Antwan “Big Boi” Patton aka Sir Lucious Leftfoot (1/2 of multi-grammy winning group OutKast) honored the legendary George Clinton through his Big Kidz Foundation’s Champion of the Arts 2012 event (August 2, 2012).

“The arts have saved my life. I had a dream and I wanted to give back to kids.” said Big Boi, shortly before helping George Clinton lead the crowd in a rousing chorus of “We want the funk, gotta have that funk!”

In addtion to Clinton (the leader of legendary groups Parliament and Funkadelic) the event also honored three time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

The “Champions of the Arts” Reception was held at the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s J.B. Fuqua Rooftop Pavilion and was attended by some of Atlanta’s most influential art supporters representing the entertainment, civic and business industries including: Olympic Gold Medalist & 2011 World Long Jump Champion Dwight Phillips; David Garfinkle, producer of “Spiderman” and “Ghost the Musical” on Broadway; fashion designers Rob V and Mychael Knight and radio personality Frank Ski.

LaTocha Scott (formerly of Xscape) performed for guests who dined on creations from Chef Sammy Davis, Jr. of the Food Network’s ‘Chopped’.

More photos below…

Big Boi, George Clinton, Hinton Battle, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jennifer Lester (Big Kidz)

“What distinguishes the Big Kidz Foundation from other organizations is that Big Boi is hands on and we are touching the lives of youth on a daily basis,” said Big Kidz’ Executive Director Jennifer Lester.

A silent auction aimed to raise funds for the foundation’s year-round programs included items from Atlanta Hawks/Phillips Arena, Southwest Airlines, Loews Hotel, a photo shoot by photographer-to-the-stars Derek Blanks and even an original piece of art from George Clinton. This year’s sponsors included Atlanta-based Concordia Anesthesiology, RBM of Atlanta, the Artmore Hotel, and BMI to mention a few.

Guests were also treated to signature cocktails from event sponsor Grey Goose.

“It’s very warming to my heart that the work that I do is being recognized, that people have respect for it and enjoy it…I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for the arts.” explained 2012 Honoree Hinton Battle.

Subsequently, host Egypt Sharrod of HGTV’s Property Virgins and Atlanta’s V-103 encouraged guests to raise their paddles to support Foundation’s 2012 “Saving Lives Through the Arts” Campaign.

Funds raised will be used to impact youth in Atlanta and Big Boi’s hometown of Savannah, GA by sponsoring summer camps, in-school programs and other quality youth development programs.

Shout out to Big Boi and The Big Kidz Foundation for making a difference!!

Photos: Courtesy of BigKidz by SWarrenPhotography

FULL PHOTO GALLERY