Serving seniors at the 2025 Seniors in Motion Senior Prom

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, seniors arrived at The Atrium Performing Arts Center in Stone Mountain dressed to impress and ready to dance. The Seniors in Motion DeKalb County Senior Prom, hosted by the Center for Truth and Healing (CFTH), brought together DeKalb County's senior community, local leaders and community partners.

General Tso's Restaurant & Catering, the founding partner of General Tso's Organization, provided a gourmet meal for the guests as part of its community giving initiative.

A red-carpet welcome

Guests were greeted with a red-carpet experience. Recording artist Reggie Boone performed, Brinca the Equalyzer hosted the show and DJ Will curated the music, while seniors danced, celebrated and caught up with friends and neighbors.

The Hype Magazine, which covered the event, called it an afternoon of joy, recognition and celebration. For a room full of people who have given so much to their community, it was a chance to be the guests of honor.

The prom put the focus on honoring seniors while building connection, engagement and community pride. That care showed in every detail, from the entertainment and the dinner to the awards.

A meal as part of giving back

The Hype Magazine described General Tso's as an Atlanta-based company known for high-efficiency Chinese-American catering and a strong commitment to community engagement. The dinner was part of its community giving initiative, which focuses on supporting community organizations, minority-owned businesses and small business owners.

That focus is also at the heart of General Tso's Organization, the nonprofit Patrick Cheng and his team started to help small business owners and family-owned restaurants grow.

A shared meal can do more than feed people. It tells guests that someone planned for them, cooked for them and wanted them to feel celebrated.

Honoring community champions

CFTH also presented Special Community Champion Awards to local leaders who make a difference in metro Atlanta by improving the lives of seniors and strengthening community bonds. Honorees included Reggie Johnson of the DeKalb Community Resource Network, Brinca the Equalyzer, Arkee Hodges of the Black Achievement Fund, Atlanta Black Chambers, Izora Dennis of ID Hope Ministries and Rising Star Aaleyah Flavien, among others.

She added: "The energy, joy, and unity in the room was truly inspiring."

Partners who made it possible

The prom came together through many partners. Along with General Tso's, support came from JenCare Senior Medical Centers, Shanta Lana, LLC, The Hype Magazine, The Brantley Foundation and The Atrium Performing Arts Center.

Three weeks later, on September 27, CFTH invited the community to A Taste of East Memorial Drive at Memorial Square in Stone Mountain, an outdoor celebration of local culture, food and collaboration with music, live entertainment, local food vendors and family activities. General Tso's Restaurant & Catering was listed among its sponsors, alongside The Atrium Performing Arts Center, the DeKalb Chambers of Commerce, Atlanta Black Chambers and other local groups.

Thinking about giving back?

Many owners want to give back but worry about the cost and the time. Providing a meal at a community event is one way to start:

• Choose a cause close to your neighborhood, like seniors, schools or local celebrations.
• Talk with the organizer early about guest count, timing and dietary needs.
• Serve dishes your kitchen already makes well, so quality stays high on a busy day.
• Ask how sponsors will be thanked, and share your own thanks and photos afterward.

Why it matters to us

We help small businesses grow roots in their local communities. Showing up for neighbors, from seniors in DeKalb County to families going through a hard month, is part of that work. When local businesses grow stronger, they can give more back.

Want to help at community events like this one? Volunteer with us or see our events.