COLUMBIA, S.C., November 12, 2025 — Leeza’s Care Connection (LCC) proudly announces that renowned gerontologist and community advocate Dr. Macie P. Smith has been selected to receive the organization’s highest honor, The North Star Award, at its annual Illuminate Gala on November 20, 2025.
Held each year, Illuminate shines a light on the often unseen heroes of caregiving—those who offer comfort, compassion, and consistency in times of uncertainty. The North Star Award embodies that mission, symbolizing a guiding light—steady, reliable, and filled with unwavering hope—for families navigating the complex journey of caregiving.
“At Leeza’s Care Connection, we have relied upon Macie to be a beacon for us; to lift and inspire us with her wisdom and support—(not to mention her style and humor!)” said Leeza Gibbons, Emmy Award-winning television personality and founder of Leeza’s Care Connection. “She represents everything this award stands for: grace under pressure, guidance with compassion, and an unshakable belief in the power of community.”
Dr. Smith’s career has been devoted to empowering caregivers and improving the quality of life for aging adults. As a nationally recognized expert in gerontology, she has blended academic insight with heartfelt advocacy, creating programs and partnerships that educate, uplift, and sustain families facing the challenges of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and elder care. Her work reflects LCC’s mission—to help caregivers not just survive, but thrive.
The North Star Award serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest nights, there are lights that lead the way forward. Through her leadership, mentorship, and tireless commitment to service, Dr. Macie P. Smith has become one of those lights for countless families and professionals across the country.
The Illuminate Gala will gather caregivers, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate connection, resilience, and the people who make hope possible.
