Events

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT GOCHA HAWKINS LEADS WITH HEART DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Published on November 17, 2025

As the nation grapples with the impact of the recent government shutdown, one truth has become undeniable: community care isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. With families facing unexpected financial strain, delays in essential resources, and rising uncertainty, local leadership has never been more vital. Fortunately, Atlanta has a powerhouse stepping forward with compassion and purpose: Gocha Hawkins.

Known nationally as a familiar face from WEtv’s LA Hair and Amazon Prime’s Bold and Bougie, and celebrated locally as the owner of Gocha’s Tapas Bar and Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, Hawkins continues to redefine what it means to be a business owner who genuinely serves her community. This season, she is turning empathy into action.

In a heartfelt gesture rooted in generosity, Hawkins will be giving away 100 full Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in need. At a time when food insecurity has deepened and the holiday season may feel out of reach for many, her initiative arrives as both nourishment and hope.

The Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway invites the community not only to receive support but also to feel seen and valued. Each meal represents dignity, unity, and the promise that—even in challenging times—neighbors can still lift one another up.

THANKSGIVING MEAL GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, November 19

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Gocha’s Tapas Bar

Address: 5829 Campbellton Rd SW, Suite 116, Atlanta, GA 30331

Registration (FREE): Visit gochastapasbar.com and click “Thanksgiving”

Hawkins’ commitment to service has long been woven into her brand, but this initiative stands as a powerful reminder of the impact that one visionary leader can make when guided by compassion. At a time when the future feels uncertain, her actions illuminate a path forward—rooted in kindness, generosity, and the true spirit of community.

This Thanksgiving, thanks to Gocha Hawkins, more families across Atlanta will find a reason to give thanks.

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Celebrity photographer and disabled Vietnam veteran Jerome Dorn embodies the very definition of resilience. Born in Philadelphia, the fifth of seven children, Dorn stayed focused throughout his youth, eventually obtaining his degree in Criminal Justice. Dorn has worked with the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Justice, World Wide Detective Agency, and several other high profile security groups. Throughout his successful career, Dorn wrestled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an aftereffect of his military service. Battling the pain and debilitating effect of PTSD, Dorn found comfort behind the camera. Photography proved to be not only therapeutic, but life changing as well. Dorn picked up his first camera in 1970 while serving in Vietnam and knew instantly that behind the lens was where he belonged. His shooting style and photographs were special, generating a buzz in the industry. In 1985, he began his career in photojournalism, working in a variety of genres. Dorn’s credentials include fashion, lifestyle photography, photojournalism, and celebrity/red carpet coverage. Working with MSNBC, Jet Magazine, and major publications in Philadelphia and around the country, Dorn has had the honor of capturing the images of hundreds of notable celebrities and politicians including President Barack Obama, George Bush Jr, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, Rihanna, Snoop Dog, Will Smith, and Tyler Perry. Photography has sent Dorn around the globe, inspiring his passion for civil activism. In 1995, Dorn assembled and led a group of forty-two men to the Million Man March. Together, they spent five days walking from Philadelphia to Washington DC. In his travels, Dorn observed a common theme amongst the youth of the world. Many of the children he encountered seemed lost. Understanding that opportunities for at-risk youth are minimal, Dorn was inspired to make a difference. Established by Dorn in 2011, InDaHouseMedia was built on the idea that there is room in the house for everyone. With InDaHouseMedia, Dorn’s mission is to provide the future generation with positive direction through sports, music, and photography.