Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was the surprise guest of honor at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta's "Annual Applause" event, January 21 at the Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. The event celebrated the community nonprofit's 500 employees who received awards, commendations and door prizes-- as well as great food and drink! During this rare public appearance since the end of her term as Mayor, Franklin spoke about her new role at Spelman College, and encouraged women in healthcare to be assertive and forward-thinking.

In Photos:

Luz Borrero, Franklin's Deputy COO who is now part of Mayor Kasim Reed's administration; Franklin; Mark Oshnock, President and CEO, Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta, at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta's third "Annual Applause" event on January 21.

Franklin with Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta board member and community volunteer Starr Moore. The community nonprofit cares for more than 20,000 patients each year.

Mary Long, Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta's board chairman, with former Mayor Shirley Franklin and Mark Oshnock, President and CEO, Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta.