Dominique Wilkins teams up with CareSource for accessible holiday event at Georgia Festival of Trees

ATLANTA (CARESOURCE) – CareSource, a mission-driven managed care plan serving more than 440,000 Georgians, aimed to make the holiday season brighter and more accessible for children with special needs as the presenting sponsor of Physical and Developmental Disabilities Day at the Georgia Festival of Trees. This impactful day also featured a special appearance by Basketball Hall of Fame legend Dominique Wilkins, who connected with attendees and shared in the festivities.

An annual eight-day event, the Georgia Festival of Trees showcases custom Christmas trees alongside live music, entertainment and children’s activities. Funds raised from the event support organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and providing critical resources for vulnerable populations.

Physical and Developmental Disabilities Day helped to make the holiday tradition more accessible for children with disabilities. The day began with a sensory hour, where the festival’s lights were dimmed and the music volume was lowered, ensuring a calm and inclusive experience. A specially trained Santa Claus was also present for memorable photo opportunities.

“This year’s Georgia Festival of Trees was an incredible opportunity to create new holiday memories for children with disabilities while supporting a cause that is central to our mission,” said Jason Bearden, market president, CareSource Georgia. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy meaningful community events. By fostering an inclusive, sensory-friendly experience, families were able to enjoy the magic of the season in a welcoming and accessible environment.”

Dominique Wilkins, the nine-time NBA All-Star and beloved Atlanta Hawks legend, joined the celebration, meeting with attendees and participating in activities.

“I’m grateful for organizations like CareSource that take the extra step to ensure every child has the chance to participate in meaningful experiences,” said Wilkins. “Events like this show how much can be done when we focus on inclusion and accessibility.”

Adding to the festivities, the iconic Pink Pig Train—a beloved Atlanta holiday tradition since 1953—returned to transport attendees through the event, offering a magical ride for all. Members of the CareSource team, along with the company mascot, Cuddles, were on hand to greet attendees and support activities throughout the day.

About CareSource Georgia

CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 440,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members' health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care. 

For more, visit us at www.caresource.com/ga/plans/, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.