(Photo credit Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities Facebook)
On February 6, 2026, the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities will honor its 2025 slate of individuals and organizations who have carried the torch to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The annual Torchbearers Celebration will be at Embassy Suites in Ridgeland, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
“The Torchbearers Celebration is such an uplifting and joyful event. Every year the honorees are inspiring and energizing,” said Thad Hopper, principal consultant at Thompson Engineering, long-time sponsor and supporter of the Coalition.
Tickets are $50 per person and include music by Mississippi ace guitarist Barry Leach. Additionally, there will be food, libations, and a silent auction of all manner of items provided by merchants, restaurants, hotels, artists, bakers, and others from around the state.
“Everyone is welcome at our party,” said Pam Dollar, executive director of the Coalition. “Our Torchbearers, along with the money raised through this celebration, help us make life better for Mississippians with disabilities. You could call it a party with a real purpose, making a real difference for real people,” Dollar said.
The Coalition, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit state-wide cross-disability organization comprised of people with disabilities, family members, professionals and advocates. The Coalition works collaboratively to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for Mississippians with disabilities and to empower them to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. The Coalition’s mantra is, “Opening Doors Together.” For more information call 601-969-0601.
2025 Torchbearer Awardees
The Lily Pad – https://thelilypadms.com/
The Lily Pad is a not-for-profit café in Ridgeland, Mississippi, founded by parents Brent and Kristin Lape and Deanna and Kelly Elliott, and named for the Lape’s daughter Lily who was born with Down syndrome. The Lily Pad provides job training, work experience, and personal growth through meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science – https://www.mdwfp.com/museum
For more than ten years, The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has been a dedicated Coalition partner, promoting a museum experience that is inclusive and accessible for all abilities, co-hosting the Coalition’s annual Born to be WILD picnic, and providing a fully accessible playground experience.
Mississippi Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition – https://www.facebook.com/p/Mississippi-Down-Syndrome-Advocacy-Coalition-100086316826052/
MDSAC advocates for inclusion, awareness, and education throughout Mississippi. They hosted the first Down Syndrome Awareness Day at the State Capitol and they participate in many other advocacy efforts to advance rights and acceptance.
Joy Hogge, PhD – Dr. Hogge, executive director of Families as Allies, brings personal passion and professional expertise in adolescent psychology to her fearless advocacy, tirelessly working to improve the lives of children, and their families, facing complex mental health challenges.
Desmeon Thomas – Desmeon Thomas, Community Liaison at Living Independence for Everyone, known as LIFE of Mississippi, is a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities who transformed personal challenges (paralyzed at age 19) into a lifelong mission of empowerment and inclusion.
Shelia Williamson, PhD – Dr. Williamson is a clinical psychologist and behavior analyst who has dedicated over 35 years supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in Mississippi, including pioneering innovative modalities in the field of autism services.