Scholarship Gala
Greetings! On behalf of the Brothers of W.C. Thomas Lodge #112, we are looking forward to you attending our 2026 Horace Ruben Scholarship Gala. The Brothers are thankful to each you that have taken to the time to support and invest in our efforts to engage with and uplift youth and families in our community. For 134 years, W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 has continued to raise the level through our committed and active engagement in the Atlanta community.
Fraternally Yours,
Kristofer J. Daniel
Worshipful Master
W.C. Thomas Lodge #112
2026 HORACE RUBEN
Rob's BIO
Rob Hardy is an acclaimed filmmaker, director, producer, screenwriter, and visionary entrepreneur whose groundbreaking career has helped shape Atlanta’s film and television industry.
A graduate of Florida A&M University and New York Film Academy, Rob co-founded Rainforest Films with Will Packer in 1994. The company produced several successful and culturally significant films, including Stomp the Yard, Think Like a Man, No Good Deed, and Three Can Play That Game. As a writer and director, Rob’s film credits include The Gospel, Trois, and Pandora’s Box.
Rob has also directed episodes of some of television’s most celebrated series, including Nemesis, Cupertino, Power: Origins, Power Book III:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ROB HARDY
Raising Kanan, Reasonable Doubt, All American, Elsbeth, Shameless, Black-ish and The Flash among others. His work on Criminal Minds earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series’. He has also received the ‘Meritorious Achievement Award’ from FAMU, which is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus and the inaugural ‘Woody Strode/Paul Robeson Award of Excellence’ from his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.
As CEO of Rainforest Entertainment, Rob continues to create compelling content while expanding opportunities for emerging storytellers. He is also a co-founder of the Amazing Stories Foundation, a nonprofit organization that trains and places apprentices from diverse backgrounds on local film and television productions.
Rob resides in Atlanta with his wife, Shaun, and their sons. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the power of creativity, perseverance, education, and purposeful leadership. Hardy became a member of W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 in 2023. Rob embodies the Lodge’s commitment to brotherhood, service, and uplifting the next generation.
W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 is honored to welcome Brother Rob Hardy as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Horace Ruben Scholarship Gala.
BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS
As part of our Lodge’s school engagement efforts, we have focused our energy and resources on creating a “Cradle to College/Career Pipeline” for our youth. The scholarships provided at this year’s gala are part of those efforts to provide additional financial support for students as they prepare for higher education and for those that still have needs during their first year. Our young adults need us now more than ever, and with your generous donations and gifts we can continue to invest in these future leaders as they put in the work to achieve their goals.Thank you for your continued generosity and support for W.C. Thomas Lodge #112. Your commitment to this Lodge aids us in our ability to be transformative in the lives of young people, families, schools, and our communities.
