🍂 A November to Remember: Awards, Robots, Trees & 1,964 Pounds of Goodness!

November was one of those months that reminds us exactly why we do what we do. From major recognitions to meaningful community partnerships, plus a few heartwarming surprises along the way—ACES and the ACES BARKery had plenty to celebrate. Here’s a look back at everything your support helped make possible.

✨ A Shining Night at the Spectrum's StarShine Gala

We were thrilled to serve as a Gold Sponsor at this year’s StarShine Gala, a beautiful evening dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. It was an honor just to be part of it—but the night got even more special…

🌟 The ACES BARKery Wins the Star Award!

Our organization was honored with the Star Award for excellence in inclusive employment, and we couldn’t be prouder. This recognition reflects the work ethic, joy, and dedication of every member of the ACES community—from our BARKery crew to our volunteers, event teams, and supported employment partners. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for adults with different abilities, and this award celebrates the impact of our entire ACES family. Their success is our mission in action.

🧁 Partnership with Special Kneads & Treats

This month, we continued our commitment as a monthly sponsor of Supported Employment at Special Kneads & Treats—a partnership that means more than simply funding a program. It helps open doors for adults with special needs to experience the pride of real work, the joy of belonging, and the confidence that comes from being truly seen and valued. These opportunities change lives, and supporting them is at the very heart of ACES. We are deeply grateful to play a part in helping these incredible individuals grow and thrive.

🤖Poker Community to the Rescue: A Robot for Jones Middle School!

One of November’s most exciting, joy-filled wins came straight from our incredible ACES Charity Poker family—and wow, did you all show up BIG!

Our poker-loving friends instantly rallied together to support the mild, moderate, severe, and profound self-contained classes at Jones Middle School, helping them purchase a food delivery robot 🤖 that will bring independence, engagement, and a whole lot of smiles into their daily routines.

Because of YOUR generosity, enthusiasm, and huge hearts, you raised an amazing $2,400—turning a wish into reality and making a real difference for these students.

Your passion for giving back never stops inspiring us. Truly…You are awesome. You are powerful. You are ALL IN.

🗳️💙 We’re Nominated for Best of Gwinnett!

Huge news, ACES family! We’ve been nominated for Best of Gwinnett, and voting is open through December 31! 🎉

Every vote helps lift up our mission of inclusion and supported employment. Cast your vote here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/ymemzchz

Thank you for cheering us on—your support means the world, and together we can make this a winning year! 💙👏

🎄 Lighting Up the Festival of Trees

We are thrilled to be a part of the holiday magic at the Lawrenceville Arts Center for Aurora Theatre’s annual Festival of Trees—a community tradition now in its 19th year! Local businesses have transformed the LAC into a winter wonderland, filling the halls with beautifully decorated trees that spread cheer and support families in need.

Our ACES tree—dog-gone determined to be the cutest tree in the building—reminds us that inclusion always deserves the spotlight (and maybe a treat or two).

Visitors are encouraged to bring new toys, grocery items, and pet supplies to donate through December 21. Every donation placed beneath a tree counts as a vote for your favorite design, while also helping stock toy drives and support the Lawrenceville Co-Op Ministry’s efforts to feed hundreds of families this season.

This holiday season be sure to stop by for a stroll through the forest of trees and enjoy the creativity, community spirit, and generosity that make this event so special.

🥫 A Generous November Food Drive

Our November canned food drive brought in 1,964 pounds of food (with more still coming in!), and the impact of that generosity reaches far beyond the number itself. According to Feeding America, families caring for individuals with disabilities are significantly more likely to face food insecurity due to higher medical costs, limited work flexibility, and additional support needs. For adults with special needs, inconsistent access to nutritious food can affect everything from emotional regulation and daily functioning to overall health and stability.

Your donations are doing more than filling pantry shelves—they are offering relief, dignity, and hope to families who often feel stretched thin. You’re helping caregivers breathe a little easier, and you’re helping adults with different abilities maintain the routines and nourishment they rely on to thrive.

Thank you for giving so generously and for understanding the true weight of what a single pound of food can mean to a family in need.

💙 Thank You for Being All-In

November was absolutely overflowing with impact, recognition, and unstoppable community spirit—and every bit of it happened because of YOU. Whether you donated, voted, volunteered, sponsored, shared our mission, or played a hand at Charity Poker, your dedication is opening doors, fueling inclusion, and changing lives every single day.

Our donors are the heartbeat of ACES.

Your generosity powers every opportunity we create.

And your support makes life-changing progress possible.

✨ Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring. Thank you for lifting our community higher than ever. ✨

Here’s to a December filled with joy, purpose, and even more moments that remind us why this ACES family is truly extraordinary.

Together, we’re making magic happen—and the best is yet to come! 💙🎉