lives, and guests were eager to celebrate.

“I felt like it was easy to come up with a theme. This is a big year, and I really wanted to make it about the 50th anniversary,” says Shanna Bradley, who chaired this year’s event alongside her husband, Bill Bradley.

This year, the annual black-tie gala raised money for the construction of a new acquired brain injury (ABI) unit. Dave Wethington, MA, BCC, one of Shepherd Center’s chaplains, spoke about his experiences with the hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, both as a patient and as a staff member. Chris Rollins, whose family was recognized as the night’s honorees, also spoke about his experience as a former brain injury patient. Now a member of the Shepherd Impact Council, Chris shared how the new unit will impact countless patients and their families.

Scheduled to open as soon as August, the new unit will have 35 beds, increasing the number of patients with brain injuries that Shepherd Center can treat. All in all, this year’s gala raised $6.9 million for the new unit.

“I don't think I'll ever be able to compare hosting Legendary to benefit the ABI unit to anything else I do in my life,” Shanna says. “When we were there for the tour, we saw a mom and dad with a son who was in the brain injury program. They were walking with him down the hall, just beaming and taking pictures and videos of him. To be part of helping families feel that way is pretty incredible.”

Not only did the event support a great cause, it was also a great party. Shanna credits Shepherd Center Foundation staff and Legendary Events for bringing her vision to life, from beautiful decorations to delicious food and drink, including truffle fries served with ketchup in place of traditional bread service, and lively entertainment.

This year, Electric Avenue, an ’80s music cover band, delighted attendees with songs from R.E.M., Duran Duran, and Prince. For those not keen on dancing, college football games and the final game of the World Series were shown on televisions throughout the venue.

A portion of the funds raised came from the gala’s after-party, Legendary Late Night. Run by the Shepherd Center Junior Committee, a group of young professionals who fundraise and organize events for patients and families, Late Night extended the celebration, giving guests more time to enjoy the decorations, music, food, and each other’s company.

“I remember thinking, ‘Well, this is the way I would want my daughter’s wedding to be,’” Shanna recalls. “It was the most perfect night. It was just a celebration.” - Erin Kenney, Shepherd Center

Ansley's Commitment to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

At Ansley Real Estate, our dedication to helping our clients extends beyond the closing table. We are committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work by donating a portion of every home sold to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. By establishing this program, our agents, staff and clients help create a happier, stronger and healthier Atlanta.”  Beneficiaries of funds within CHOA: Canines for Kids program, Marcus Autism Institute, the Feeding & Allergy program, the new hospital fund, the Christmas parade, and palliative care.